Spring 2025 Conference Agenda
April 22–24
Tuesday–Thursday
Agenda | Pre-Conference | Sponsorship & Exhibits | Live Webcast Registration | In-Person Registration | Hotel | CEUs
NAACOS conferences are the only events organized exclusively by ACOs.
Schedule: Tuesday (pre-conference workshops): 1:00–5:00 pm ET
Wednesday (Main Meeting): 7:30 am–6:30 pm ET
Thursday (Main Meeting): 7:30 am–2:45 pm ET
Wednesday, April 23
Time |
Event |
Location |
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7:00 am |
Registration Open |
Key Ballroom Foyers |
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Business Partner Breakfast Sponsored by Wellsky Unlocking value through connectivity at Cleveland Clinic: Boosting ACO outcomes with a data-driven approach Speaker: Christine Martin, Cleveland Clinic During this session, learn how Cleveland Clinic is optimizing outcomes for their Accountable Care Organization (ACO) and other value-based patients with their new, innovative Post-Acute Care (PAC) program. Christine will share how their PAC program is using technology to better manage high-risk populations, enhance care transitions, and are successfully improving data silos by seamlessly connecting acute and post-acute care providers. Learn how the program has helped them improve patient outcomes, impact skilled nursing facility length of stay, and reduce unnecessary utilization and readmissions. |
Key 9-10 |
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Business Partner Breakfast Sponsored by Stanson Health Shaping the Future of Healthcare: The Role of Technology and Collaboration in Value-Based Care Speakers: Deann Tate, Bon Secours Mercy Health; Seth Edwards, Premier Inc. The future of care relies on organizations’ ability to break new ground by seamlessly integrating innovative, data-driven solutions with cutting-edge technology. In this session, attendees will learn how combining their dedication to value-based care (VBC), utilization of HCC technology and participation in a population health management collaborative (PHMC) can drive successful outcomes. Discover the value organizations can unlock by leveraging:
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Key 11-12 |
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Business Partner Breakfast Sponsored by Brilliant Care Achieving Value-Based Success: How Augmenting and/or Resourcing Nurse-Led Clinical Support Improves Outcomes, Contract Performance and Reduces Provider Burden Speakers: Ryan Graham, Privia Health; Alisha Thornton, Brilliant Care As ACOs continue to navigate the complexities of value-based care, the need for scalable, cost-effective solutions that truly move the needle on outcomes has never been greater. This session explores how nurse-led clinical support programs can augment your care delivery model and reduce provider burden without adding overhead or complexity—while delivering measurable improvements in chronic disease management, post-discharge care, and patient engagement. You’ll gain insight into how organizations are:
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Key 3-4 |
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Opening Plenary Moderator: Henish Bhansali, Medical Home Network Panel: Dan Elliott, Centene: Dan Mendelson, Morgan Health and Jordan Vidor, Elevance Hear from three healthcare payers and purchasers who are driving to deliver better care at lower cost through engaging high-value providers, followed by reactions from ACO leaders. Reactor Panel: Andrea Osborne, On Belay Health Solutions; Stephen Nuckolls, Coastal Carolina Quality Care |
Key 5-8 |
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10:30 – |
Coffee Break |
Key Ballroom Foyers |
|
11:00 am – 12:30 pm |
Staying HOME with Dementia: NEW Innovative Models to Deliver Better Outcomes and Significantly Lower Utilization as We Prepare to Care for the Largest Group of Dementia Patients in History
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Key 1-2 |
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11:00 am – 12:30 pm |
Beyond the Referral: Building Collaborative Care Networks Chair: Deepika Kewlani-Varkey, Stellar Health ACO Effective care management is critical for achieving optimal outcomes in today’s value-based care environment, but success depends on seamless collaboration across all stakeholders, including the patient. This session will explore innovative strategies to break down silos, align care management initiatives, and engage providers as active partners in the care continuum. Learning Objectives:
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Key 3-4 |
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11:00 am – 12:30 pm |
It’s Mathemagical! How to Decide between MSSP E vs. Enhanced vs. REACH – The Actuarial Process Chair: Henish Bhansali, Medical Home Network VBC is more essential than ever for the sustainability of our healthcare system. With the evolving landscape of CMS ACO models – particularly MSSP and ACO REACH – success hinges on a deep understanding of financial methodologies, a rigorous evaluation of key model assumptions, and an honest assessment of organizational readiness. This panel discussion will help you navigate the actuarial decision-making process, providing guidance on financial forecasting, risk track selection, leveraging key data sources, and effectively aligning stakeholders to choose the best CMS ACO model for their organization. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, you will be able to:
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Key 9-10 |
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11:00 am – 12:30 pm |
Unmasking Fraud in Value-Based Care: Lessons from 2023 DME Settlements and Strategies for the Next Wave Chair: Gabe Orthous, Health Choice Care
Learning Objectives:
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Key 11-12 |
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12:30 – |
Networking Lunch Exhibits Open All conference attendees are invited to network with colleagues who share their interests and experiences. Tables will be designated with the following topics as well as open tables. You may also visit our exhibits during this time.
