2025 Oregon State of Reform Health Policy Conference

It’s an honor to open our conference by hearing from Clare Pierce-Wrobel, Health Policy & Analytics Director for the Oregon Health Authority. Pierce-Wrobel will discuss the agency’s recent work to improve state healthcare, her perspective on some of the key issues in health policy reform, the federal landscape, and more.

Clare Pierce-Wrobel: Health Policy & Analytics Director, Oregon Health Authority

Moderator: Jeanene Smith, MD, MPH: Principal, Health Management Associates

Oregon’s healthcare system is experiencing an urgent and growing workforce crisis, exacerbated by an aging population, provider burnout, and persistent gaps in training and retention pipelines. This panel will bring together policy leaders, healthcare employers, educators, and frontline professionals to examine the critical challenges facing the state’s healthcare workforce—and, more importantly, to spotlight action items with real potential for impact.

Sarah Andersen, MPH: Director of Field Services, Oregon Health & Science University

Libby Batlan: Senior Vice President, Government Operations, Oregon Health Care Association

Jesse Mensik Kennedy, BSN, RN: Nursing Practice Consultant, Oregon Nurses Association

Matt Swanson: Political Strategist, SEIU Oregon State Council

Moderator: Libby Hutter, MPH: Principal, Health Management Associates

Oregon’s new Medicaid work and community engagement requirements mark a significant shift in eligibility policy with far-reaching implications for coverage, equity, and system coordination. This panel will explore how healthcare and social service stakeholders can support members in meeting requirements while minimizing barriers to care. Topics will include exemptions and supports, strategies to prevent coverage loss, and the cross-sector collaboration needed to implement these changes equitably and effectively. 

Chris Bouneff: Executive Director, NAMI Oregon

Chris Dunkin: Regional Director of State Government Relations, Findhelp

Vivian Levy: Deputy Medicaid Director, Oregon Health Authority

Moderator: Dara Smith, MBA: Office Managing Principal, Health Management Associates

Oregon’s public health system is at a critical juncture, working to address complex and overlapping challenges— rising rates of chronic disease; increased need for behavioral health; persistent health inequities; loss of Medicaid for large populations; and inability to serve undocumented individuals with Federal funds. This panel will explore how public health leaders, healthcare providers, and community organizations are collaborating to strengthen prevention, improve mental health and substance use services, serve undocumented individuals, and build healthier environments. Topics will include upstream investments, cross-sector partnerships, data-driven strategies, and sustainable funding models.

Naomi Adeline-Biggs: Director, Public Health Division, Oregon Health Authority

Kirsten Aird: Public Health Director, Multnomah County

Rep. Cyrus Javadi, DDS: Vice Chair, Behavioral Health Committee, Oregon House of Representatives

Moderator: Warren J. Brodine: Managing Director, Delivery Systems, Health Management Associates

Since 1994, Oregon’s Prioritized List has been a defining feature of the Oregon Health Plan and a nationally noted Medicaid policy tool. The list ranks health services to guide how resources are allocated within the program. In 2022, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) agreed to remove the Prioritized List from the state’s 1115 waiver. At the time, OHA indicated it would continue under a State Plan Amendment, but later announced plans to phase out its use. This panel will examine key questions: What is the Prioritized List? How has it shaped Oregon’s Medicaid program? What are its strengths and limitations? What could replace it? And what does its future mean for Oregonians? Experts and advocates will discuss the evolving role of the Prioritized List and the broader implications for the Oregon Health Plan.

Gary Allen, DMD: Vice President, Clinical Services, Advantage Dental

Bridget Budbill: Legislative Advocate, Oregon Law Center

Amy Burns, PharmD: Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations, AllCare Health

Stephanie Jarem: Director, Office of Health Policy, Oregon Health Authority

Jeanne Savage, MD: Chief Medical Officer, Trillium Community Health Plan

Moderator: Chris Senz: Principal, Health Management Associates

Oregon has been at the forefront of integrating social determinants of health into its Medicaid system, recognizing that health happens where people live, work, and age—not just in clinical settings. This panel will explore the state’s current and future efforts to address Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs), such as housing instability, food insecurity, and transportation barriers, as a fundamental part of delivering whole-person care.

