View 2024 Agenda | The Star Ratings Master Class | A RISE Health Conference

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The 15th Annual RISE Star Ratings Master Class
December 8-10, 2024
Scottsdale, AZ

Past Agenda

Sunday - December 8, 2024

10:00 AM 7:30 PM

9:00 AM 6:30 PM

8:00 AM 5:30 PM

7:00 AM 4:30 PM

Registration Open

Location: Alhambra Ballroom Foyer

Preconference Workshop Registration Desk Hours: 8:00AM - 1:30PM

Additional Registration Required

Main Conference Registration Desk Hours: 1:30PM - 5:30PM

11:00 AM 2:30 PM

10:00 AM 1:30 PM

9:00 AM 12:30 PM

8:00 AM 11:30 AM

Workshop A: Deep Dive into HEDIS Quality and Stars Data

Location: Valencia Ballroom A - B

*Additional Registration Required 

  • Dive into the data sources of HEDIS, Stars, and other quality programs 
  • Explore how to get the right data and use it the right way, identifying new data sources that can help and validating it as complete 
  • Review rates and examine data sources behind calculations, from claims and enrollment data to surveys, and exclusion databases, and more 
  • Discuss data sources, how to know it’s correct, and how to improve it to ensure rates are accurate 
  • Gain a deep knowledge of data needed to successfully deliver an on-time an accurate HEDIS submission 
  • Understand why your Stars results may differ from what CMS tells you they are 
  • Learn how to bring in new data sources to successfully report the new clinical measures 

 

Melissa Smith, Founder, Senior Advisor
Newton Smith Group

 

Liz Carr, VP of Product Delivery & Customer Experience 
Ingenia 

2:30 PM 3:30 PM

1:30 PM 2:30 PM

12:30 PM 1:30 PM

11:30 AM 12:30 PM

Networking Lunch (Preconference Workshop Attendees Only)

Location: Sevilla

3:30 PM 7:00 PM

2:30 PM 6:00 PM

1:30 PM 5:00 PM

12:30 PM 4:00 PM

Workshop B: Stars Math and Strategy: Work Smarter, Not Harder 

Location: Valencia Ballroom A - B

*Additional Registration Required

 

  • Build a foundation of Stars knowledge together and recognize that true success lies far beyond the basics, focusing on foundational measures but also broad performance levers unique to Stars that have the potential to add or subtract dozens of points to your overall Stars score  
  • Examine performance levers including the 5-weighted Quality Improvement (QI) measures, the Reward Factor (RF), and the upcoming Health Equity Index (HEI)    
  • Take advantage of best-practice strategies that exist across the different domains and discuss innovative examples to apply immediately  
  • Receive a customized plan-specific workbook that evaluates the basic and advanced Stars applications and how they apply to your specific contract(s)  

 

Nate Lucena, Chief Strategy & Analytics Officer 

Rex Wallace Consulting 

 

Angelo Rexach, MS, Medicare Star Ratings Policy and Analytics Consultant 

Rex Wallace Consulting 

 

Jennifer Nguyen, MPH, CHES, Star Ratings Consultant 

Rex Wallace Consulting 

 

Paige Caprara, Quality Improvement Consultant 

Rex Wallace Consulting 

 

Mick Twomey, Chief Executive Officer  
Hyperlift 

 

Josh Renken, President 
Hyperlift 

 

Phil Collins, Director, Customer Success
Hyperlift 

7:00 PM 8:00 PM

6:00 PM 7:00 PM

5:00 PM 6:00 PM

4:00 PM 5:00 PM

Welcome Reception (All Conference Attendees Invited)

Location: Alhambra Ballroom 

Join us for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and face-to-face networking with peers.

