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: Tuesday, Nov. 16th, 2021

Time: 12:00 – 1:00pm ET

Panelists:

• • Cheryl Larson: President & Chief Executive Officer, Midwest Business Group on Health
  • Robert Popovian, PharmD: Senior Fellow, Health Policy, Progressive Policy Institute
  • Laura Minzer: President, Illinois Life & Health Insurance Council

Cheryl Larson is the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Midwest Business Group on Health. She oversees all coalition activities, and also leads the National Employer Initiative on Specialty Drugs. Cheryl joined the MBGH in 1983 as the Director of Membership Development, returned in 2006 as Vice President, and in 2018 became President & Chief Executive Officer.

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.

Laura Minzer is the President of the Illinois Life & Health Insurance Council which promotes and advocates for a healthy and competitive life and health insurance industry for the financial well-being of Illinois employers, individuals, and families. Before her time with the Council, Laura served as the Executive Director of Health Policy at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and other states.