2026 Health Policy Academy

Networking Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. ET

Enjoy coffee, juice, light breakfast items, and time to connect with your colleagues. 

Introduction 

9:30 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. ET

Session 1: Introduction to Congress and the Legislative Process

9:40 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. ET

Participants will learn the roles played by committees, leadership, and individual staffers, and gain practical insight into what realistically moves in Congress in 2026. The discussion will highlight key procedures and political dynamics that influence policy outcomes, offering practical insights into how staff can effectively contribute to legislative development, negotiation, and oversight.

• Moderator: Rodney Whitlock, Ph. D., Principal, McDermott+
• Sarah Levin, MPH, Deputy Staff Director, Health Subcommittee, Committee on Ways and Means
• Stacy Sanders, MSW, Chief Health Advisor to Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
• Nolan Ahern, Deputy Policy Director, Office of House Republican Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN)

Break

10:45 a.m.- 10:55 a.m.

Session 2: Introduction to the Regulatory Process

10:55 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET

This panel will provide a high-level overview of the regulatory process and the key agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) responsible for implementation. Participants will gain insights into how regulations are developed, the timeline for rulemaking, and opportunities for public engagement. The discussion will also highlight when and how congressional staffers can engage with the regulatory process to ensure effective oversight, influence implementation, and support constituents.

• Moderator: Elizabeth Jungman, J.D., MPH, Partner, Hogan Lovells
• Jeremy Sharp, Managing Director, Waxman Strategies
• Purva Rawal, Ph. D., Managing Principal, Health Transformation Strategies & Advisor, Duke Margolis Institute for Health Policy
• Alec Aramanda, Principal Deputy Director, Center for Medicare
• Joe Albanese, MPP, Director of Policy, Center for Medicare

Lunch Break

12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. ET

Boxed lunches provided.

Session 3: Health Care Coverage in the United States

12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET

This panel offers a high-level overview of the major health care coverage programs in the United States, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and employer-sponsored insurance. Tailored for congressional staff, the discussion will explore the history and evolution of these programs, their beneficiaries, and the ways in which they interact. Additionally, the panel will address recent changes to coverage and their implications, equipping staff with a comprehensive understanding to support informed policymaking and constituent services.

• Moderator: Debbie Curtis, Principal, McDermott+
• Kate Massey, MPA, Executive Director, Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC)
• Paul Masi, MPP, Executive Director, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC)
• Jason Levitis, J.D., Senior Fellow, Urban Institute 
• Sabrina Corlette, J.D., Founder and Co-Director, Center on Health Insurance Reforms (CHIR) at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy

Fireside Chat with 2025 Congressional Fellows

2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. ET

What does it actually take to thrive in today’s federal policy landscape? Hear directly from 2025 Bipartisan Learning Communities (BLC) Alumni as they pull back the curtain on their experience working on Capitol Hill and across the broader federal policy ecosystem. Staffers will share candid, practical insights on how to build credibility early, cultivate bipartisan relationships that move policy forward, and navigate with confidence and strategy.

• Moderator: Sydney Shepherd, Senior Educational Program Manager, Alliance for Health Policy
• Allison Crha, MPH, RN, Legislative Assistant, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse
• Claire Bienvenu, MBA Legislative Assistant, Speaker Mike Johnson

Session 4: Health Policy Academy Deep Dive: Artificial Intelligence in Health Care

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. ET

This panel will provide an overview of how artificial intelligence is being used in health care and how the legislative and regulatory landscape has evolved over the past year. Building on the Alliance’s 2024 Signature Series on AI, the session will examine key developments since 2024, including actions by Congress, the Administration, federal agencies, and states. The discussion will highlight why health care AI presents distinct policy considerations compared to other sectors and surface the key questions congressional staff are likely to encounter in the year ahead.

• Moderator: Aubrey Wilson, Director of Government Innovation & Global Initiatives, POPVOX Foundation
• Jodi Daniel, J.D., MPH, Partner, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
• Laura Adams, M.S., Senior Advisor, National Academy of Medicine (NAM)

Networking Happy Hour

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beer/wine while connecting with colleagues.