Monday - December 9, 2024

9:45 AM 7:00 PM

8:45 AM 6:00 PM

7:45 AM 5:00 PM

6:45 AM 4:00 PM

Registration Open

Location: Alhambra Ballroom Foyer

9:45 AM 8:00 PM

8:45 AM 7:00 PM

7:45 AM 6:00 PM

6:45 AM 5:00 PM

Exhibit Hall Open

Location: Alhambra Ballroom

9:45 AM 10:45 AM

8:45 AM 9:45 AM

7:45 AM 8:45 AM

6:45 AM 7:45 AM

Networking Breakfast

Location: Alhambra Ballroom

10:45 AM 11:00 AM

9:45 AM 10:00 AM

8:45 AM 9:00 AM

7:45 AM 8:00 AM

Welcome Remarks

Location: Valencia Ballroom A-B

 

Daniel Weaver, SVP Stars and Quality 

Zing Health 

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

10:00 AM 11:00 AM

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

Stars Shine Brightest in the Dark: Finding Productive Joy

Location: Valencia Ballroom A-B

  • Shift culture positively 
  • Take talents into consideration 
  • Activate your voice  
  • Recognize your people 

 

Dr. Christie McMullen 
CEO: AIM...Analyze, Improve, Move 

12:00 PM 12:50 PM

11:00 AM 11:50 AM

10:00 AM 10:50 AM

9:00 AM 9:50 AM

Regulatory Update: The Latest, Greatest, and Weightiest Stars Changes for 2025

Location: Valencia Ballroom A-B

  • Unpack the latest finalized and proposed Star Ratings changes as well as the implications for health plans 
  • Turn regulatory requirements into opportunities to address care caps, improve member experience, and reduce disparities 
  • Recognize the financial implications of upcoming changes and how to optimize quality improvement dollars 

 

Ana Handshuh, Principal 
CAT5 Strategies 

 

Melissa Smith, Founder, Senior Advisor 
Newton Smith Group 

12:50 PM 1:10 PM

11:50 AM 12:10 PM

10:50 AM 11:10 AM

9:50 AM 10:10 AM

Networking Break

Location: Alhambra Ballroom

1:10 PM 2:00 PM

12:10 PM 1:00 PM

11:10 AM 12:00 PM

10:10 AM 11:00 AM

Unpacking 2024’s Star Ratings CMS Legal Action

Location: Valencia Ballroom A-B

  • Discuss the latest updates on the CMS Stars-related lawsuits, including any appeals underway 
  • Recognize how the lawsuits impacted plans in 2024 and what they mean for the future of the Star Ratings program 
  • Discuss the steps plans can take to challenge CMS when they disagree  

 

Daniel Weaver, SVP Stars and Quality 
Zing Health 

 

Rex Wallace, CEO
Rex Wallace Consulting 

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

1:00 PM 2:00 PM

12:00 PM 1:00 PM

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

Networking Lunch

Location: Alhambra Ballroom

Concurrent Sessions 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Track A: Jack Newsom, ScD, Partner, Engagys
Track B: Mallory Mueller, BSN, RN, Vice President of Population Health and Equity, Healthmine 
Track C: Ryan C. Dodson, CRC, Chief Operating Officer/Co-Founder, New Vision Healthcare Solutions 

Track Chairs:

3:00 PM 3:45 PM

2:00 PM 2:45 PM

1:00 PM 1:45 PM

12:00 PM 12:45 PM

Track A

The Constellation for Success; Charting a Path to Five Stars

Location: Valencia Ballroom A-B

• Discuss three key strategies to improve HEDIS Star performance
• Learn specific tactics for triple-weighted PCR interventions and opportunities
• Review provider engagement strategies that improve patient care, close care gaps, and achieve numerator compliance

 

Stephen P. Winn, CPHQ, Senior Director, Quality  
Permanente Medicine 

3:00 PM 3:45 PM

2:00 PM 2:45 PM

1:00 PM 1:45 PM

12:00 PM 12:45 PM

Track B

Closing Care Gaps by Motivating Member Behavior Change

Location: Valencia Ballroom C

  • Explore a framework to apply principles of behavioral science to your strategy for addressing care-gap closure
  • Put principles into practice and discover how healthcare companies can take action to close care gaps using behavioral science
  • Learn the science behind member motivation and how it applies to improving health outcomes across the board

