View Agenda | Medicare Marketing & Sales Summit | A RISE Health Conference

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Agenda

Monday - February 24, 2025

8:30 AM 4:00 PM

7:30 AM 3:00 PM

6:30 AM 2:00 PM

5:30 AM 1:00 PM

Registration Desk Open

Pre-Conference Workshop Registration Desk Hours: 8:00AM - 1:30PM

Additional Registration Required

Main Conference Registration Desk Hours: 1:30PM - 4:00PM

9:00 AM 12:30 PM

8:00 AM 11:30 AM

7:00 AM 10:30 AM

6:00 AM 9:30 AM

Pre-Conference Workshop A: Breaking Through the Noise: Creating Memorable Sales Experiences in Healthcare

Additional Registration Required

(There will be the letter A on your badge if you are registered for this program. A refreshment break is included.)

In this interactive and engaging workshop, participants will create the following: 

  • Improved understanding of how the human mind processes information 
  • Targeted plan for enhancing communication skills internally and externally to improve sales and marketing 
  • Developed toolkit for creating memorable interactions 

 

During this workshop, networking and brainstorming will be fostered to honor the brilliance in the room. 

 

Dr. Christie McMullen 
CEO: AIM...Analyze, Improve, Move 

 

(Please Note: This workshop requires additional registration; a mid-morning refreshment is included. Attendees registered for both half-day workshops will be eligible for lunch.)

12:30 PM 1:30 PM

11:30 AM 12:30 PM

10:30 AM 11:30 AM

9:30 AM 10:30 AM

Networking Lunch (Pre-Conference Workshop A & B Attendees Only)

(Lunch is available for attendees who have registered for both Workshop A and Workshop B.)

1:30 PM 5:00 PM

12:30 PM 4:00 PM

11:30 AM 3:00 PM

10:30 AM 2:00 PM

Pre-Conference Workshop B: Transform your Member Engagement

Additional Registration Required

Details coming soon

 

(Please Note: This workshop requires additional registration; a mid-afternoon refreshment is included. Attendees registered for both half-day workshops will be eligible for lunch.)

5:00 PM 6:00 PM

4:00 PM 5:00 PM

3:00 PM 4:00 PM

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Opening Cocktail Reception (Exhibit Hall; All Conference Attendees Invited)

Join us for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and face-to-face networking with peers.

Tuesday - February 25, 2025

8:00 AM 4:00 PM

7:00 AM 3:00 PM

6:00 AM 2:00 PM

5:00 AM 1:00 PM

Registration Desk Open

Registration Desk Hours: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

7:00 AM 8:00 AM

6:00 AM 7:00 AM

5:00 AM 6:00 AM

Networking Breakfast

8:00 AM 6:00 PM

7:00 AM 5:00 PM

6:00 AM 4:00 PM

5:00 AM 3:00 PM

Exhibit Hall Open

9:00 AM 9:10 AM

8:00 AM 8:10 AM

7:00 AM 7:10 AM

6:00 AM 6:10 AM

Welcome Remarks

9:10 AM 10:10 AM

8:10 AM 9:10 AM

7:10 AM 8:10 AM

6:10 AM 7:10 AM

Overcoming Adversity: Fireside Chat with Carlos Arroyo

Carlos Arroyo, former NBA point guard, general manager of the Puerto Rican national basketball team, Olympic flagbearer, and international Reggaeton star 

10:10 AM 10:30 AM

9:10 AM 9:30 AM

8:10 AM 8:30 AM

7:10 AM 7:30 AM

Networking Break

10:30 AM 11:10 AM

9:30 AM 10:10 AM

8:30 AM 9:10 AM

7:30 AM 8:10 AM

Trends in Medicare Consumer Shopping and Switching 

  • Explore findings from Deft’s latest research and how it can impact AEP strategy   
  • Discover and analyze new findings on Medicare shopping and switching  
  • Learn benefit preference trends in preparation for AEP in 2025 

 

George Dippel, President

Deft Research 

10:30 AM 11:10 AM

9:30 AM 10:10 AM

8:30 AM 9:10 AM

7:30 AM 8:10 AM

Post-AEP Debrief: Successes, Disruptions, and Lessons Learned Along the Way

  • Discuss the key learnings from 2024’s AEP, and dig into what happened across different markets and plan types 
  • Evaluate how plan strategies to grow vs. retain members played out, and the role that reduced revenue or benefits may have affected enrollment and retention 
  • Consider how to use this AEP’s lessons learned to help inform strategy going forward and meet—or exceed—plan goals in 2025 

 

Moderator:

Ana Handshuh, Principal

CAT 5 Strategies

12:00 PM 1:00 PM

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

Networking Lunch

Concurrent Sessions 1:00 PM - 1:15 PM 12:00 PM - 12:15 PM 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Track Chairs:

1:00 PM 1:15 PM

12:00 PM 12:15 PM

11:00 AM 11:15 AM

10:00 AM 10:15 AM

Track A: Marketing

Tools & Technology Spotlights 

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization.

