2026 Pre-Annual Forum Workshop: High-Cost Claims
THE CHALLENGE
Few employers have the size, resources, or dedicated expertise to effectively manage the rapid rise in high-cost claims, especially since the Affordable Care Act eliminated annual and lifetime coverage maximums. Cancer is now consistently among the top five drivers of employer medical spend, highlighting the significant financial impact of catastrophic claims.
WHO WE ARE
For more than 30 years, the National Alliance has brought together business coalitions and their employer and purchaser members to drive high-quality healthcare that enhances patient experience, promotes health equity, and improves outcomes while lowering costs. Its members represent public and private sectors, nonprofits, and labor unions that provide health benefits to over 90 million Americans—more than half of the employer-sponsored insurance market—spending over $850 billion annually.
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP
Oncology care is one of the biggest and least predictable drivers of employer health plan costs. Claims are becoming more frequent, more complex and more expensive with little warning. To help employers take a more strategic approach, the National Alliance is offering an in-person workshop.
This four-hour workshop gives employers the tools to better interpret data, identify cost drivers and implement effective strategies that help manage high-cost claims while protecting care quality and the patient experience.
SHRM credits are available.

MEET THE FACILITATOR
Christine Hale, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer, US Benefits at Gallagher, and partners with Gallagher Bassett to provide clinical leadership for Stella Health Navigation. In these roles, Dr. Hale helps employers manage costs, improve care quality, and enhance workforce wellbeing, delivering exceptional results. She specializes in complex medical claims, clinical performance improvement, and strategic healthcare transformation.
In addition, Dr. Hale serves on the Medical Director Advisory Council and as the designated large claims expert for the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions.
Benefits and Plan Design Professionals
- Benefit leaders
- Vendor management/benefit operations (oversees implementations and performance of oncology focused solutions)
- Health plan strategists
- Risk management specialists
- PBM liaisons
Data and Analytics Professionals
- HR analytics (Analytics Teams)
- Healthcare data (Claims Analysts)
Clinicians and Health Strategy Specialists
- Medical directors
- Nurse navigators
Legal and Compliance Professionals
- ERISA/Benefits counsel
- Compliance/Risk officers
Executive Stakeholders
- Chief Human Resources Officers
- CFO or VP of Finance
Testimonials
HOTEL BOOKING
Please click on the link to book your hotel: https://book.passkey.com4HighCostClaims
The National Alliance has a limited number of discounted rooms available at $279/night plus applicable taxes.
The room block expires on Monday, October 26, 2026
SPONSORS
For questions regarding the High-Cost Claims Workshop and content please contact Taylor Mills at tmills@nationalalliancehealth.org
For questions regarding registration or sponsorship please contact Mary Adewole at madewole@nationalalliancehealth.org



