2026 Minnesota State of Reform Health Policy Conference

More details to be announced soon.

Minnesota’s healthcare community shares a common responsibility: ensuring public resources support better outcomes for the people who rely on them. As state and federal oversight evolves, healthcare organizations have an opportunity to strengthen trust through improved accountability, modernized operations, and collaborative problem-solving. 

This opening plenary will explore how state agencies, healthcare organizations, counties, and community partners are advancing program integrity while maintaining access to care. Panelists will discuss lessons learned, emerging expectations, data-driven approaches to oversight, and practical strategies for building a healthcare system that is resilient, transparent, and worthy of public confidence. 

Jen Bridgeforth: Associate Principal, Health Management Associates

Clint Eisenhower: Regional Director, Health Management Associates

Moderator: Christine Rein: Managing Director, Finance and Operations, Health Management Associates

Across Minnesota and the nation, healthcare and community organizations are recognizing the critical role housing and recovery supports play in improving health outcomes. This panel will explore emerging medical respite and recuperative care models, funding opportunities, implementation lessons, and collaborative approaches that support individuals experiencing homelessness while reducing avoidable hospital utilization and improving care transitions.

Kristine Davis: Executive Director, Hearth Connection

Julia Dobbins, MSW: Director of Medical Respite Care, National Healthcare for the Homeless Council

Paul Leon, RN, BSN, PHN, FAAN: Chief Executive Officer, National Healthcare & Housing Advisors

Ben Waltz: Senior Product Owner: Social Drivers of Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota

Moderator: Paul Fleissner: Senior Principal, Health Management Associates

As compliance expectations evolve, community providers face increasing operational and administrative demands. This session will focus on practical solutions that help providers strengthen compliance programs, improve operational readiness, leverage technology, and successfully navigate changing oversight requirements while continuing to serve vulnerable populations.

Jinny Palen: Executive Director, Minnesota Association of Community Mental Health Programs

Erik Sievers: Executive Director, Hiawatha Valley Medical Center

Sarah Stevens DNP, RN, PHN: Board Member, MNORN (Minnesota Organization of Registered Nurses)

New federal Medicaid requirements are reshaping how states, plans, providers, and community organizations help individuals maintain healthcare coverage. This panel will examine the practical implications of community engagement provisions, emerging outreach strategies, and collaborative approaches to minimizing coverage disruptions while preserving access to care.

Britta Babel: Senior Grassroots Manager, Minnesota American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

Nathan Chomilo: Medical Director, Minnesota Department of Human Services

Barb Dahl: Director, Scott County

Natalie Daniel: Policy Director, Unite Us

Moderator: Farah Hanley: Regional Director, Health Management Associates

Minnesota continues to address significant challenges in children’s behavioral health, including limited treatment capacity, hospital boarding, workforce shortages, and uneven access to services. This panel will highlight innovative care models, policy solutions, and community partnerships designed to create a stronger continuum of care and improve outcomes for children and families.

Kirsten Anderson: Executive Director, Aspire MN

Wade Brost: Chief Administrative Officer, PRTF

Amanda Jensen: Senior Director of Public Policy, Children’s Minnesota

Marcus Schmit: Executive Director, NAMI

Moderator: Sarah Oachs: Associate Principal, Health Management Associates

Healthcare organizations are increasingly leveraging technology, analytics, and interagency collaboration to improve program integrity efforts. This session will explore emerging approaches to fraud prevention, payment accuracy, provider oversight, and responsible stewardship of public resources while balancing access and administrative burden. 

Speakers to be announced soon

Counties remain central to Minnesota’s healthcare safety net and human services infrastructure. This panel will examine how federal eligibility changes are affecting county operations, enrollment systems, care continuity, and administrative capacity. Panelists will discuss lessons learned, implementation strategies, and opportunities for state-county collaboration. 

Matt Burdick: Principal, Burdick Policy & Advocacy

Paul Verrette: Executive Director, Minnesota Association of County Social Administrators

Moderator: Scott Guillemette: Principal, Wakely

Washington State’s innovative work addressing complex discharges offers valuable lessons for Minnesota. This session will explore how healthcare, housing, and social service partners can work together to reduce discharge delays, strengthen care transitions, improve patient outcomes, and address systemwide barriers that contribute to prolonged hospital stays. 

Kathleen Nolan: Senior Advisor, Health Management Associates

Moderator: Paul Fleissner: Senior Principal, Health Management Associates

Federal policy changes, rising healthcare costs, and evolving treatment innovations are creating new challenges and opportunities for Minnesota’s managed care ecosystem. This panel will explore how health plans, providers, and policymakers are adapting to changing Medicaid dynamics, emerging financing pressures, and the growing impact of healthcare innovation on long-term sustainability. 

Speakers to be announced soon

Minnesota’s rural communities face unique challenges as healthcare leaders respond to federal policy changes and ongoing financial pressures. This session will examine the opportunities presented by the Rural Health Transformation Project, strategic investment priorities, workforce challenges, and the long-term outlook for rural healthcare access across the state. 

Steve Gottwalt: Executive Director, Minnesota Association of County Health Plans (MACHP)

Rachelle Schultz: President & Chief Executive Officer, Winona Hospital

Rochelle Westlund: Director of Public Policy, Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers

More details to be announced soon.