 

Andy Mueller, FSA, MAAA, Principal and Consulting Actuary 

Milliman 

 

Joseph Boschert, MBA, Sr. Director of Products 

Milliman 

1:00 PM 1:15 PM

12:00 PM 12:15 PM

11:00 AM 11:15 AM

10:00 AM 10:15 AM

Track B: Sales

Tools & Technology Spotlights

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization.

1:00 PM 1:15 PM

12:00 PM 12:15 PM

11:00 AM 11:15 AM

10:00 AM 10:15 AM

Track C: Innovation Showcase

Tools & Technology Spotlights

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization.

Concurrent Sessions 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Track Chairs:

1:15 PM 2:00 PM

12:15 PM 1:00 PM

11:15 AM 12:00 PM

10:15 AM 11:00 AM

Track A: Marketing

Marketing Lessons Learned from the Extraordinary 2025 AEP—and 26 Ideas for 2026

  • Go beyond theory with real-world marketing tactics that you can implement as soon as you return to the office 
  • Discover what worked and what didn’t during the last AEP and how to apply these lessons to boost your results this year 
  • Learn quick, effective tactics you can still deploy for OEP—just act fast! 
  • Understand how the unique challenges of AEP reshaped the approach to acquiring new Medicare members 
  • Learn what steps to take right now to improve member retention and maximize your Medicare plan’s value 

 

Justin Stauffer, Executive Vice President of Marketing Technology & Media 

DMW 

 

Renee Mezzanotte, EVP, Client Engagement 

DMW 

 

George Dippel, President 

Deft Research  

1:15 PM 2:00 PM

12:15 PM 1:00 PM

11:15 AM 12:00 PM

10:15 AM 11:00 AM

Track B: Sales

Innovative Distribution Strategies and Structures in Anticipation of the Next Wave of CMS-Driven Agent/Agency Compensation Changes

  • Discuss channel structure changes and diversification 
  • Consider changes to channel systems and processes for improved management and engagement 
  • Leverage new techniques for channel compensation, services, and tracking 

 

Moderator: 

Britt Travis, President 

Alternative Growth Strategies 

1:15 PM 2:00 PM

12:15 PM 1:00 PM

11:15 AM 12:00 PM

10:15 AM 11:00 AM

Track C: Innovation Showcase

New Session Coming Soon

2:00 PM 2:20 PM

1:00 PM 1:20 PM

12:00 PM 12:20 PM

11:00 AM 11:20 AM

Networking Break

Concurrent Sessions 2:20 PM - 3:05 PM 1:20 PM - 2:05 PM 12:20 PM - 1:05 PM 11:20 AM - 12:05 PM
Track Chairs:

2:20 PM 3:05 PM

1:20 PM 2:05 PM

12:20 PM 1:05 PM

11:20 AM 12:05 PM

Track A: Marketing

Case Study: Effective Marketing to Age-ins

  • Explore how to effectively adapt to the newer generation aging into Medicare, using data to inform how they are consuming information and interacting with media 
  • Learn how plans can help maximize books of business to compliantly reach age-ins 
  • Consider one health plan’s innovative approach to managing age-in marketing mail, calls, and other outreach to more effectively reach potential new members 

 

Archie Dey, Director Consumer Experience and Insights  

SCAN Health Plan

 

Eliza Dougall, VP, Client Solutions

Anderson

2:20 PM 3:05 PM

1:20 PM 2:05 PM

12:20 PM 1:05 PM

11:20 AM 12:05 PM

Track B: Sales

Panel: Optimize Broker Engagement, Optimize Brokers

  • Explore innovative plan rollout strategies to mobilize your broker force and drive them forward 
  • Build and leverage relationships with brokers to maximize their strengths for your plan, member care, and the community 
  • Discuss how to more effectively engage and train brokers on the latest CMS and industry changes 

 

Jotham Cortez, Sales Director

Devoted Health Plan 

 

