CEO Message

Renowned leadership expert and author John C. Maxwell is credited with the quote that “everything rises and falls on leadership.” The quality of leadership ultimately defines the success or failure of any organization or endeavor. For non-profit organizations like HealthCareTN, I believe this principle is especially true. The HealthCareTN Board is comprised of the stakeholders that are most directly served by the mission and vision of the organization – the employer - and therefore their leadership has a significant impact on the strategic direction and composition of the services provided.

I am honored to have an outstanding Board represented by Tennessee’s most innovative and leading employers committed to working collaboratively to accelerate healthcare value, improve the health of Tennessee employees and their families, and drive healthcare affordability in our communities. Their leadership has and will continue to propel the organization toward even greater achievement of HealthCareTN objectives in the future!

The HealthCareTN Board recently approved the new Board slate starting May 1, 2026, and I am proud to announce the following:

As we usher in a new Board, I want to take this opportunity to thank two of HealthCareTN’s long standing Board members, David Hines of Metro Nashville Public Schools and Christine Stickler of City of Knoxville. These are two of the most forward-thinking and impactful benefit leaders not only in Tennessee but across the country. We’ll miss their passion for the coalition and their commitment to influencing real change in the healthcare marketplace. Many thanks to both David and Christine. HealthCareTN wishes you continued success in the future!

If you haven’t already, please follow us on LinkedIn. We look forward to continuing the conversation and accelerating employer impact in Tennessee—together.

Phil Belcher

WHOLE PERSON

HEALTH

The Fastest Growing Cancer Risk in Your Workforce—And What Employers Can Do

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Colorectal Cancer is now the deadliest cancer in adults under age 50, with rates rising among working-age populations. Despite being highly preventable, many cases are still diagnosed late, driving higher healthcare costs, lost productivity, and poorer outcomes. This is no longer just a later-in-life disease, it’s a growing workforce issue.

Why This Is Increasing

Rising risk factors such as obesity, diet, physical inactivity, and lower screening rates, especially among younger adults, are contributing to this trend. Click below to learn more about the importance of primary care and prevention and how HealthCareTN is working to help employers move from awareness to action.

INNOVATION & DISRUPTORS

ERIC Releases AI in HR Benefits Report

2026 is expected to be an important year for developing and implementing AI solutions that improve healthcare value. The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) recently released a report outlining how large employers are using AI to help employees access benefits and improve HR benefits delivery, while also highlighting policy issues lawmakers may soon address. As AI-related legislation increases, it will be important for employers to stay informed and engage early to help shape policy outcomes. Policy is emerging as a strong lever reshaping the healthcare market, and employers need to have their voice heard. For more information about HCTN’s policy strategy contact Jeffrey Townsend (jtownsend@hctnonevoice.org). 

COST & QUALITY CORNER

PSG Survey: Biosimilars Moderate Growth, but Specialty Complexity Rises

The 2026 PSG State of Specialty Spend report reveals a moderated growth trend of 9.6%, largely credited to the accelerating adoption of biosimilars. Despite this cooling, plan sponsors face mounting pressure from expanding drug indications, a robust clinical pipeline, and the persistent challenge of optimizing formularies across both medical and pharmacy benefits. Notably, the survey identifies a shifting priority among employers, who are increasingly willing to trade lower rebate guarantees for greater utilization management control. PSG will present these findings and strategic insights during a one-hour webinar on March 31st. Register for the webinar HERE.

HCTN engages employer members in strategies to address these emerging pressures. Later this year we will attack many of these concerns in HCTN’s annual Pharma U. Join your employer peers in these conversations. If interested in joining HealthCareTN and learning more about what we are doing to address pharmacy issues, contact us at info@hctnonevoice.org.

HCTN Employer Actively Changing Minds

Healthcare policy is gaining momentum in 2026, with federal PBM reform already passed and increasing activity at the state level. In Tennessee, the PBM Ownership Fair Rx Act—modeled after a similar law in Arkansas currently blocked in court—aims to restrict PBMs from owning pharmacies, but could disrupt mail-order and specialty pharmacy services and raise costs for self-funded employer health plans. During TEBA’s Hill Day, Cindy Dempsey of Genesco—who also serves on the HCTN Board of Directors—joined HCTN leaders in meeting with legislators to share employer concerns and encourage greater employer input on healthcare legislation. The employer collective voice matters and HCTN encourages you to join employers like Genesco in having your voice heard. Click the button to learn more about Cindy’s Hill Day.

HCTN EVENTS

Dan Mendelson

Chief Executive Officer

Morgan Health