On May 20, the PA Chamber welcomed healthcare leaders, employers, policymakers, and industry experts to its annual Healthcare Summit – a forum focused on the evolving healthcare landscape and its implications for Pennsylvania employers and communities.

The day opened with a federal policy update featuring Erin Delaney, Senior Director of Health Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and PA Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Neal Lesher. Their fireside chat explored what emerging federal health care policy developments mean for employers navigating rising costs, workforce challenges, and regulatory change. The discussion included Medicaid funding and the financial pressure on rural hospitals, the likelihood of other major health care policies being enacted in a midterm election year, and how business leaders can best collaborate with policymakers in a politically charged atmosphere.

Attendees then had the opportunity to dive deeper into key issues through two sets of breakout sessions designed to reflect the full healthcare ecosystem – from providers and insurers to employers and consumers.

The first set of breakout sessions focused on innovation and workforce development. One track explored the increasing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges presented by rapid technological advancement. Panelists included David Vega, Chief Medical Officer and SVP at WellSpan Health, and Becky Stametz, Vice President of Digital Transformation at Geisinger, who shared their views on how AI is being used across administrative, clinical, and patient care functions and the steps being taken internally to ensure responsible integration and development. Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, who is also a physician, spoke to legislative efforts that would regulate AI in healthcare. The panel discussion focused on the need for thoughtful policy development that balances oversight with innovation. The PA Chamber has advocated that policies should not create duplicative compliance burdens, higher costs, and operational complexity.

A concurrent session centered on building the healthcare workforce of tomorrow, emphasizing the importance of strong partnerships between educators and providers. Discussions focused on ensuring students are prepared for in-demand healthcare careers while providers continue working to meet the needs of Pennsylvanians. A notable example included Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s new College of Osteopathic Medicine, which aims to train, recruit, and retain physicians in rural communities across the Commonwealth.

The second set of breakout sessions addressed one of the most pressing concerns for employers: healthcare costs. One session examined cost drivers through data and insights from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, helping attendees better understand how expenses are analyzed and managed. Another explored how the current regulatory environment is shaping cost structures across the healthcare system with an overview from the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania.

An additional breakout provided a closer look at provisions in H.R. 1 related to Medicaid expansion, particularly community engagement and redetermination requirements. With changes set to take effect on January 1, 2027, speakers from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Highmark, Temple Health, and Sellers Dorsey helped cut through the complexity to ensure employers and their employees are informed and prepared, with a shared goal of maintaining access to care for Pennsylvanians. They focused specifically on the importance of regular and clear communication with impacted groups, provider readiness, and collaboration between providers.

The summit concluded with a powerful and inspiring keynote from Tom Morris, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Performance at Penn State. Morris shared his personal story of resilience and adopting a positive change mindset following a life-altering mountain biking accident in 2012 that left him paralyzed. His remarks underscored the importance of perseverance, mindset, and overcoming adversity – leaving attendees with a memorable and motivating close to the day.

The PA Chamber extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors who made this event possible: Exclusive Presenting Sponsor Highmark; Gold Sponsor CVS Health; Silver Sponsors WellSpan Health and PA Chamber Insurance; and Break Sponsor McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC.

A gallery of photos from the Healthcare Summit is available here.