Romelyn Dones, MPA, Director of Medicare Sales 

MetroPlus Health 

2:20 PM 3:05 PM

1:20 PM 2:05 PM

12:20 PM 1:05 PM

11:20 AM 12:05 PM

Track C: Innovation Showcase

Partnering with Providers to Increase Membership and Raise Awareness

  • Recognize how strategic relationship building with providers can increase membership and raise awareness 
  • Lean into provider marketing to best leverage cobranding or comarketing opportunities 
  • Work with providers to ensure members take advantage of the benefits they have and get the care and support they need 

 

Kevin Greenberg, Director of Finance and Administration, Hospital Transplant Services 

UI Health 

 

Maggie Mood, Vice President, Sales and Marketing

Mass Advantage

 

Jason Vallejos, Executive VP & CSO

Syndicated Insurance Agency, LLC

3:05 PM 3:10 PM

2:05 PM 2:10 PM

1:05 PM 1:10 PM

12:05 PM 12:10 PM

Transition Break

Concurrent Sessions 3:10 PM - 3:55 PM 2:10 PM - 2:55 PM 1:10 PM - 1:55 PM 12:10 PM - 12:55 PM
Track Chairs:

3:10 PM 3:55 PM

2:10 PM 2:55 PM

1:10 PM 1:55 PM

12:10 PM 12:55 PM

Track A: Marketing

Multicultural Marketing & Sales

  • Gain insight into the Hispanic demographic, social and cultural influences, and general consumer behavior 
  • Explore demographic health care trends and digital behavior, including social media influence 
  • Unpack generational and cultural trends and discuss key takeaways and recommendations  

 

Andrea Urena, Director of Retail Marketing

AmeriHealth Caritas

Chris Javor, National Director of Retail Sales

AmeriHealth Caritas

 

3:10 PM 3:55 PM

2:10 PM 2:55 PM

1:10 PM 1:55 PM

12:10 PM 12:55 PM

Track B: Sales

Advanced Tactics for Maximizing Your Book of Business

  • Go beyond age-ins to build your pipeline with delayed retirees, switchers, and emerging areas such as individual market or group Medicare members  
  • Discover new strategies to get more members in your Book of Business and create a business plan to support your efforts 
  • Consider innovative sales approaches to under 65 lines of business to maximize your MA pipeline 

 

Alexandra Nguyen, Sr Leader, Statewide FMO Distribution 

Florida Blue 

 

Andrew Napierala, Vice President, Medicare & Individual Market Sales

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

 

3:10 PM 3:55 PM

2:10 PM 2:55 PM

1:10 PM 1:55 PM

12:10 PM 12:55 PM

Track C: Innovation Showcase

Illuminating Member Needs with Feedback to Shape a Brighter Future

  • Discover how leading Medicare plans are using member feedback to drive strategic decisions and learn best practices for implementing and using various feedback channels
  • Understand how to translate member insights into innovative products, services, and messages to optimize member acquisition and retention strategies
  • Explore strategies for improving member satisfaction and retention through responsive program design
  • Gain actionable tips for demonstrating ROI on member feedback initiatives to executive leadership

 

Moderator:

Elisa Koniski, Sr. UX Researcher

RRD

 

Panelists:

Brooke Murphy, Strategic Communications Manager

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

 

Dave Krupa, VP Sales and Marketing 

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina 

  

Nicholas Michel, RCX Strategy Director

Precision Dialogue

 

3:55 PM 4:00 PM

2:55 PM 3:00 PM

1:55 PM 2:00 PM

12:55 PM 1:00 PM

Transition Break

4:00 PM 4:50 PM

3:00 PM 3:50 PM

2:00 PM 2:50 PM

1:00 PM 1:50 PM

David vs. Goliath: What Local and Regional Plans Must Do to Compete with the National Plans

  • Review the importance of the local brand as a differentiator 
  • Leverage local provider relationships to set your plan apart 
  • Recognize the importance of a targeted product strategy 
  • Consider growth and expansion prospects during disruptive times 

 

Panelists: 

Theresa Lauer, Vice President, Sales & Marketing—Medicare 

Independence Blue Cross 

 

M. Keith Peiffer, Vice President, Senior Market Segment Leader 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska 

 

Ron Hirasaki, VP, Product Management & Marketing Sales 

Christus Health Plan 

 

4:50 PM 5:00 PM

3:50 PM 4:00 PM

2:50 PM 3:00 PM

1:50 PM 2:00 PM

Closing Remarks

5:00 PM 6:00 PM

4:00 PM 5:00 PM

3:00 PM 4:00 PM

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

Networking Cocktail Reception

Join us for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and face-to-face networking with peers.

