CEO Message
Over the last several weeks, many of you have experienced severe weather impacting both your personal and professional lives. Often what gets us through these times is the hope for brighter days and the anticipation of what’s to come. In this context, it’s looking forward to springtime when new growth and optimism begin to peak through during the final days of winter. But unfortunately, springtime doesn’t come overnight!
For healthcare, change is guaranteed but often the change we want to see can take years to develop. It can feel like watching grass grow. (Any of you ever been told to do that by your parents?) Recently employers were provided some optimism through federal PBM reform and some favorable PBM rulings and settlements. It will take some time for employers to take full advantage of these changes, but this is a big advancement toward solidifying cost transparency in the healthcare marketplace. Be sure to check out the details of these changes in our Policy in Motion Corner below.
I’m also excited to promote growth and optimism regarding our annual Regional Conference Series, starting in Nashville on June 3rd. We have a full day of workshops and discussions planned that should exceed the usual high expectations employers have had for our meetings. Details on the agenda are coming soon, but be sure to go ahead and reserve the day and your seat. You don’t want to miss this event! REGISTER HERE!
Finally, click the button below to watch this short video outlining what you can expect from HCTN in 2026! There are many changes on the horizon prioritizing employer member needs, coalition growth opportunities, and strategic programming and communication improvements. I am excited as we remain committed to making the employer member and healthcare stakeholder experience first class. Come join us!
Phil Belcher
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A Workforce Health Priority Employers Can’t Ignore
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Tennessee, and cardiovascular risk continues to drive healthcare costs, disability rates, and lost productivity for employers. Learn what leading employers are doing to address cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic risk. Also, contact Trinette Small at tsmall@hctnonevoice.org to learn about HCTN’s program launch incentives for signing on to Omada’s hypertension management program!
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PBM Contracting: A Good Time to Make Sure You Have Carve Out Capabilities
Many employers are heading for renewal or developing a selection process with their PBMs. This is a great time to review your contracts to make sure they have the flexibility that allows you to audit, carve out, or otherwise align your contracts with your goals and objectives. If you are being penalized for carving out services because your PBM is trying to protect a revenue stream, renewals and re-contracting provide the occasions to push for better partnerships.
HCTN is hosting a PBM contracting workshop in Nashville on April 14, 2026, to help HCTN employer members gain practical PBM contracting insights, challenge the status quo, and improve transparency and control.
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Employers, Make Your Voice Heard on Cost and Quality!
Does Washington hear directly from self-funded employers on healthcare policy? The federal 340B Drug Pricing Program—created to support safety-net hospitals—is facing growing scrutiny as its expansion drives higher costs for employers. In Tennessee, IQVIA estimates employers pay $46 more per member annually due to 340B growth. Is Washington aware of this impact?
HCTN is organizing meetings with federal legislative staff so employers can share their challenges with the program . Employer members interested in having their voice heard can contact Jeff Townsend at jtownsend@hctnonevoice.org.
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2026 Is Shaping Up to Be a Big Year for Market Change
HCTN is on top of the most recent events shaping the PBM market. Not only did Congress pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2026, which imposes strict transparency requirements on PBMs, the DOL released for comment new rules on PBM transparency disclosure. Finally, Express Scripts stepped forward to settle a lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission, promising to implement business changing practices that will prohibit them from inflating drug prices in order to drive profit. Employers should take satisfaction that their continued hard work is creating industry change.
CLICK HERE to read details regarding these changes and the near term impact on employers.
| | HCTN Nashville Employer Conference | | This conference brings together Tennessee-based employers, HR professionals, and benefits leaders who are ready to challenge the status quo in healthcare. Designed for employer purchasers and healthcare stakeholders, the event highlights courageous innovations that respond to a critical moment as healthcare costs continue to accelerate toward unsustainability. Now is the time for bold decisions—moving beyond one-size-fits-all solutions to create more sustainable, employee-centered healthcare benefits. | | Make Your Voice Heard - Meet Your Legislators | | |
Thursday,
March 19, 2026
9 - 12 pm CT
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Over the winter/spring of 2026, HCTN is coordinating roundtables between members of Tennessee’s federal delegation and HCTN employers to discuss healthcare. We need employers to accompany us. Each event will have a pre-meeting strategy session to “choreograph” the discussion with legislators. HCTN will develop the resources including a “leave behind” flyer. This is a great opportunity to engage your executive team or your government affairs personnel.
CLICK HERE to learn more. To sign up contact Jeffrey Townsend (jtownsend@hctnonevoice.org).
| | Ready to Explore Real-World Models for Effective Pimary Care? | | |
Wednesday
March 25, 2026
2 - 3 pm CT/
3 - 4 pm ET
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Join HealthCareTN for the next webinar in our Effective Primary Care series, Assessing the Possibilities: Real-World Models for Effective Primary Care, and learn how employers are advancing effective primary care strategies. This third session moves beyond awareness and data to HOW employers can operationalize effective primary care through proven implementation models.
The session will highlight:
- Direct contracting
- Curated advanced primary care networks
- Employer experience and real-world results
- Insights from the HCTN employer survey
Employers will gain practical understanding of how these models improve outcomes, access, quality, employee experience, and cost performance.
| | PBM Contracting & Selection Event | | |
Tuesday
April 14, 2026
10 am - 1 pm CT
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Employers are hoping to take advantage of the recent pressures applied to the PBM industry in the form of bad press, FTC lawsuits, and legislative changes, to renegotiate better terms. In support of this effort, HCTN is hosting a workshop in Nashville the morning of April 14, 2026, to provide employers with fresh perspectives as they develop their renewal and selections strategies. HCTN has heard from many of our members who have decided to shake up their strategies over the next 12 to 18 months.
This event is open to employer members and prospective members by invitation only.
| | HCTN Health, Well-Being and Benefits Peer Roundtable | | |
Exclusive to HCTN employer members
Tuesday,
April 21, 2026
8:30 am - 9:30 am CT/
9:30 am - 10:30 am ET
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As an employer-led coalition, HealthCareTN is grounded in the belief that employers learn best from one another—and your feedback consistently confirms this as one of the most valuable benefits of HCTN membership. These peer roundtables are designed to create a space for employers to connect, exchange ideas, and lead the conversation on benefits and workforce well-being.
This roundtable is intentionally designed to be:
- Employer-only (no vendors, consultants, insurance TPAs, etc.)
- Closed-door and not recorded (notes may be taken for follow-up purposes only)
- Facilitated, but informal
- A safe space to network, share strategies, collaborate, and learn from peers facing similar challenges
For more information contact Trinette Small, tsmall@hctnonevoice.org.
| | MARK YOUR CALENDAR! HCTN 2026 Regional Employer Conference Series | | Follow HealthCareTN on LinkedIn, where we share the latest updates on events, initiatives, and resources. | | | HCTN is a proud member of The National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions. | | | | |