Andrew Mendenhall, MD: President & Chief Executive Officer, Central City Concern

Miles Sledd: Quality Manager, Multnomah County Department of County Human Services

Jonathan Weedman, LPC: Senior Vice President, Clinical Services, CareOregon

Liz Whitworth, MPH, CEMCR: Managing Director, Oregon Health Leadership Council

Moderator: Leslie Brooks: Associate Principal, Health Management Associates

Primary care is the cornerstone of a high-functioning health system, yet Oregon’s primary care sector faces mounting challenges—including workforce shortages, financial strain, and rising patient complexity. This panel will examine the current state of primary care in Oregon, highlighting data trends, on-the-ground realities, and promising innovations in care delivery and payment models. Panelists will explore strategies to strengthen primary care access, support provider sustainability, and align policy efforts to ensure a resilient, equitable foundation for the state’s healthcare future.

Chris DeMars, MPH: Delivery System Innovation Director, Oregon Health Authority

Betsy Boyd-Flynn: Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Oregon Academy of Family Physicians

Resa Bradeen, MD: Chief Medical Officer, Metropolitan Pediatrics; Medical Director, Children’s Health Alliance

Danielle Sobel, MPH: Policy & Regulatory Affairs Senior Director, Oregon Primary Care Association

Moderator: Jeanene Smith, MD, MPH: Principal, Health Management Associates

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping healthcare delivery, offering new opportunities to improve outcomes, increase efficiency, and expand access across Oregon. This panel will explore how healthcare providers, policymakers, and technologists are integrating AI-driven tools—from predictive analytics and telehealth to administrative automation—into clinical practice and health systems. Discussions will address benefits, challenges, ethical considerations, and the potential to reduce disparities.

Mohammad Adibuzzaman, PhD: Director, Informatics, Oregon Clinical & Translational Research Institute (OCTRI); Assistant Professor & Director, Healthcare Ethical AI Lab (HEAL), Oregon Health & Science University

Simon Hayes: Chief Technology Officer, Oregon Health Authority

Jeremiah Johnson: Chief Executive Officer, BlueStep

Aron Zekarias, MBA: Senior Consultant, True North ITG

Moderator: Libby Hutter, MPH: Principal, Health Management Associates

As federal healthcare policy continues to evolve—impacting coverage, subsidies, and program funding—Oregon faces both challenges and opportunities in ensuring access and affordability for all residents. This panel will explore how state leaders, insurers, providers, and advocates are working to protect and expand coverage, lower costs, and close equity gaps. Topics will include the future of the Marketplace, Medicaid stability, cost-growth controls, dental access, and more.

Sarah Bartelmann: Cost Programs Manager, Oregon Health Authority

Tracy Carver, MPA: President & Chief Executive Officer, Project Access NOW

Katie Chandra: Senior Director, State Policy, Genentech

Tracy Muday, MD: Executive Medical Director, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon

Moderator: Chris Senz: Principal, Health Management Associates

Hear from some of the most influential leaders on health policy reform in the Oregon State Legislature. These lawmakers will discuss the main takeaways from this year’s session, legislation they’re supporting, and the healthcare reform work they’re prioritizing moving forward. 

Sen. Deb Patterson: Chair, Health Care Committee, Oregon Senate

Rep. Ed Diehl: Vice Chair, Health Care Committee, Oregon House of Representatives

Rep. Travis Nelson: Vice Chair, Health Care Committee, Oregon House of Representatives

Moderator: Kathleen Nolan: Senior Advisor, Health Management Associates

Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) model has been a defining feature of the state’s healthcare transformation for over a decade—advancing local governance, global budgets, and integrated care. As the state considers the future of Medicaid in Oregon, this panel will reflect on key lessons learned from the CCO model implementation.

Eric Hunter: President & Chief Executive Officer, CareOregon

Paul Phillips: President, Pac/West Communications

Moderator: Liz Arjun, MPH, MSW: Principal, Health Management Associates