 

Kate Wolin, ScD, Senior Advisor
Wellth

 

Katie Martin, Vice President, Quality 
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan 

3:00 PM 3:45 PM

2:00 PM 2:45 PM

1:00 PM 1:45 PM

12:00 PM 12:45 PM

Track C

Panel: Moving the Med Adherence Needle

Location: Sevilla

  • Discuss how plans can successfully get resources they need, especially for health equity stratification
  • Explore what innovative approaches health plans are implementing that are showing signs of success
  • Explore how AI and behavioral science can be used to improve medication adherence

 

Moderator:

Kempton Presley, MPH, MS, Chief Strategy Officer, Office of the President, AdhereHealth

Adjunct Professor, Data Science, Vanderbilt University

 

Panelists

Kyra Valdez-Shipp, RN, MSN, CCM, Founder & Principal

Peak Performance Solutions Group

 

Melissa Skelton Duke, PharmD, MS, BCPS, FAPhA, Executive Director, Stars Strategy 

Banner Medicare Advantage Health Plans  

3:45 PM 3:50 PM

2:45 PM 2:50 PM

1:45 PM 1:50 PM

12:45 PM 12:50 PM

Transition Break

Concurrent Sessions 3:50 PM - 4:35 PM 2:50 PM - 3:35 PM 1:50 PM - 2:35 PM 12:50 PM - 1:35 PM

Track A: Jack Newsom, ScD, Partner, Engagys
Track B: Mallory Mueller, BSN, RN, Vice President of Population Health and Equity, Healthmine 
Track C: Ryan C. Dodson, CRC, Chief Operating Officer/Co-Founder, New Vision Healthcare Solutions 

Track Chairs:

3:50 PM 4:35 PM

2:50 PM 3:35 PM

1:50 PM 2:35 PM

12:50 PM 1:35 PM

Track A

You CAN Do It!: A Simpler Approach to Stars

Location: Valencia Ballroom A-B

  • Recognize how Stars Strategy teams can partner with their data SMEs to optimize Stars management 
  • Build your annual Star team workplan according to your team’s level of maturity—and learn how to take your program to the next level 
  • Explore a few simple approaches to projecting cut-points and learn how to make meaningful projections 
  • Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and use analytics to support your arguments to leadership or CMS 

 

Katherine Lanza, MPH, Manager, Medicare Stars 
Blue Shield of California 

 

David Kao, Principal Program Manager, Clinical Quality 
Blue Shield of California 

 

3:50 PM 4:35 PM

2:50 PM 3:35 PM

1:50 PM 2:35 PM

12:50 PM 1:35 PM

Track B

The Journey to 100%: How CareFirst Earned Perfect Compliance on a Critical Quality Measure

Location: Valencia Ballroom C

  • Understand what the Call Center - FLL/TTY Availability measure is and why it’s one of the easiest measures to influence if you have the right internal prioritization
  • Hear from CareFirst on how it reached 100% compliance with the measure through a strong oversight program and a strategic consultative partnership, and the impact it had on the plan’s Star Ratings
  • Identify next steps to implement operational changes that will help your organization improve on this measure

 

LaShawn Moore, Project Manager, Stars, Quality, and Risk Adjustment 

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield 

 

Ana Berridge, Executive Advisor, Consulting and Professional Services 

Healthmine 

3:50 PM 4:35 PM

2:50 PM 3:35 PM

1:50 PM 2:35 PM

12:50 PM 1:35 PM

Track C

Unifying Risk and Quality: Strategies for Success

Location: Sevilla

  • Implement a top-down strategy and securing organizational buy-in for cohesive risk and quality management 
  • Coordinate inter-departmental efforts and aligning resources for effective outcomes 
  • Leverage data to drive actionable insights and streamline operational processes 

