The 14th Annual Business of Health Care Conference, held on January 24, 2025, at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, proved to be an invaluable gathering for health care professionals, policymakers, and business leaders. This year’s event continued its tradition of providing an insightful platform for exploring the complex intersection of healthcare delivery, economics, and innovation. Taking place only four days after the U.S. presidential inauguration, the conference offered a timely opportunity to examine how the elections will impact the U.S. health care landscape in 2025 and beyond.
The conference brought together a diverse group of experts from across the healthcare spectrum, including hospital administrators, insurance executives, technology innovators, and academic scholars, all focused on addressing the pressing issues facing the industry. The theme for this year’s conference was Post Election.
Introductory remarks were delivered by David Wagner Market President Florida Blue – South Florida, who highlighted the increasing importance of collaboration between healthcare providers, tech companies, and policymakers to solve complex challenges. He emphasized the critical need for a more inclusive approach to healthcare reform, one that integrates technological advancements and new business models to ensure better care delivery.
The first keynote panel discussion was entitled The Election impact on Health Care and featured Patrick J. Geraghty President and Chief Executive Officer, GuideWell and Florida Blue; Virginia A. Caine, MD President, National Medical Association; Halee Fischer-Wright, MD President and Chief Executive Officer, Medical Group Management Association; and Jennifer Mensik Kennedy President, American Nurses Association.
The second keynote panel discussion was entitled Navigating in 2025 and Beyond. Featured speakers at this panel included Mike Tuffin President and Chief Executive Officer America’s Health Insurance Plans; Mary C. Mayhew President and Chief Executive Officer Florida Hospital Association; Steven Landers, M.D. Chief Executive Officer National Alliance for Care at Home; and C. Ann Jordan, JD, President and CEO Healthcare Financial Management Association.
The highlight of the day was the Lightening Round Q&A led by Steven G. Ullmann, Professor and Director, Center for Health Management and Policy, Miami Herbert Business School and Karoline Mortensen and Associate Dean and Professor, also of the Miami Herbert Business School
Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to network as the event started with breakfast, there were two coffee breaks and lunch was served. The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Ullman.
As the conference wrapped up, it was clear that the business of health care is at a pivotal moment. The discussions at the 14th Annual Business of Health Care Conference provided a cautiously optimistic outlook on how the industry can navigate future challenges and create a better healthcare system.