MHPA Advocacy Leadership Forum 2025

Networking Breakfast

Welcome to Washington

119th Congress Dynamics and MHPA PAC Discussion

In the 119th Congress, Republicans have unified control of government for the first time since 2018, giving them the LE MERIDIEN MADISON, WASHINGTON, DC opportunity to enact sweeping changes to Medicaid and other federal programs unilaterally. This session will focus on the threats and opportunities facing Medicaid health plans this Congress, and how to leverage our resources strategically.

Refreshment Break

(Sponsored by SafeRide Health)

2025 Hill Day Overview

During this session, MHPA Federal Affairs and Policy staff and MHPA Congressional Affairs Committee leadership will review key messages for Thursday’s meetings on Capitol Hill.

Part 1:  Luncheon Speaker

(Sponsored by MediDrive)

Part 2:  Views from the States (State Panel Discussion)

While overall state revenue growth has normalized to rates experienced before the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid costs for state are rising at a faster rate. Higher than expected demand for treatments, increased access to behavioral health services, and the market introduction of breath-through drugs such as GLP-1s and new gene therapies are stretching state Medicaid budgets. This panel will focus on how states are meeting Medicaid fiscal challenges while continuing to improve the quality of services and reduce health disparities for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Conversation with CMS/CMCS

Join the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) for a discussion of 2025 priorities in the new administration. This panel will discuss strategic objectives under new leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary and Dr. Mehmet Oz as CMS Administrator. This session is closed to press and off the record.

Views from the Hill (Capitol Hill Panel Discussion)

This panel features key senior Capitol Hill staff from the Senate Finance Committee and House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversee the Medicaid program. The discussion will be structured as an off-the-record Q&A session, where staff will answer questions on Medicaid and managed care-related federal legislative activity we can expect in 2025, especially Medicaid related components included as part of must-pass budget legislation. This session is closed to press and off the record.

Refreshment Break

(Sponsored by SafeRide Health)

BREAKOUT 1: Hill Meetings 101

Get the most out of a meeting with members of Congress! Meetings on Capitol Hill can be quick, so it’s essential your message cuts through the noise. Hone your skills to be efficient and effective, ensuring the important time spent with congressional offices gets results.

BREAKOUT 2: TBD

Hill Day Team Meetings

Get to know your team and finalize your meeting-specific strategy – a well-prepared advocacy team will have the biggest impact in meetings with members of Congress and congressional staff.

Reception (light refreshments)

Dinner on your own