 

Elissa Toder, VP of Quality Improvement Strategies 

Reveleer 

 

Jessica Columbus, LVN, CCS-P, CRC, CPHQ, VP, Value Based Care Operations 

Memorial Herman Health Plan/Apex Health Solutions 

Concurrent Sessions 4:35 PM - 4:50 PM 3:35 PM - 3:50 PM 2:35 PM - 2:50 PM 1:35 PM - 1:50 PM

Track A: Jack Newsom, ScD, Partner, Engagys
Track B: Mallory Mueller, BSN, RN, Vice President of Population Health and Equity, Healthmine 
Track C: Ryan C. Dodson, CRC, Chief Operating Officer/Co-Founder, New Vision Healthcare Solutions 

Track Chairs:

4:35 PM 4:50 PM

3:35 PM 3:50 PM

2:35 PM 2:50 PM

1:35 PM 1:50 PM

Track A

Tools & Tech Spotlight

Location: Valencia Ballroom A-B

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization. 

 

Eddie Maria, Head of Sales 
Birdsong Hearing Benefits 

4:35 PM 4:50 PM

3:35 PM 3:50 PM

2:35 PM 2:50 PM

1:35 PM 1:50 PM

Track B

Tools & Tech Spotlight

Location: Valencia Ballroom C

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization.

 

Nick DiMauro, Director of Sales 

Medline 

4:35 PM 4:50 PM

3:35 PM 3:50 PM

2:35 PM 2:50 PM

1:35 PM 1:50 PM

Track C

Tools & Tech Spotlight

Location: Sevilla

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization.

 

Carmen Martinez, MSN, RN, NI-BC, CCM, CPHQ, Product Manager
MedOrion

 

Dave Burianek, Senior Vice President 
MedOrion 

4:50 PM 5:10 PM

3:50 PM 4:10 PM

2:50 PM 3:10 PM

1:50 PM 2:10 PM

Networking Break

Location: Alhambra Ballroom

Concurrent Sessions 5:10 PM - 5:55 PM 4:10 PM - 4:55 PM 3:10 PM - 3:55 PM 2:10 PM - 2:55 PM

Track A: Jack Newsom, ScD, Partner, Engagys
Track B: Mallory Mueller, BSN, RN, Vice President of Population Health and Equity, Healthmine 
Track C: Ryan C. Dodson, CRC, Chief Operating Officer/Co-Founder, New Vision Healthcare Solutions 

Track Chairs:

5:10 PM 5:55 PM

4:10 PM 4:55 PM

3:10 PM 3:55 PM

2:10 PM 2:55 PM

Track A

Prepare a Winning HEDIS Star Strategy for Today and Tomorrow

Location: Valencia Ballroom A-B

  • Learn how to leverage digital clinical data sources, case management data, HRA data, and cross-cutting and measure-specific exclusion data mining
  • Discover how to be successful on the current and future ECDS Star measures
  • Review improvement strategies for all current HEDIS Star measures and future HEDIS Star measures

 

Katharine Iskrant, Practice Leader
Healthy People, Inc.

 

Rhonda Farrar, Clinical HEDIS Supervisor
Healthy People, Inc. 

5:10 PM 5:55 PM

4:10 PM 4:55 PM

3:10 PM 3:55 PM

2:10 PM 2:55 PM

Track B

Case Study: Leveraging Digital Chart Data to Bridge the Gap: Optimizing Risk Adjustment and Quality Performance

Location: Valencia Ballroom C

  • Understand the importance of accurate risk adjustment and quality performance in healthcare 
  • Develop strategies to automate and streamline processes to improve efficiency and overall performance in risk adjustment and quality operations 
  • Adhere to regulatory requirements and mitigate compliance risks specific to digital retrieval efforts 

 

Shannon I. Decker, PhD, MBA, MBA, MEd, MEd, Founder & CEO 

VBC One 

 

