2025 Alaska State of Reform Health Policy Conference

As federal health policy continues to evolve under the Trump Administration, Alaska’s healthcare system is bracing for potential changes that could reshape healthcare. Experts from Health Management Associates will examine the implications of key policy shifts—from Medicaid waivers and eligibility changes to prescription drug pricing and regulatory rollbacks—and how they uniquely affect rural providers, patients, and communities. Following these remarks, the audience will engage in interactive tabletop discussions to discuss the evolving federal landscape and how Alaska can respond.

Shannon Breitzman: Managing Principal, Health Management Associates

Kaitlyn Feiock: Principal, Health Management Associates

Gina Lasky, PhD, MAPL: Senior Advisor, Health Management Associates

Rebecca Kellenberg, MPP: Principal, Health Management Associates

Alaska’s vast and rugged geography presents unique challenges to both broadband deployment and healthcare access. This panel will explore how strategic investments in broadband infrastructure are critical to improving healthcare delivery across the state—from urban hubs to the most remote villages. Key topics will include federal and state funding initiatives, innovative public-private partnerships, culturally responsive implementation in rural and tribal communities, and the role of broadband in building resilient health systems.

Jenifer Nelson: Senior Director, Rural Affairs, CGI

Christine O’Connor: Executive Director, Alaska Telecom Association

Bill Perch: Senior Manager, Partner Development, Alaska Communications

Moderator: Rebecca Kellenberg, MPP: Principal, Health Management Associates

This panel will provide an overview of the current state of behavioral health in Alaska, with a focus on critical topics including children’s behavioral health, systemic gaps, and the unique needs of frontier and remote populations. Attendees will learn about innovative approaches being developed across the state—from school-based interventions and tele-behavioral health solutions to cross-sector partnerships aimed at closing critical service gaps. The panel will also explore strategies for improving access, strengthening care coordination, and fostering resilience in Alaska’s most remote regions. 

Sen. Cathy Giessel: Majority Leader, Alaska State Senate

Leah Van Kirk: Health Care Policy Advisor, Office of the Commissioner, Alaska Department of Health

John Solomon: Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Alaska Behavioral Health Association

Moderator: Gina Lasky, PhD, MAPL: Senior Advisor, Health Management Associates

Prescription drug costs and access are critical challenges in Alaska’s healthcare system, where geographic isolation, supply chain limitations, and rising pharmaceutical prices put increasing pressure on payers, providers, and patients. This panel will explore opportunities for pharmacy and prescription drug policy reform in Alaska, with a focus on emerging trends, cost-containment strategies, and patient-centered access to essential medications.

Rep. Justin Ruffridge, PharmD: Representative for District 7, Alaska State House of Representatives

Brandy Seignemartin, PharmD: Executive Director, Alaska Pharmacy Association

Moderator: Kaitlyn Feiock: Principal, Health Management Associates

Across Alaska, the intersection of housing instability and poor health outcomes is becoming increasingly urgent. This panel will explore how Alaska’s healthcare system is stepping up to address housing as a critical social determinant of health. Speakers will discuss emerging models that integrate housing solutions into healthcare delivery. Topics will include medical respite care, supportive housing programs, cross-sector partnerships, and the use of Medicaid and other funding streams to support housing-related services.

Owen Brooks: Director of Organizational Development, Alaska Coalition on Housing & Homelessness

Dakota Orm: Program Manager, State of Alaska Homeless, Health Intervention and Prevention Unit

Asm. Kameron Perez-Verdia: Chair, Housing and Homelessness Committee – Anchorage Assembly

Moderator: Kaitlyn Feiock: Principal, Health Management Associates

This plenary will examine the current landscape of Alaska Medicaid and explore what meaningful, sustainable improvements could look like in the years ahead. The discussion will address the impact of recent and anticipated federal changes, including funding shifts and waiver opportunities, and what those mean for Alaska’s unique geographic, demographic, and cultural context.

