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Driving the Future of Care:

2025 Recap, 2026 Preview

Each year, Abarca Forward brings the healthcare industry’s most urgent challenges and boldest opportunities to the table. In 2025, we explored AI in PBM operations, specialty drug sustainability, and the evolution of pharmacy as a consumer engagement front line.

2025 Highlights

Here’s a look at last year’s agenda— a glimpse of what you can expect in 2026.

Welcome Remarks

Jason Borschow | Abarca

AI AT THE HEART OF PBM EVOLUTION

Delve into how AI is revolutionizing the core of the PBM value proposition from claims management to consumer and provider experience.

Panel Discussion: How AI is Transforming Healthcare
Speakers: Jason Borschow, Abarca | Bertil Chappuis, Xtillion | John Barto, Microsoft | Tony Navarro, Red Ventures

The Future is Now: Exploring the Possibilities
Speakers: Jason Borschow, Abarca

Hands-On with AI: The AI Petting Zoo
Separate in three groups to test AI tools.

PHARMACY AS THE FRONT LINE OF THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCE REVOLUTION
Join Blue Shield of California and experts from Amazon Pharmacy, Photon, and Lark Health as they dive into a series of forward-thinking business models built with pharmacy as a cornerstone for consumer engagement.

Breakout Sessions: Exploring Innovative Pharmacy Models

Participants will split into two parallel tracks, A & B, each offering a unique focus on the evolving role of pharmacy. In three rounds of 30 minutes, each track will rotate speakers, allowing attendees to hear different perspectives. Track A and Track B will cover complementary topics, encouraging dynamic discussions and in-depth exploration of the latest trends in the pharmacy field.

Speakers: Matt Gibbs, Blue Shield of California | Julia Hu, Lark Health | Otto Stipe, Photon Health | Tanvi Patel, Amazon Pharmacy

From Breakouts to Big Ideas: Open Q&A
Matt Gibbs, Blue Shield of California

TRANSFORMING SPECIALTY DRUG SPEND: COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Don’t miss this session where we will tackle the toughest challenges in specialty drug management! Dive into emerging solutions like marketplace pricing approaches, and creative partnership models that are redefining affordability, fueling innovation, and elevating patient outcomes. 

Introduction
Javier González, Abarca

Lighting Talks
Join us for three fast-paced POV presentations, each addressing a key issue in specialty drug management. Topics will include the evolving role of pharmaceutical manufacturers in cost management, exploring a marketplace specialty pricing model, and sustainable solutions for specialty drug management, among others.


The Role of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in Future Cost Management

Speakers: Jose Castellote, Johnson & Johnson | Rafa Chaves, Organon


Exploring a Marketplace Specialty Pricing Model

Speakers: Joe Cardosi, Free Market Health


Specialty Pharmacy: Shaping Sustainable Solutions for Specialty Drug Management

Speakers: Hari Sabnani, Alivia Health | Tracey James, Walgreens | Jay Weaver, PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy

Rapid Fire Reaction Panel
Bruce Japsen, Forbes | Nicole Bulochnik, Abarca | Sarah Marche, Highmark | Beth Hebert-Silvia, PSG

Key Takeaways & Looking Forward:
Innovating for a Sustainable Future
Javier González, Abarca

Closing
Reflections & Realities: Harnessing AI, Controlling Costs, and Partnering for the Future

Jason Borschow, Abarca

2026 Preview

Abarca Forward 2026 will expand interactivity with keynote speakers from across healthcare and tech, curated panels blending thought leadership with peer-to-peer exchange, and advisory tracks shaping the future of healthcare.
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Reserve your spot among healthcare changemakers co-creating a better healthcare experience.
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