STAT in D.C.: The Politics of Health Care

About

Take a deep dive into the biggest discussions and decisions taking place in Washington. Together with STAT reporters, the evening’s speakers will unpack how policymakers are impacting the future of health and medicine — from scientific breakthroughs to patient access to care.

Explore virtual and in-person ticketing options. And, STAT+ subscribers unlock a free ticket when they check out with their subscriber credentials!

Register now

Agenda

6:00 – 6:30 PM ET – Arrival + Registration

Drinks will be served. Masks are strongly encouraged when not eating or drinking.

6:30 – 6:35 PM ET – Opening from STAT

6:35 – 6:40 PM ET – Welcome Remarks | Sponsor Session

Tamar Thompson, vice president, head of corporate affairs, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease

6:40 – 7:00 PM ET – How Will the Inflation Reduction Act Affect Drug Pricing and Medicare?

There is no doubt that the implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act, particularly the part of it that relates to drug pricing, could have a profound effect on pharmaceutical companies, health care providers, and patients. Hear from a top CMS official about how the agency is thinking through key details.

Meena Seshamani, M.D., Ph.D., deputy administrator and director, Center for Medicare, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Rachel Cohrs, Washington correspondent, STAT (moderator)

7:00 – 7:10 PM ET – Making Public Policies Work Harder for the Rare Disease Community | Sponsor Session

From the Orphan Drug Act to the Inflation Reduction Act, health care laws can have unintended consequences for the communities they were designed to help. Given the unique needs of the rare disease community, these policies can have a profound impact on research, access, care and health equity.

Tamar Thompson, vice president, head of corporate affairs, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease

Nicholas St. Fleur, general assignment reporter; associate editorial director of events, STAT (moderator)

7:10 – 7:55 PM ET – Changing How Hep C is Treated in U.S Prisons and Beyond

Hepatitis C is curable with once-daily pills, but the most vulnerable in America are not receiving the treatment. This is especially acute in prisons where the failure to provide hepatitis C drugs has resulted in over 1,000 incarcerated people dying in six years, according to STAT’s investigation “Death Sentence.” Lawmakers and policymakers join us to discuss next steps in combating a deadly disease.

Sonia L. Canzater, J.D., M.P.H., associate director, Infectious Diseases Initiative, O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law; adjunct professor of law, Georgetown University Law Center

U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP)

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., special advisor to President Biden for special projects; former director, National Institutes of Health; senior investigator, National Human Genome Research Institute

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), ranking member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet; co-chair of the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus

Nicholas Florko, reporter, commercial determinants of health, STAT (moderator)

7:55 – 8:15 PM ET – The Landscape for Health Care Policy in 2023

The top official shaping the nation’s health policy has a full to-do list: unwinding the Covid-19 emergency while shoring up care, bringing down drug costs, bolstering reproductive rights and mental health coverage, and tackling how climate affects health. We’ll try to cover it all.

Xavier Becerra, secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Sarah Owermohle, Washington correspondent, STAT (moderator)

8:15 – 8:20 PM ET – Closing from STAT

8:20 – 9:00 PM ET – Networking Reception

Drinks and light bites will be served. Masks are encouraged when not actively eating or drinking.