Jared Kosin: President & Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Healthcare & Hospital Association

Emily Ricci: Deputy Commissioner & State Medicaid Director, Alaska Department of Health

As more Alaskans age into Medicare and face complex health needs, the state must grapple with how to ensure access to high-quality, coordinated, and culturally responsive care—particularly in rural and underserved areas where providers are limited and services are fragmented. Panelists will examine barriers to accessing Medicare-covered services, including provider shortages, transportation challenges, and administrative hurdles. The discussion will also focus on opportunities for Medicare reform and innovation, such as value-based care models, expanded home- and community-based services, and improved care coordination.

Connie Beemer, MBA, PMP: Executive Vice President, Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association

Randall Burns: President, Retired Public Employees of Alaska

Gene Quinn, MD, MPH: Chief Executive Officer, Envoy Integrated Health

Moderator: Kaitlyn Feiock: Principal, Health Management Associates

Alaska’s healthcare system is increasingly challenged by a small but growing population of individuals with complex medical, behavioral, and social needs. These high-needs patients often cycle through emergency departments, hospitals, and correctional settings without receiving the coordinated, long-term care they require—leading to poor outcomes and system gridlock. This panel will examine how Alaska can improve its approach to complex care through strategic collaboration, team-based interventions, and innovative residential models.

Jared Kosin: President & Chief Executive Officer, Alaska Healthcare & Hospital Association

Robert Lawrence, MD: Chief Medical Officer, Alaska Department of Health

Jessica Oswald: Administrator, Providence St. Elias Specialty Hospital, Anchorage

Moderator: Rebecca Kellenberg, MPP: Principal, Health Management Associates

Workforce shortages continue to challenge healthcare delivery across Alaska, from bustling urban centers to remote areas. Recruiting, training, and retaining qualified healthcare professionals is essential not only to meeting immediate care needs but also to building a resilient, responsive health system for the future. This panel will explore current workforce gaps, barriers to growth, and innovative strategies aimed at building a stronger, more sustainable healthcare workforce across the state.

Gloria Burnett: Director, Alaska Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce, University of Alaska Anchorage

Elizabeth King: Vice President of Operations, Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association

Jacqueline Summers: Workforce Development Program Manager, Alaska Workforce Alliance

Moderator: Shannon Breitzman: Managing Principal, Health Management Associates

Alaska’s unique geography, small population, and high healthcare costs present persistent challenges to its employer-based and self-insured health insurance markets. This panel will explore innovative reforms and collaborative strategies aimed at improving affordability, access, and quality of care for Alaskans covered under these models. Discussion topics will include regulatory flexibility, pooling strategies for small and mid-sized employers, data transparency, cost containment innovations, and the potential role of state policy in driving meaningful reform.

Heather Carpenter: Acting Director, Alaska Division of Insurance

Pat Shier: Alaska Membership Representative, Pacific Health Coalition

Gary Strannigan: VP of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska

Moderator: Kaitlyn Feiock: Principal, Health Management Associates

This panel will discuss the foundational principles of Tribal sovereignty in healthcare and how these shape service delivery and funding in Alaska. Panelists will address common misconceptions about Tribal health authorities and explore how better understanding and collaboration across systems can strengthen healthcare access and outcomes for all Alaskans. Speakers will also examine successful Tribal health models from other states—highlighting what Alaska can learn from peers across Indian Country, particularly in areas like behavioral health integration, workforce development, and intergovernmental collaboration.

Rep. Maxine Dibert: Chair, House Tribal Affairs Committee, Alaska House of Representatives

Rep. Andrew Gray: State Representative, Alaska House of Representatives

Moderator: Rebecca Kellenberg, MPP: Principal, Health Management Associates

It’s an honor to close the day with remarks from Heidi Hedberg, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health. Hear Hedberg’s perspective on the topics discussed throughout the day as well as the work her department is undertaking to improve healthcare for Alaskans.

Heidi Hedberg: Commissioner, Alaska Department of Health

Moderator: Shannon Breitzman: Managing Principal, Health Management Associates