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Key 5-8 Key Ballroom Foyers |
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2:00 – |
Moving Beyond Medicare Risk: How to Create a Sustainable Multi-Payer Strategy Chair: Tori Bratcher, Trinity Health Many organizations often start with Medicare ACOs and MA contracts when they begin their value-based care journey. How does this strategy lead to growth in other payer segments? Does that foundation translate to success with other payers and populations? What capabilities need to be in place for Commercial and Medicaid risk? This session will provide insight and give the audience strategies to transform their risk strategy to support multi-payer growth for larger overall impact. Learning Objectives:
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Key 1-2 |
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2:00 – |
Practical Strategies for Success in Medicaid Value-Based Contracting Chair: Maria Alexander, Coral Health Advisors Building on early lessons learned, this advanced session explores the evolving landscape of Medicaid value-based contracting in a variety of states. Expert panelists from ACOs and payers will delve into practical strategies for addressing the unique challenges of value-based contracting for Medicaid populations. Topics will include setting appropriate quality and financial targets, addressing persistent provider access challenges, and implementing approaches to whole-person care. Drawing from years of implementation experience, speakers will share insights on evaluation frameworks for provider partnerships, innovative solutions to network adequacy issues, and practical strategies for managing complex contractual relationships in the Medicaid space. Learning Objectives:
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Key 3-4 |
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2:00 – |
Harnessing Agentic AI to Optimize Primary Care for ACOs Chair: Rick Goddard, Lumeris As value-based care accelerates, the integration of agentic AI—AI systems that can act autonomously while maintaining a human-centered approach—is poised to reshape primary care delivery. This panel explores how agentic AI can streamline care coordination, enhance patient engagement, and improve health outcomes, particularly for complex populations. For value-based models to be successful, reaching the entire population is paramount for both preventative and treatment. Agentic AI is positioned to scale support for early to rising risk populations whereas it was considered too expensive even months ago to support with human support. Join a dynamic discussion with leading AI and healthcare experts to explore real-world use cases, strategies for adoption, and the critical role of technology in scaling accountable care. Learn how organizations are using AI not just as a tool for insight but as a partner in action, supporting providers and empowering patients in their health journeys. Learning Objectives:
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Key 9-10 |
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2:00 – |
Model Integration: How ACOs and The TEAM Model Can Work Together Speakers: Joyce Colton, Ascension Care Management Janet Comrey, Geisinger/Keystone ACO; Rob Mechanic, Institute for Accountable Care The presentation and panel will provide an overview and of the TEAM model set to launch in 2026. We will walk through an early financial analysis of the TEAM model to see some predicted winners and losers. We will hear from a panel of providers who will participate in both an ACO and the TEAM model on how they are looking to be successful in both programs through integration of coordinate efforts and where they believe the focus should be now. Learn how ACOs can approach selected TEAM model participants to assist with partnership. |
Key 11-12 |
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3:30 – |
Break Exhibits Open |
Key Ballroom Foyers |
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4:00 – |
Affinity Group – Compliance and Legal Kim Busenbark, Wilems Resource Group, LLC David Ault, Ropes & Gray |
Key 1-2 |
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4:00 – |
Affinity Group – Clinical and Performance Improvement |
Key 3-4 |
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4:00 – |
Affinity Group – Operations and Executive Michelle Mirkovic, Southwestern Health Resources |
Key 9-10 |
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4:00 – |
Affinity Group – Data and Analytics Anna Taylor, MultiCare Connected Care |
Key 11-12 |
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5:30 – |
Reception Exhibits Open |
Key Ballroom Foyers |
Thursday, April 24
Time |
Event |
Location |
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7:00 am |
Registration Open |
Key Ballroom Foyers |
|
7:30 – |
Business Partner Breakfast Sponsored by Milliman From Stagnation to Success: Transforming ACO Performance with Data Speakers: Jason Altieri, Noah Champagne, Amanda Ivanovics, Emma Kramer, Chris Smith, Milliman Join us for a detailed case study on how ACOs can improve performance using data analysis and strategic planning. This session will cover strategies successful ACOs use, the challenges they face, and the outcomes they achieve. Attendees will gain practical insights into using data-driven methods to enhance performance within their own organizations. |
Key 9-10 |
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7:30 – |
Business Partner Breakfast Sponsored by Navina Elevating the Clinician Experience: How Privia Health Leverages AI to Drive Value-based Care Performance at Scale Speakers: Keith Fernandez, Privia Health and Dana McCalley, Navina As ACOs and MSOs scale their value-based care efforts, gaining a comprehensive view of patients’ health status and practice performance is critical to their success. In this session, Dr. Keith Fernandez, EVP and Chief Clinical Officer at Privia Health, will share effective strategies for leveraging AI to accurately capture patient complexity, close care gaps, and drive both clinical and economic performance—all while enhancing the clinician experience. Dr. Fernandez will provide real-world examples and actionable insights on reducing administrative burdens, streamlining workflows, and fostering high clinician engagement. Attendees will discover practical approaches to integrating data-driven solutions for advancing your ACO’s value-based care initiatives across the entire network. |
