KFF's Larry Levitt and the Peterson Center on Healthcare's Caroline Pearson will examine health policy, affordability and employer strategies

/PRNewswire/ - KFF's Larry Levitt and Peterson Center on Healthcare's Caroline Pearson will serve as keynote speakers for the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions' 2026 Annual Forum, Beyond Transparency | Seeing Clearly, Acting Boldly: Employers' Moment of Truth, Nov. 16-18 in Arlington, Virginia. Employers, coalition leaders, policymakers and healthcare experts from across the nation will gather to review policy and affordability challenges and identify steps employers can take to address rising costs.

Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF and incoming CEO beginning in January, will open the main program with an analysis of the post-midterm federal health policy landscape and its implications for affordability. Pearson, executive director of the Peterson Center on Healthcare, will join Jenny Goins, interim president and CEO of the National Alliance, to discuss how philanthropy and employers can work together to advance affordable, high-value care.

The 2026 theme reflects a pivotal moment for employers. With greater access to healthcare information, purchasers have an opportunity to challenge unsustainable prices and demand greater affordability, quality and accountability.

"Employers have more healthcare data than ever, but information only matters when it leads to actionable decisions," said Goins. "This year's Forum will help purchasers see the system more clearly, ask tougher questions and act boldly to improve affordability, quality and accountability for working families."

Through plenary sessions, breakouts and workshops, attendees will gain practical insights into federal policy and affordability, employer fiduciary oversight, pharmacy benefit manager transparency, the future of the 340B program, biosimilars, artificial intelligence in benefits decision-making, claims data and high-cost claims.

Forum session highlights include:

From Policy to Progress: Federal Leadership and the Future of Healthcare Affordability
Back to the Future: Reclaiming the Patient-Centered Mission of 340B
An Employer Case Study: Framework for Procuring AI Predictive Health Models
Beyond Rebates: How to Move From Maximizing Rebates to Maximizing Clinical Value
From Promise to Practice: How Employers Can Unlock Savings Through a Biosimilars-First Strategy
Defining Transparency: What Employers Should Expect From Their PBM

The event begins Nov. 16 with an employer-only pre-forum workshop offering practical strategies for managing high-cost claims, including oncology and other complex care needs.

Employers and other healthcare purchasers affiliated with a National Alliance member coalition receive discounted registration for the Annual Forum. Review the agenda and register at the 2026 Annual Forum website.

About National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions
For more than 30 years, the National Alliance has brought together business coalitions and their employer and purchaser members to drive high-quality healthcare that enhances patient experience, promotes health equity, and improves outcomes while lowering costs. Its members represent public and private sectors, nonprofits, and labor unions that provide health benefits to more than 90 million Americans - more than half of the employer-sponsored insurance market - spending over $850 billion annually. To learn more, visit the organization site and connect on LinkedIn.

SOURCE National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions