The pandemic has shifted the politics and public opinion on health care. Where cost was a primary concern before COVID, now access to affordable innovations is top of consumers and policy makers minds. So, as a return to normalcy appears on the horizon, the intersection of cost pressures and innovation in pharmacy is becoming a primary topic of concern in health policy. This panel will offer insight into innovative strategies in reducing costs which could include formulary adjustments, strategies to increase the use of biosimilars, or other creative policy solutions.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 20th, 2022

Time: 1:00 – 2:00pm ET

Panelists:

• • Robert Popovian, PharmD: Senior Fellow, Health Policy, Progressive Policy Institute
  • Andrea Reed, PharmD: Vice President, Pharmacy, Novant Health
  • Annette Guarisco Fildes: President & Chief Executive Officer, The ERISA Industry Committee

Robert Popovian is the Founder of the strategic consulting firm Conquest Advisors. He also serves as Chief Science Policy Officer at the Global Health Living Foundation & Senior Healthy Policy Fellow at the Progressive Policy Institute. He previously served as Vice President of US Government Relations at Pfizer and is a recognized authority on health economics, policy, government relations, medical affairs, and strategic planning.

Andrea Reed is the Vice President of Pharmacy Services at Novant Health. In this role, she leverages technology, automation and analytics to develop innovative pharmacy care and improve operational precision. After finishing her residency at St. Elizabeth Regional Health and her board certification in pharmacotherapy, she worked in various clinical roles in emergency medicine and cardiology prior to moving into leadership.

Annette Guarisco Fildes is President and CEO of The ERISA Industry Committee, the only national association that advocates exclusively for large employer plan sponsors on health, retirement, and other benefits policy at the federal, state, and local levels. Annette leads the ERIC team to promote flexibility and uniformity for employers with nationwide benefit plans, removing mandates and compliance burdens on plan sponsors. She has over 30 years of experience working in law and public policy.