Arlene Godinez, Sr. Program Manager 

VBC One 

5:10 PM 5:55 PM

4:10 PM 4:55 PM

3:10 PM 3:55 PM

2:10 PM 2:55 PM

Track C

Building Healthy Communities through Health Equity

Location: Sevilla

  • Discuss opportunities to serve underserved communities and populations
  • Develop outreach efforts to increase engagement and activation
  • Learn how to promote culturally and linguistically appropriate care to diverse communities

 

Moderator: 
Darren Wethers, CEO 
Wethers Consulting, LLC 

 
Panelists: 

Traco Matthews, Chief Health Equity Officer
Kern Health Systems

 

Tina Dueringer, RN, BSN, CCM, PCC, CEO, Principal Advisor
Dueringer Advisors, Inc

 

Nikki Hungate, MHA, EdD, Product & Quality Strategy Consultant 
FarmboxRx

5:55 PM 6:00 PM

4:55 PM 5:00 PM

3:55 PM 4:00 PM

2:55 PM 3:00 PM

Transition Break

Concurrent Sessions 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM 5:00 PM - 5:45 PM 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Track A: Jack Newsom, ScD, Partner, Engagys
Track B: Mallory Mueller, BSN, RN, Vice President of Population Health and Equity, Healthmine 
Track C: Ryan C. Dodson, CRC, Chief Operating Officer/Co-Founder, New Vision Healthcare Solutions 

Track Chairs:

6:00 PM 6:45 PM

5:00 PM 5:45 PM

4:00 PM 4:45 PM

3:00 PM 3:45 PM

Track A

Oversampling: Your Questions Answered

Location: Valencia Ballroom A-B

  • Discuss the concept of survey oversampling: What is it and how it fits into Star Ratings
  • Learn when to oversample and identify potential performance impacts
  • Review oversample outcomes and support adjustments to your oversample strategy moving forward

 

Heidi Salerno, Member Experience Consultant

Rex Wallace Consulting

 

Ryan Bernstein, Consultant

Rex Wallace Consulting

6:00 PM 6:45 PM

5:00 PM 5:45 PM

4:00 PM 4:45 PM

3:00 PM 3:45 PM

Track B

Charting the Path Forward: Succeeding in a Health Equity Index Reward Framework

Location: Valencia Ballroom C

  • Navigate the new Health Equity Index (HEI) reward amid evolving industry perspectives and uncertainty
  • Understand various viewpoints on the HEI reward’s structure and eligibility requirements
  • Leveraging analytics to reduce ambiguity, inform outreach, and support strategic decision-making
  • Explore how HEI considerations are shaping Stars strategies for Special Needs Plans organizations

 

Susan Yates Miller, Director, Medicare Stars  
CareOregon 

 

Deborah Paone, DrPH, MHSA, Performance Evaluation Lead and Policy Consultant (V) 
SNP Alliance 

 

Daniela Simpson, MA, MBA, Senior Consultant 
Wakely 

 

Christina Byrne, ASA, MAAA, Consulting Actuary 
Wakely

 

6:00 PM 6:45 PM

5:00 PM 5:45 PM

4:00 PM 4:45 PM

3:00 PM 3:45 PM

Track C

Navigating 2025 Changes in Supplemental Benefits, Dual Enrollment SEPs, and the Medicare Advantage Landscape: Putting Members First for Star Ratings Success

Location: Sevilla

  • Untangle the web of regulations shaping supplemental benefits and influencing Star Ratings
  • Strike the perfect balance between compliance, creativity, and enhancing member experience
  • Find hidden gems: Streamline processes to support Star Ratings and reduce administrative hassles
  • Spot the good, the bad, and the red flags to boost Star Ratings and mitigate negative CAHPS feedback

 

Jessica Assefa, President and Senior Consultant
Ameropia Advisors, LLC

Concurrent Sessions 6:45 PM - 7:00 PM 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM 3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Track Chairs:

6:45 PM 7:00 PM

5:45 PM 6:00 PM

4:45 PM 5:00 PM

3:45 PM 4:00 PM

Track A

Tools & Technology Spotlights

Location: Valencia Ballroom A-B

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization.

