The conversations at our In-Value-Able Conference highlighted a consistent theme: employers are working tirelessly to provide meaningful health benefits, as the landscape grows more layered and demanding. Providing strong coverage requires more coordination, resilience, and day-to-day problem solving than ever before. And you continue to adapt and invest as costs rise and the system becomes more complex.
The 2026 In-Value-Able Conference & Expo provided a forum for thought leadership, making new connections, and sharing problem-solving insights. Attendees also heard from nationally recognized leaders exploring innovations shaping the evolving benefits marketplace.
Healthcare isn’t just evolving — it’s accelerating. Costs are rising. Treatment options are expanding. Employees are navigating care differently across generations. And you are being asked to make big decisions with long-lasting impact.
What surfaced time and again during the conference was a commitment to doing the right thing for your people. We want to ensure the benefits offered on paper translate into care that employees can access, understand, and use.
We heard honest frustration around pharmacy benefit management and uncertainty surrounding emerging therapies. We talked about the persistent pattern of emergency room use when primary care or virtual options might be more appropriate. We also acknowledged the reality of a multigenerational workforce — younger employees entering with limited experience navigating the healthcare system and older employees managing increasingly complex chronic conditions.
Across organizations and industries, leaders shared a common understanding: the decisions we make today carry long-term consequences for both cost and employee wellbeing.
At the same time, powerful tools are emerging. Data analytics are becoming more sophisticated. Virtual care continues to improve access and convenience, and artificial intelligence is beginning to improve navigation, streamline administrative processes, and identify risks earlier. When paired with strong communication and human support, these advancements can meaningfully improve outcomes. This is where employers have a critical role — and where Health Action Council stands alongside you as an advocate, guide, and resource.
During breakout sessions and networking breaks, attendees were open and shared their experiences. Some described how Health Action Council support helped untangle complex PBM issues, while others were finding solutions for reducing ER usage.
Our keynote speakers reinforced that innovation in benefits is not just about new technology — it’s about mindset, leadership and resilience.
- Healthcare investor Marcus Whitney challenged us to think broadly about the future of health and the systems shaping it.
- Leadership expert Rich Bracken highlighted how emotional intelligence drives workplace culture and performance.
- Stress physiologist Dr. Rebecca Heiss offered practical, research-backed tools to help leaders and teams reframe stress and uncertainty as drivers of growth.
- Innovation strategist Fiona Stevenson encouraged human-centered thinking to unlock creative solutions, while policy expert Heather Meade grounded the discussion in the regulatory realities that influence employer-sponsored coverage.
Throughout the conference, breakout discussions turned big ideas into practical strategies, from uncovering savings in claims data and developing thoughtful GLP-1 approaches to exploring Food is Medicine initiatives, PBM risks, and hidden cost drivers within health plans. We also introduced our 9th annual white paper, developed in partnership with UnitedHealth Group: “Managing Tomorrow’s Costs Today,” which examines workforce health through generational and gender lenses to help employers answer pressing questions about where cost pressures are building and where meaningful opportunities exist to improve outcomes.
Health Action Council remains focused on translating complexity into clarity. That means helping you understand your data, identify patterns, design effective benefits and programs, advocate on your behalf with partners across the healthcare system and learn from peers.
In the coming months, we’ll continue building on the conversations that took place at this year’s conference and sharing tools, insights, and connections to support your work. As always, we are here as your advocate, connector, and resource. Let us know how we can help.
About the author
Patty Starr
Patty Starr is president and CEO of Health Action Council and is responsible for driving the strategic direction of the organization--build stronger, healthier communities where business can thrive.