Capitol Conversations

May 1, 2025
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) Reform

We focused on the urgent need for comprehensive PBM reform.

Panelists shared insights from the patient, federal legislative, media and ethical PBM perspective — covering everything from the employer’s role to state-level differences and real-world patient impact.

A key takeaway? Patient advocacy groups and NGOs are the most trusted messengers — and essential to driving education, dialogue and reform.

Moderator: Meg Eckenroad, Senior Advisor, Health Policy, Innovation and Technology, HealthyWomen

Panelists:

Blake K. Thelander, Legislative Director, U.S. House of Representatives — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01)

Charles Husser, Federal Affairs Manager, the Arthritis Foundation

Mike Stancil, Vice President of Strategic Alliances, AffirmedRx

Jerry Rogers, Editor, RealClearPolicy

For more on why PBM reform matters and what comes next, read our op-ed: https://lnkd.in/e5mRS4zR

April 8, 2025
Maintaining Investments in New Innovation (MINI) Act

We gathered leading physician, patient and policy voices to discuss the importance of improving cardiovascular health in this country and how the MINI Act (H.R. 1672) is one way to support continued innovation and advancements in cardiovascular and other genetic diseases impacting women.

A key takeaway? Passing the MINI Act would support women’s health research and innovation.

Moderator: Beth Battaglino, RN-C, CEO, HealthyWomen

Panelists:

Hannah Spengler, Chief of Staff to Representative Don Davis, North Carolina's First Congressional District

Ashlie White, Chief Strategy and Programs Officer, Amputee Coalition

Ashira Vantrees, Director of Legal Strategy & Advocacy, Aimed Alliance