2026 Convention Highlights: Record attendance, federal policy shifts, a glimpse into the future and a shared mission
We just wrapped up our 2026 annual convention, and I’m still energized by the two days we spent together. This year, more people participated than ever before, setting a new attendance record for OAHP.
I think that speaks to the quality of the programming and the value people in our industry place on meeting in person to learn, share and connect. For some of our health plan leaders, the convention is one of the few times each year they see one another face to face. I think we lose something when we don’t connect in person, so I’m glad that so many people made the time to attend.
In addition to our presenting sponsor, Provide A Ride, more than 40 other companies supported the convention as sponsors. Many of them told me that ours is one of the best-organized conventions they attend all year, and these folks attend a lot of them. They especially appreciated the chance to connect with our health plan members and complimented the plans on their engagement. That kind of dialogue and networking is exactly what we strive for.
Highlights from the agenda
The agenda covered a lot of ground. We opened with a federal health policy outlook. National experts assessed how H.R.1, the federal budget bill, is being implemented and how major changes in Medicaid are likely to have a ripple effect on the commercial market.
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Sherene McHenry, introduced five types of people we encounter at work and gave us practical tools for working with each. She explained that when leaders and teams are equipped to interact more effectively, people and organizations flourish. I’m guessing everyone was able to recognize themselves, their bosses and their co-workers in those five personality types.
Our media panel was a big hit, as always. This year we had journalists with both statewide and national scopes. They talked about Ohio’s senate and gubernatorial elections and provided great insight on how national politics could impact their outcomes. It was a great conversation about what looks to be a very impactful election cycle!
Wednesday’s State of Aging in Ohio presentation by AARP offered timely insights on the state’s older population and what an economic force they are. That’s particularly relevant now that MyCare rolled out statewide on Aug. 1. We also learned more about how Ohio earned its status as one of AARP’s age friendly states.
I was especially taken by our final speaker, Dr. David Staley, a futurist whose comments were both a bit frightening and exciting. He argued that fears of an “AI apocalypse” are overblown and shared that quantum computing aided by AI could has the potential for incredible breakthroughs. For example, he described how AI is advancing bio-coding, like the work behind the mRNA vaccines for COVID-19. His presentation and predictions had a lot of attendees talking!
And, of course, there was our special evening event, where once again the health plans and our sponsors dusted off their bowling shoes and hit the alleys. The competitive spirit is alive and well among our group, and it was fun to discover who has a secret talent for the sport.
Recognizing innovative healthcare solutions
As always, we closed the convention with our Pinnacle Awards. For me, this year’s winners, Buckeye Health Plan and CareSource, stood out for the brilliance of their programs’ simplicity. Both found relatively straightforward solutions to complex healthcare problems.
Buckeye’s Healthy Homes program found that children with asthma were landing in the ER and missing school too often, partly because of mold, pests and poor air quality at home. Community health workers visited families and provided simple fixes such as dehumidifiers, air purifiers and allergen-reducing bedding. Asthma-related ER visits among participating children dropped 75%. It was proof that common sense, accessible solutions can make a huge difference!
CareSource’s Housing Stability Program recognizes that housing instability goes hand-in-hand with poor health outcomes. So, it offers members financial assistance to catch up on rent or secure stable housing before a housing crisis becomes a health crisis. Thanks to the grants, about 90% of participating households were still stably housed six months after receiving help. It was amazing to see how even a very small amount of financial support was able to help a member get back on track.
Closing thoughts
Over the two days, as I listened to speakers and talked with attendees, I was reminded that everyone in the room has the same goal. We’re all part of an ecosystem meant to help people achieve better health outcomes. That includes health plans, sponsors and vendors alike. Transportation companies help people get to their appointments. IT companies make sure billing and coding work so getting care is as smooth as possible. Pharmaceutical companies make products that help people get healthier.
It’s easy to think of ourselves in silos and forget that what we’re doing together really matters. But the annual convention makes it crystal clear: We’re all in the business of helping people get and stay healthy. I’m grateful to be part of such coordinated and impactful work.
And I’m especially grateful for all of the dedication and hard work that my team at OAHP puts into making the annual convention a huge success. They do a fantastic job!