Key 11-12 |
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7:30 – |
Business Partner Sponsored Breakfast – TBD |
Key 3-4 |
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Plenary |
Key 5-8 |
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9:15 – |
Coffee Break |
Key Ballroom Foyers |
|
9:45 – |
Lessons Learned from ACOs Who Submitted eCQMs and Medicare CQMs In this session, panelists will share their approaches to reporting eCQMs and Medicare CQMs as they prepare for the sunsetting of the Web Interface. ACOs will share an operational perspective and dive into the technical details of reporting to share lessons learned and what to avoid. They will also share data exchange strategies that can be used not only for quality reporting, but also to support accountable care arrangements outside of MSSP. |
Key 1-2 |
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9:45 – |
Direct Contracting with Employers: Aligning Incentives Between Self-Insured Employers and VBC Organizations Direct Contracting between self-insured employers and value-based care organizations continues to gain momentum as it aligns incentives to improve member care and control medical expense. But it is not always easy and it is not always successful! The entity funding the coverage and the entity providing the care must agree on pricing, business terms and care expectations and do all of this in a way that allows for customization and recognizes market variables. In this session, we will hear from representatives from value-based care organizations and self-funded employers to learn practical considerations, essentials for success and how to assess fit for your organization. |
Key 3-4 |
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9:45 – |
Perspectives on Prospective Payment: Lessons Learned in ACO REACH Learning Objectives:
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Key 9-10 |
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9:45 – |
CMS Townhall Moderator: Aisha Pittman, NAACOS |
Key 11-12 |
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11:15 – |
Break |
Key Ballroom Foyers |
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11:30 – |
The Baby-Boomer Tidal Wave — Are ACOs Enough to Help Health Systems Weather the Storm? Medicare is the fastest growing population across the country, creating an economic sustainability challenge for the Medicare trust and health systems who provide the highest levels of care for these members. For over a decade, ACOs and other value-based arrangements have offered a path to value for Medicare and MA, incentivizing proactive, preventative measures over fee for service acute and chronic care. Many believe this is the solution for the Medicare trust. But what is the effect on the delivery system? Some are investing in ACOs, population health services, and health plans. Others are canceling all MA contracts. Some are doing both. In this session we will explore the sustainability challenge facing delivery systems and plausible solutions from experts in this space. Learning Objectives:
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Key 1-2 |
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11:30 – |
Connecting ‘Z’ Dots: Advancing Statewide Health Equity through Screening and Coding for SDoH This session with demonstrate clinical applications for SDoH screening showcasing Z and G code capture. The ultimate goal being to improve patient outcomes with state-wide sustainable funding sources while scaling interventions across the ACO. Learning Objectives:
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Key 3-4 |
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11:30 – |
The Untapped Secret to ACO Success: Why Behavioral Health Holds the Key to Transformation Chair: Neelam Brar, Total Life Inc. Untreated depression among aging adults is not only a health crisis—it is a financial one. Approximately 20% of older adults experience mental health conditions, yet fewer than half receive treatment. The consequences extend to chronic disease management, cognitive decline, unplanned hospitalizations, and suboptimal ACO performance metrics. This panel features three executives from leading ACOs who will share their experiences in implementing behavioral health strategies that have successfully improved patient outcomes while reducing costs. Attendees will gain insight into why prioritizing mental health in older adults is essential and how timely interventions, including proactive detection during Annual Wellness Visits, can transform patient care and financial outcomes. Learning Objectives
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Key 9-10 |
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11:30 – |
Unlocking the Power of TEFCA: What ACOs Need to Know to Drive Data Sharing Success Chair: Megan Reyna, Bon Secours Mercy Health In this session, discover how the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) can revolutionize data sharing within ACOs. Our expert panel will explore TEFCA’s framework, key goals, and the direct benefits it brings to your organization. Through real-world examples, we’ll showcase innovative data-sharing solutions enabled by TEFCA, while addressing common concerns about interoperability and workflow improvements. Leave with actionable insights and strategies to harness TEFCA’s potential, helping your ACO stay ahead in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. |
Key 11-12 |
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1:00 – |
Closing Plenary Moving Accountable Care Forward: A Washington Update Moderator: Aisha Pittman, NAACOS In a time of shifting headlines, policy uncertainty, and newly confirmed leadership at HHS and CMS, the path ahead for accountable care can feel unclear. This session will unpack the latest developments from Washington, provide insight into early signals from federal agencies, and explore what the evolving landscape means for value-based care. You’ll leave with a clearer picture of what’s at stake and a practical roadmap for supporting NAACOS’ advocacy efforts to ensure accountable care continues to move forward. |
Key 5-8 |