Consumerism in focus at AHIP 2016 this week, organizers say

Disruptive innovation and the consumer experience are two themes that are emerging for this year's America's Health Insurance Plans Institute & Expo opening Wednesday in Las Vegas.

This year more than others, the focus is on identifying creative disruptions in the market, said AHIP Press Secretary Clare Krusing.

In her keynote speech Wednesday, AHIP President and CEO Marilyn Tavenner will focus on positiving disruptions in technology and the movement away from the status quo of fee for service, Krusing said.

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"It's looking at how health plans are working with hospitals and providers, in a much more revolutionized way," Krusing said. "Everyone is looking at collaboration through a new lens, rethinking partnerships and opportunities."

After Tavenner's keynote, Kaiser Permanente Chairman and CEO Bernard Tyson, who will become chair of the AHIP Board of Directors in 2018, is among speakers addressing better healthcare at a lower cost. He will be joined by former United States Senator and Senate Majority Leader William H. Frist, MD, and David Bernd, CEO Emeritus of Sentara Healthcare.

Consumerism is also getting a lot of attention at AHIP this year.

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"Consumers are driving a lot of this agenda," Krusing said. "People have different ideas of what consumerism looks like."

Several sessions will target various aspects, including the how-to's of servicing the Millennial generation, wearable health devices, mobile health and the growth of investment in wellness.

Concurrent sessions are being held throughout the day on Wednesday, Thursday and on Friday morning.

The sessions are held by experts in the industry, many of whom are leading the way on disruptive innovations, the consumer experience, health and wellness programs, and data and analytic business solutions.

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"What always stands out about AHIP conferences," Krusing said, "are the experts are at the forefront of driving some of those changes."

Former Florida Governor and GOP presidential candidate Jeb Bush is giving the closing keynote Friday.

Throughout the event are networking opportunities in the exhibit hall and at after-hours events.

"There's a robust and extensive trade and exhibit component," Krusing said. "You see how many different organizations and stakeholders, pharmaceutical companies ... they're all in the exhibit hall."

Twitter: @SusanJMorse