Wednesday - February 26, 2025

7:30 AM 11:00 AM

6:30 AM 10:00 AM

5:30 AM 9:00 AM

4:30 AM 8:00 AM

Registration Desk Open

Registration Desk Hours: 7:30AM - 11:00AM

7:30 AM 1:30 PM

6:30 AM 12:30 PM

5:30 AM 11:30 AM

4:30 AM 10:30 AM

Exhibit Hall Open

7:30 AM 8:30 AM

6:30 AM 7:30 AM

5:30 AM 6:30 AM

4:30 AM 5:30 AM

Networking Breakfast

8:30 AM 8:40 AM

7:30 AM 7:40 AM

6:30 AM 6:40 AM

5:30 AM 5:40 AM

Welcome Remarks

8:40 AM 9:40 AM

7:40 AM 8:40 AM

6:40 AM 7:40 AM

5:40 AM 6:40 AM

Keynote: The Science of Optimizing Productivity and Performance

Today’s always-on work culture is full of interruptions. Constant meetings, calls, and emails make it nearly impossible to get important, focused, and creative work accomplished. However, by exploiting our ancient biology, instead of working against it, we can all learn how to manage distractions, find time for our most important work, and stay connected in a balanced way. By equipping yourself with the most effective and scientifically proven techniques for working smarter when time and resources are limited, you’ll walk away with concrete tools for improving prioritization, decreasing execution time, and increasing focus for yourself and others. 

  • Learn the leading research on context-switching and mental clarity 
  • The science of digital hygiene and why those with certain digital practices are more prone to end-of-day exhaustion 
  • The ideal physical environment for productivity and the science of music as a focus tool 
  • Training on Focus Sprints®, a research-backed way of working that helps individuals get more done, in less time, with less energy expended 

  

Dr. Sahar Yousef, Cognitive Neuroscientist and MBA Faculty 

UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business 

 

Lucas Miller, Professor 

UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business 

9:40 AM 10:25 AM

8:40 AM 9:25 AM

7:40 AM 8:25 AM

6:40 AM 7:25 AM

Canary in the Coalmine: The Health Plans of Puerto Rico

Details coming soon

 

Moderator:

Luis A. Cerda, Consultant

Rex Wallace Consulting, LLC

 

Angelo Rexach, MS, Medicare Policy and Analytics Consultant

Rex Wallace Consulting, LLC

 

Panelists:

Ricardo A. Rivera-Cardona, President

MMM Healthcare

 

Ixel A. Rivera, Chief Operations Officer

Triple-S Salud

10:25 AM 11:10 AM

9:25 AM 10:10 AM

8:25 AM 9:10 AM

7:25 AM 8:10 AM

Thriving in Medicare's 2025 Landscape: Strategies for Sustained Growth Amidst Change

  • Learn about the impact of 2025 Medicare changes and discuss financial pressures and growth strategies 
  • Review post-AEP reflections and consider forecasted future outlook for health plans, including balancing member value and plan viability 
  • Discover how health plans have achieved sustained growth despite industry challenges and the latest Medicare changes

 

Moderator:

Shannon Decker, PhD, MBA, MBA, MEd, MEd, Founder & CEO

VBC One

 

Panelists:

Todd Rau, Director Sales and Client Relationships 

Indiana University Health Plans, Inc. 

 

Shannon Drotning, Consumer Market President

Providence Health Plan

11:10 AM 11:30 AM

10:10 AM 10:30 AM

9:10 AM 9:30 AM

8:10 AM 8:30 AM

Networking Break

Concurrent Sessions 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Track Chairs:

11:30 AM 12:15 PM

10:30 AM 11:15 AM

9:30 AM 10:15 AM

8:30 AM 9:15 AM

Track A: Benefits and Design

Supplemental Benefits: Where Do We Go from Here?