 

Claude Pinnock, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer
Wider Circle

6:45 PM 7:00 PM

5:45 PM 6:00 PM

4:45 PM 5:00 PM

3:45 PM 4:00 PM

Track B

Closing Remarks

Location: Valencia Ballroom C

 

Mallory Mueller, BSN, RN, Vice President of Population Health and Equity

Healthmine 

6:45 PM 7:00 PM

5:45 PM 6:00 PM

4:45 PM 5:00 PM

3:45 PM 4:00 PM

Track C

Tools & Technology Spotlights

Location: Sevilla

 

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization. 

 

Scott Cummings, CEO 

NexTalk 

 

7:00 PM 8:00 PM

6:00 PM 7:00 PM

5:00 PM 6:00 PM

4:00 PM 5:00 PM

Holiday Cocktail Reception and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Drive

Location: Alhambra Ballroom

Join us for festive drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and face-to-face networking with peers.

Tuesday - December 10, 2024

9:00 AM 1:00 PM

8:00 AM 12:00 PM

7:00 AM 11:00 AM

6:00 AM 10:00 AM

Registration Open

Location: Alhambra Ballroom Foyer

9:00 AM 3:00 PM

8:00 AM 2:00 PM

7:00 AM 1:00 PM

6:00 AM 12:00 PM

Exhibit Hall Open

Location: Alhambra Ballroom

9:00 AM 10:00 AM

8:00 AM 9:00 AM

7:00 AM 8:00 AM

6:00 AM 7:00 AM

Networking Breakfast

Location: Alhambra Ballroom

10:00 AM 10:15 AM

9:00 AM 9:15 AM

8:00 AM 8:15 AM

7:00 AM 7:15 AM

Welcome Remarks

Location: Valencia Ballroom A - B

 

Daniel Weaver, SVP Stars and Quality 

Zing Health

10:15 AM 11:15 AM

9:15 AM 10:15 AM

8:15 AM 9:15 AM

7:15 AM 8:15 AM

The Innovation Journey to Consistently High Star Ratings

Location: Valencia Ballroom A - B

  • Explore the association between innovation capabilities and Star Ratings 
  • Understand what innovation is, and the interdependence between innovation and operational capabilities  
  • Appreciate that the Stars program creates an evolutionary environment, where only the fittest plans will survive, and that survival depends on adaptability 
  • Discuss a multi-phase maturity model for innovation and envisage the next steps on your innovation maturity journey 

 

Peet van Biljon, Adjunct Professor
Georgetown University, McCourt School of Public Policy 

 

Rex Wallace, CEO
Rex Wallace Consulting  

11:15 AM 12:05 PM

10:15 AM 11:05 AM

9:15 AM 10:05 AM

8:15 AM 9:05 AM

Mastering CAHPS, HOS, and HEI: Unbeatable Strategies for Top Star Ratings

Location: Valencia Ballroom A - B

  • Discuss why—and how—to focus both short and long-term plans around member experience and CAHPS improvement as the foundation of their Star Ratings and enrollment strategy 
  • Explore how Star Ratings 2027 will once again be significantly impacted by HOS measures and strategic approaches to ongoing HOS measurement and improvement strategies to start now to impact those ratings 
  • Develop a plan to identify targeted members with HEI social risk factors and eliminate disparities will be a critical part of a plans successful Stars strategy regardless of whether your plan qualifies for the reward factor 

 

Raheleh Barznia, MPH, Senior Manager, Clinical Quality Member Experience 
Blue Shield of California 

 

David Larsen, Senior Advisor, Member Experience
Press Ganey

 

Adam Higman, Partner, Strategic Consulting
Press Ganey

12:05 PM 12:20 PM

11:05 AM 11:20 AM

10:05 AM 10:20 AM

9:05 AM 9:20 AM

Tools & Technology Spotlights

Location: Valencia Ballroom A - B

Leading service providers will showcase their offerings in a quick-pitch setting. Evaluate the latest and greatest tech tools to bring back to your organization. 

