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This training is designed to equip human resources and municipal professionals with the knowledge and strategies necessary to effectively negotiate health benefits within union collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). It emphasizes the critical importance of understanding the scope, limitations, and implications of health coverage options before finalizing contractual commitments.

Speaker:

Ryan J. Cassidy — Member, Board of Directors & Executive Committee Chair, Labor & Employment, Eckert Seamans

Ryan J. Cassidy is the Firm-wide Chair of the Labor and Employment Group at Eckert Seamans, where he practices management-side labor and employment law for both public and private sector clients. He serves on the firm’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and was recently appointed to a six-year term on the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Ryan has represented numerous private companies and over one hundred government entities in labor negotiations, arbitration, and employment litigation. Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for Labor & Employment Litigation for seven consecutive years, he is also a frequent author and speaker on labor law topics. Ryan earned his J.D. with honors from Widener University Commonwealth Law School and his B.A. from Rutgers University.

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Navigating today’s healthcare system can feel overwhelming for patients, employers, and providers alike. This session will demystify the complexity by exploring the critical role clinical policy plays in shaping healthcare decisions and outcomes. Attendees will gain insight into:

• Why the healthcare system is so intricate and how clinical policy helps bring clarity on clinical best practices.
• How clinical policies are developed, updated, and applied and why they matter to both providers and members.
• The real reasons behind preauthorization denials, including how incomplete clinical documentation can impact member experiences.
• A look ahead at the future of precertification, including Aetna’s enterprise strategy and innovations aimed at streamlining processes and improving outcomes.

Whether you’re an HR leader, benefits manager, or decision-maker focused on employee well-being, this session will empower you with the insights needed to understand how clinical policy impacts your workforce and how evidence-based strategies can drive better health outcomes.

Speaker:

Lisa M. Krupka, MD, MBA, FACS, FAPWCA, CHIE — Senior Medical Director, National Medical Policy and Operations

Dr. Krupka is a Senior Medical Director on the National Medical Policy and Operations team, where she leads training initiatives and manages appeals in areas such as oral surgery, gender-affirming care, and lipedema. She contributes to Clinical Policy Bulletin updates and presents to diverse audiences, keeping member-centered care at the forefront. Before joining Aetna CVS in 2021, she held clinical and leadership roles, including Chief of Staff at Banner Churchill Community Hospital. She earned her MD from Chicago Medical School, completed surgical training at Carilion Clinic and the University of Michigan, and holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts. In 2024, she earned her Certified Health Insurance Executive (CHIE) designation through AHIP.

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Health Care Costs will continue to strain municipal budgets without innovative solutions and partnerships that to identify and control the factors that drive these costs. From chronic disease prevention and management to creating a more engaged membership and optimizing utilization of the programs and resources available through the DVHT non-profit pooling model decoding and prioritizing high prescription drug costs, Registered Nurse and Manager of Health Trust Operations, Emilie Gutierrez and Underwriting Consultant Steve Fallon will identify factors driving health care cost increases and provide solutions which your organization can employ.

This interactive session will focus on:

• The challenge of pharmacy costs
• Chronic disease management
• The role of HR in Shaping a Winning Cost Containment Strategy
• Optimizing your plan design
• How DVHT can partner with you to improve the health and wellbeing of your workforce
• And more

Speakers:

Emilie Gutierrez, BSN, RN, CMCN, Manager of Health Trust Operations — Delaware Valley Health Trust

With 15 years of nursing experience, Emilie has built a diverse career across acute care, perioperative settings, and management. Over the past 5 years, Emilie has transitioned into the self-funded insurance sector, focusing on developing innovative programs and collaborating with vendors to find solutions that improve patient care while reducing healthcare costs. Certified as a Managed Care Nurse, Emilie is deeply committed to enhancing healthcare systems and helping individuals navigate the complexities of the health care landscape, all while striving to drive better outcomes for both patients and organizations.

Stephen J. Fallon, Director-Employee Benefits Practice — Insurance Buyers’ Council, Inc.

Mr. Fallon leads the Health & Welfare Practice at Insurance Buyers’ Council, Inc., where he develops strategic initiatives and service plans for public sector clients. With over 30 years of experience in employee benefits, he has worked with more than 300 municipalities, school boards, and county governments. He is a member of AGRIP’s Health Pool Resource Group and has presented to national organizations including GFOA and SCHRPP. Mr. Fallon holds a B.A. in Political Science/Honors from Villanova University.

Cheltenham Township’s benefits journey offers valuable lessons in adaptability and alignment. In this 30-minute panel, Lauren Detweiler, Sara Vargo, and Janice Salerno share how the Township navigated a transition away from DVHT, gathered meaningful feedback from employees, and worked with their Board of Supervisors to realign with the Trust. This session emphasizes the importance of thoughtful decision-making and stakeholder engagement in benefits planning.

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Don’t forget to grab your DVHT Swag before you head out!