2025 Health Policy Academy

Event Overview

Health Policy Academy is an annual in-person event exclusively for Hill and federal agency staff. It has been hosted by the Alliance for Health Policy for more than 30 years, helping generations of staffers better navigate the complexities of health policy. It’s an opportunity for you to build foundational health policy knowledge in a bipartisan, stakeholder-neutral space. 

Whether you’re new in your career, new to health policy, or just need a refresher, this full-day bootcamp will give you practical knowledge about fundamentals of the health care system and the policymaking process.

What past attendees say about Health Policy Academy:

• “I appreciated the personal stories and perspectives from the panelists.”
• “The experts made the information approachable.”
• “The panels were representative across the political spectrum.”

At Health Policy Academy, you’ll learn from four panel sessions addressing a variety of health policy topics, including:

• Health care financing, costs and coverage
• Navigating the legislative process
• The structure and function of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• A deep dive into unlocking the expertise of congressional agencies

In addition to providing an overview of these topics, the event includes in-depth Q&A with speakers who share practical examples drawn from their experience working in and with federal policy institutions, including Congress and the executive branch.

You’re encouraged to register even if you can’t attend all sessions throughout the day. All sessions will be recorded for you to access at your convenience. Please note, the Q&A portion of each session will not be recorded.

This event is made possible with support from the Catholic Health Association of the United States, Elevance Health, and the Association for Accessible Medicines.

Agenda:

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 and Opening Remarks

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 about the critical roles played by committees, leadership, and individual staffers in shaping health legislation. 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.

Speakers

• Moderator: Rodney Whitlock, Ph. D., Vice President, McDermott+
• Sarah Levin, MPH, Deputy Staff Director, Health Subcommittee, Committee on Ways and Means
• Ryan Long, J.D., Director of Congressional Relations & Senior Research Fellow, Paragon Institute
• Dean Rosen, M.S., J.D., Partner, Mehlman Consulting

Break

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

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. 

Speakers

• Moderator: Mike Park, J.D., MPH, Partner, Alston & Bird
• Kristi Martin, M.A., MPA, Director, Camber Collective
• John O’Brien, PharmD, MPH, President and CEO, National Pharmaceutical Council
• Jeremy Sharp, Managing Director, Waxman Strategies

Lunch Break

12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. ET

Boxed lunches were provided.

Session #3: Health Care Coverage in the United States

12:45 p.m. – 1:50 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.

Speakers

• Moderator: Debbie Curtis, Principal, McDermott+
• Kris Haltmeyer, MHSA, M.S., Vice President, Legislative and Regulatory Policy, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
• Neil Patil, MPP, Health Policy Director, Medicare Policy Initiative, Georgetown’s Center on Health Insurance Reform (CHIR)
• Cynthia Cox, MPH, Vice President, Affordable Care Act, KFF
• Kip Piper, M.A., FACHE, CEO, Health Results Group, LLC, and Medonomics, Inc.

Break

1:50 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET

Session #4: Health Policy Academy Deep Dive: Unlocking Expertise of Congressional Agencies

2:00 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. ET

Navigating complex policy decisions requires access to accurate, nonpartisan analysis and expertise.  This panel will guide congressional staffers in effectively utilizing key federal resources, including the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Government Accountability Office (GAO), Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), and Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). Experts and seasoned staff will share insights on accessing and interpreting reports, data, and recommendations to support legislative work and drive impactful policy solutions.

Speakers

• Moderator: Melanie Egorin, Ph. D., Former Assistant Secretary for Legislation, US Department of Health and Human Services
• Aditi Sen, Ph. D., Chief, Health Policy Studies Unit, Congressional Budget Office
• Leslie Gordon, MPP, Director, U.S. Government Accountability Office
• James Mathews, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Principal, Health Policy Alternatives, Inc.
• Kate Massey, Executive Director, MACPAC- Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission

Networking Happy Hour

3:20 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET

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