  • Explore the continued evolution of supplemental benefits as many stabilize across health plans, and discover how some plans are continuing to think outside the box 
  • Understand the impact member notifications have had on supplemental benefits, and how plans can improve upon the outreach they did in 2024 
  • Discuss the latest regulatory oversight around supplemental benefits 
  • Recognize how member messaging may shift as benefits change 

 

Kaleb Holt, Director, Medicare Products 

SelectHealth

 

Nikki Hungate, Principal/Owner 

Brightstar Health Solutions 

11:30 AM 12:15 PM

10:30 AM 11:15 AM

9:30 AM 10:15 AM

8:30 AM 9:15 AM

Track B: Member Experience

Precision Communications: How to Grow Enrollment, Close Care Gaps, and Create a Hyper-Relevant Member Experience

  • Learn the impact of precision communications and marketing campaigns on member growth and cost management
  • Consider the do’s and don’ts of Medicare precision communications and marketing from both a regulatory and patient experience perspective
  • Leverage predictive analytics to identify prospects most likely to benefit from Medicare Advantage, as well as supplementary benefits and services that are offered

 

Kelly Kimberland, MA, CHIE, Sr Director, Health Plan Marketing 

Geisinger Health Systems   

  

Alan London, MD, Medical Director, Digital Health Strategies

Former Chairman, the Cleveland Clinic Health System Physician Organization

  

Nicole Kurz, VP, Precision Marketing 

Digital Health Strategies 

Concurrent Sessions 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Track Chairs:

12:15 PM 12:30 PM

11:15 AM 11:30 AM

10:15 AM 10:30 AM

9:15 AM 9:30 AM

Track A: Benefits and Design

Tools & Technology Spotlights

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization.

 

12:15 PM 12:30 PM

11:15 AM 11:30 AM

10:15 AM 10:30 AM

9:15 AM 9:30 AM

Track B: Member Experience

Tools & Technology Spotlights

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization.

 

12:30 PM 1:30 PM

11:30 AM 12:30 PM

10:30 AM 11:30 AM

9:30 AM 10:30 AM

Networking Lunch

Concurrent Sessions 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Track Chairs:

1:30 PM 2:15 PM

12:30 PM 1:15 PM

11:30 AM 12:15 PM

10:30 AM 11:15 AM

Track A: Benefits and Design

Panel: 2025 Benefit Game Changers

  • Back by popular demand—Get the latest ideas from plans on benefits that are moving the needle 
  • Identify which new supplemental benefits are making a tangible difference in supporting members and their caregivers and improving care outcomes 
  • Discover the latest trends in plan benefits to help ensure you’re competitive next AEP 

1:30 PM 2:15 PM

12:30 PM 1:15 PM

11:30 AM 12:15 PM

10:30 AM 11:15 AM

Track B: Member Experience

Experience Excellence: Designing and Fostering Exceptional Member Experiences

  • Drive experience excellence as a strategy for success across the organization, including culture, staffing and hiring, strategy infrastructure, and communication 
  • Use experience as a key driver of retention and membership group 

 

Jessica Vander Zanden, CHC, VP, Operations

Network Health

 

Angie Keenan, Director of Operations

Network Health

 

2:15 PM 2:20 PM

1:15 PM 1:20 PM

12:15 PM 12:20 PM

11:15 AM 11:20 AM

Networking Break

Concurrent Sessions 2:20 PM - 3:05 PM 1:20 PM - 2:05 PM 12:20 PM - 1:05 PM 11:20 AM - 12:05 PM
Track Chairs:

2:20 PM 3:05 PM

1:20 PM 2:05 PM

12:20 PM 1:05 PM

11:20 AM 12:05 PM

Track A: Benefits and Design

DNSP Deep Dive: The Latest on Benefits, Compliance, and SEP

  • Unpack the recent changes DSNP plans need to be aware of related to benefits, marketing, and the new quarterly SEP period 
  • Explore strategies for DSNP population outreach and recognize how it may differ from traditional MA outreach 
  • Leverage the latest final rule changes through strategic, compliant implementation of additional member benefits to provide wholistic member care to seniors 

2:20 PM 3:05 PM

1:20 PM 2:05 PM

12:20 PM 1:05 PM

11:20 AM 12:05 PM

Track B: Member Experience

Mastering Member Engagement Strategy: Demystifying the Member Journey

  • Learn to develop an inclusive member journey map to grow and retain membership 
  • Understand how marketing, vendors, delegates factor into the member engagement strategy 
  • Develop a seamless member engagement strategy spanning the organization 

 

Darren Wethers, CEO 

Wethers Consulting, LLC 

 

Tina Dueringer, CEO, Principal Advisor 

Dueringer Advisors, Inc 

 

Melissa Smith, Founder, Senior Advisor 

Newton Smith Group 

3:05 PM 3:15 PM

2:05 PM 2:15 PM

1:05 PM 1:15 PM

12:05 PM 12:15 PM

Closing Session