 

Amanda Rees, Co-founder and CEO 
Bold 

 

Jessica Assefa, President and Senior Consultant
Ameropia Advisors, LLC

12:20 PM 12:40 PM

11:20 AM 11:40 AM

10:20 AM 10:40 AM

9:20 AM 9:40 AM

Networking Break

Location: Alhambra Ballroom

12:40 PM 2:00 PM

11:40 AM 1:00 PM

10:40 AM 12:00 PM

9:40 AM 11:00 AM

Medicare Masters II: The Ultimate Star Rating Showdown

Location: Valencia Ballroom A - B

Back by popular demand, "Medicare Masters" returns with even more excitement and challenges! Join us for an engaging and educational experience designed for Star Rating professionals and enthusiasts alike. This interactive activity provides a unique opportunity to delve into the world of Medicare Advantage plan management in a fun and collaborative environment. 

This year, participants will have the chance to silo-bust their way to 5-stars and compete for year-long bragging rights and a trophy in the second annual Medicare Masters! The competition will be tougher than last year, with twists, turns, and a bit of calamity, ensuring a thrilling experience for all. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of how to navigate Star Ratings for 2026, along with valuable insights and a recap of what Stars teams experienced in 2024. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn, compete, and have fun! 

 

Ana Handshuh, Principal 
CAT5 Strategies 

 

Jenn Kerfoot, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer 
DUOS 

2:00 PM 3:00 PM

1:00 PM 2:00 PM

12:00 PM 1:00 PM

11:00 AM 12:00 PM

Networking Lunch

Location: Alhambra Ballroom

3:00 PM 3:45 PM

2:00 PM 2:45 PM

1:00 PM 1:45 PM

12:00 PM 12:45 PM

Boosting Stars Success: Navigate Change, Overcome Challenges, Achieve Results

Location: Valencia Ballroom A - B

  • Understand the latest updates in the CMS Stars program, including new, retired, and adjusted measures impacting 2024 and beyond
  • Explore the impact of the Health Equity Index (HEI) on Stars ratings, with an emphasis on advancing health equity goals
  • Apply proven strategies and best practices from real-world case studies to optimize Stars ratings, improving member engagement and satisfaction

 

Jack Newsom, ScD, Partner 

Engagys 

 

Michael Currie, former Chief Health Equity Officer

National Health Plan

3:45 PM 4:30 PM

2:45 PM 3:30 PM

1:45 PM 2:30 PM

12:45 PM 1:30 PM

How to Optimize Part D and HEDIS Pharmacy Star Measures

Location: Valencia Ballroom A - B

  • Review pharmacy measure optimization for the Medicare Part D Star measures and HEDIS pharmacy measures  
  • Discuss how to collaborate with your pharmacy teams and provider groups to synergize efforts to ensure member medication regimes are aligned with quality measure requirements  
  • Learn how to leverage technology to partner with members to achieve medication adherence  
  • Review how to improve health plan pharmacy initiative and provider documentation to meet the pharmacy quality measure numerators  

 

Savannah Gonsalves, MHA, BSN, RN, Director of Quality Improvement
Hometown Health

 

Katharine Iskrant, Practice Leader 
Healthy People, Inc. 

 

Rhonda Farrar, Clinical HEDIS Supervisor 
Healthy People, Inc.  

4:30 PM 4:40 PM

3:30 PM 3:40 PM

2:30 PM 2:40 PM

1:30 PM 1:40 PM

Closing Remarks

Location: Valencia Ballroom A - B

 

Jack Newsom, ScD, Partner 

Engagys