Jim Hammond has more than 35 years of local experience in the payor-provider field of healthcare administration. As the managing consultant and founder of Professional Healthcare Solutions, Jim lends his experience and expertise in value-based insurance design and contracting to payors and providers of all types, including medical management companies, Medicaid health plans, commercial health plans, physicians, large group practices, urgent care centers, alternative care providers, IPAs and integrated delivery systems.

Public Health Challenges in the Misinformation Age

Will Humble is the Executive Director for the Arizona Public Health Association has 35 years in public health, including more than 2 decades at the Arizona Department of Health Services, where he served in various capacities, including as the Agency Director from 2009 to 2015. After leaving the ADHS in March of 2015, Humble served as a health policy director at the University of Arizona from 2015 to 2017. He became Executive Director of the Arizona Public Health Association in 2017 and continues his academic affiliation as Adjunct Faculty with The University of Arizona’s Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

Arizona Medicaid Update

Virginia “Ginny” Rountree, the new Director of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), will join us. She returns to AHCCCS after serving as the assistant director of the Division of Health Care Management. Ginny’s deep knowledge of Arizona’s Medicaid system and longstanding commitment to public service give her a keen insight into how state and federal policy changes are shaping AHCCCS, Arizona’s $18.3 billion Medicaid program serving nearly two million residents. Learn about the agency’s flagship programs, AHCCCS Complete Care and the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS), which together deliver integrated medical and long-term care services for nearly 2 million Arizonans.

Arizona Medicare Advantage Update

Paul Rose is the visionary CEO and Managing Partner of Western Asset Protection (WAP), one of the largest and most respected Medicare-focused FMOs in the Southwest. With more than two decades of industry experience, Paul is a nationally recognized leader in Medicare distribution, agency development, and agent empowerment. With a 360-degree view of the industry and a deep understanding of every stakeholder’s challenges, from agents and agencies to carriers and clients, Paul has also become a trusted mentor and coach to thousands of agents and agency leaders in Arizona and across the Southwest.

Arizona Hospitals & Health Systems

Helena Whitney is the senior vice president of policy and advocacy for the Arizona Hospital & Healthcare Association (AzHHA). Whitney leads the development of policy positions on behalf of AzHHA member hospitals by tackling priority issues facing its members. Whitney also has deep expertise in both Arizona and federal health policy.