MHPA Policy & Advocacy Leadership Forum 2026
March 17-19, 2026
Park Hyatt Washington, D.C.
MHPA’s premier Policy & Advocacy Leadership Forum brings together a diverse group of Medicaid managed care professionals for two days of education, advocacy, and networking with policy experts, Members of Congress, and Administration officials. Gain insight into health care policy. Elevate federal legislative priorities. Collaborate with industry colleagues and guarantee that the policy interests of Medicaid and Medicaid managed care are represented in our nation’s capital. The Policy & Advocacy Leadership Forum is for MHPA Health Plan Members and MHPA Partner Organizations only. The meetings on Capitol Hill are exclusively for MHPA Health Plan Members.
Agenda
| Tuesday, March 17, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| 12:00pm – 5:00pm | MHPA Board Meeting (invitation only) |
| 5:30pm – 7:00pm | PALF26 Welcome Reception |
| Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| 7:30am – 8:30am | Networking Breakfast |
| 8:30am – 9:00am |
Welcome to Washington With implementation of OBBBA in full swing, Medicaid remains a major focus for policymakers in our nation’s capital. Our industry has an incredible story to share with both parties about the value we deliver to states and the Medicaid enrollees we serve. Together, we can continue to influence both the legislative and regulatory process at both the federal and state levels. |
| 9:15am – 10:00am |
MHPA 2026 Policy Priorities Overview – Advocacy and HR 1 Implementation This panel features Senior MHPA Policy, Government Relations and Advocacy Staff, as well as MHPA Committee Leadership and will review MHPA’s key policy and advocacy priorities for 2026 and beyond. |
| 10:00am – 10:30am | Refreshment Break |
| 10:30am – 11:15am |
Views from the Hill: Capitol Hill Majority Staff (closed to press/off the record) This panel features key senior Republican 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 the lead up to the mid-term elections. This session is closed to press and off the record. |
| 11:15am – 12:45pm | Networking Lunch and Luncheon Speaker |
| 12:45pm – 1:45pm |
CMS/CMCS Priorities and OBBBA Update (closed to press/off the record) Join the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) for a discussion of 2026 priorities, with special attention to status of OBBBA implementation. This session is closed to press and off the record. |
| 1:45pm – 2:00pm | Refreshment Break |
| 2:00pm – 2:45pm |
Views from the Hill: Capitol Hill Minority Staff (closed to press/off the record) This panel features key senior Democratic 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 the lead up to the mid-term elections. This session is closed to press and off the record. |
| 2:45pm – 3:15pm | Refreshment Break |
| 3:15pm – 4:15pm |
State Medicaid Director Discussion As states look to implement the provisions of OBBBA, state Medicaid agencies are on the front lines of ensuring those changes are successfully executed. This panel features Medicaid directors who will share their insights on how their states are handling the changes, including challenges, downstream impacts, opportunities, and how MCOs can help. |
| 4:15pm – 5:15pm |
Attendees going to Capitol Hill and/or HHS on Thursday: Capitol Hill and HHS/CMS 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, Congressional staff and the Administration. |
| 5:30pm – 6:30pm | Networking Reception |
| Thursday, March 19, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| 7:30am – 8:45am | Breakfast and “Fireside” Chat with Special Guest |
| 8:45am – 9:30am |
State “Hot Topics” Impacts to OBBBA are already being felt by states. This panel will feature speakers who will talk about state impacts of OBBBA that are currently happening and are expected to go forward from various state perspectives. |
| 9:30am – 9:45am | Refreshment Break |
| 9:45am – 10:45am |
Nerding Out: Medicaid Policy 201 – Decisions, Decisions, Decisions Ever wonder what goes into implementing what the Administration publishes through guidance, rulemaking, or state policymaking approvals? Or how does a state examine what policies the Administration may approve or deny based on guidance and early waiver requests and approvals? This session will take a dive into what states look at when determining policy changes to their program, and how it’s determined what needs to happen to implement those changes. |
| 10:00am – 5:00pm |
Attendees going to Capitol Hill only: Capitol Hill Meetings with Members of Congress /Congressional Staff and Roundtable Discussions with HHS/CMS Staff |
| 10:45am – 11:00am | Refreshment Break |
| 11:00am – 12:00pm |
Health Care Reporter Panel Media coverage is a critical piece of advocacy and understanding what reporters want, as well as what they don’t, can help you leverage this conduit to national and state audiences. This panel will feature prominent health policy journalists and explore topics like “the biggest challenges in covering Medicaid managed care,” “establishing and maintaining reporter relationships,” and “tips for pitching stories.” The session will close with a live Q&A with the audience. |
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Networking Lunch (for attendees not going to Hill/HHS) |
Registration
Registration is now OPEN!
The MHPA Policy & Advocacy Leadership Forum is open to MHPA Health Plan Members, MHPA State Health Plan Affiliates, and MHPA Partner Organizations only.
Online registration will close on March 12, 2026.
MHPA Health Plan Members
- The registration fee includes admission to the Forum sessions, two (2) breakfasts, two (2) lunches, refreshment breaks, and receptions.
MHPA State Health Plan Affiliates
- The registration fee includes admission to the Forum sessions, two (2) breakfasts, two (2) lunches, refreshment breaks, and receptions.
MHPA Partner Organizations
- After January 23, 2026 rate changes to $1495
The registration fee includes admission to the Forum sessions, two (2) breakfasts, two (2) lunches, refreshment breaks, and receptions.
Registration is available online only and payment must be made at the time of registration. Payments are processed through a secure server. Currently, VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted.
Registration confirmation emails are sent after registrations are processed. If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours, please notify Cindy Martin, cmartin@mhpa.org.
Cancellation Policy
Registration fees are fully refundable if cancelled in writing by Friday, February 27, 2026. No refunds will be issued after February 27. Registration name substitutions will be permitted.
Online registration closes Thursday, March 12, 2026. After this date, please register onsite at the meeting.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding registration or cancellation, please contact Cindy Martin, MHPA Events Director at cmartin@mhpa.org or 202-857-5772.
Hotel
Stay at the Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
The MHPA Policy & Advocacy Leadership Forum 2026 takes place at Park Hyatt Washington D.C. March 17-19. Nestled between Georgetown, Pennsylvania Avenue, and the White House, Park Hyatt Washington, D.C. welcomes you to the city’s West End. The hotel address is 1201 24th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
MHPA encourages attendees to reserve a hotel room at the Park Hyatt Washington D.C. within the official contracted block of MHPA rooms. The discounted hotel room rate offered is $399 per night for a deluxe king room plus applicable tax, currently 15.95% per night. A deposit equal to one night’s room and tax is required to secure all reservations. Cancellations must be made no later than 48 hours prior to 11:59pm local time on the day of arrival to avoid a charge of one night's room and tax.
The hotel room block cut-off date is Monday, February 23, 2026. Please be sure to make all reservations by this date to ensure you receive the negotiated group rate. Reservations made after this date will be based on the hotel’s room availability and prevailing room rate.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Unlock the full potential of your business by partnering with us. Click the button below to discover the benefits and learn more about our transformative solutions today!