2025 SHA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MEET OUR SPEAKERS
BRIAN BARGENDER
Business Consultant, Subrogation and Other Party Liability at Humana
Brian Bargender is an internal consultant with Humana, one of the country’s largest Medicare Advantage organizations. He possesses over 20 years of experience in health benefit subrogation and Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) enforcement operations, including case file management, advisory, and leadership roles.
His current responsibilities encompass researching trends and legal developments that influence coordination of benefits and payment recovery for group health, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid managed care plans. Additionally, he develops new cost avoidance and payment recovery projects, advises health plan leaders, and collaborates with Humana’s Law Department on Medicare Secondary Payer enforcement strategies. He is frequently invited to conduct presentations on MSP and health subrogation issues for audiences that include health plans, injury insurance carriers, and plaintiff attorneys.
Brian holds a Master of Science degree in Legal Studies and Applied Legal Research from Purdue University and has received a Certified Subrogation Recovery Professional (CSRP) designation from the National Association of Subrogation Professionals (NASP). He previously served as co-chair of NASP’s Wisconsin chapter and as a leader for the Health Subrogation education track at NASP’s annual conference. Currently, Brian serves as vice president of the Subrogation Health Alliance (SHA) and co-chairs a Medicare Secondary Payer and Workers’ Compensation Medicare Set Aside task group for the National Coalition for Prescription Drug Plans (NCPDP).
SESSION THREE DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Medicare: Recent developments, The PAID Act, and Lessons for Health Subrogation Professionals
Monday, October 6th at 10:50 am - 11:50 am
Most older Americans now get their Medicare benefits through Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare plans’ subrogation and coordination of benefits efforts have begun to change the way some workers' compensation, general liability, no-fault/PIP, and self-insured companies process and settle injury claims. Many of these carriers are being increasingly proactive with outreach efforts to plans and their subrogation vendors. This presentation will explain why injury carriers are being more proactive and whether that will continue, challenges that both injury carriers and plans face because of these outreach efforts, how both sides can benefit from the outreach, and potential subrogation lessons for other types of health plans.
CHRISTOPHER VANDEVENTER
Associate Attorney at Matthiesen Wickert & Lehrer, S.C.
Christopher R. Vandeventer is an associate attorney in Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer’s Hartford, Wisconsin office. Christopher’s practice focuses on automobile, property and casualty, and workers’ compensation subrogation. Chris received his J.D. from Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Chris is licensed in Wisconsin, where he helps MWL with its growing book of nationwide subrogation litigation.
SESSION TWO DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Words Matter: Improving ERISA Plan Subrogation Language
Monday, October 6th at 9:40 am - 10:40 am
This seminar will assist subrogation professionals and plan underwriters in addressing weaknesses in an ERISA plan’s subrogation language which can potentially cost the plan millions of dollars. Those overseeing ERISA plans should always be identifying and investigating medical claims paid that indicate subrogation potential. However, pursuing subrogation will be nearly impossible if the plan language does not support your right to subrogation and reimbursement. Every health plan should be reviewed to verify that it provides the plan with the ammunition and tools necessary to successfully recover plan payments when there is a third party responsible for causing the injury. During this seminar we will provide clear examples of how insufficient plan language can cost the plan untold millions. We will explore common gap or weaknesses in plan language that can undermine subrogation and coordination of benefit efforts. Strategies for strengthening plan language to ensure clarity and enforceability will be discussed and approaches for effectively communicating and marketing plan language updates will be given. We will also outline ways to identity and resolve conflicts caused by inconsistent or outdated plan language. In the world of insurance and ERISA subrogation, the addition or deletion of a few words can make all the difference in the world. Join us for an interesting webinar that reveals some of the easy fixes to make sure your ERISA plan subrogation language allows for maximum subrogation potential.
CINDY MERRELL
Managing Attorney of Subrogation Services at The Phia Group
Cindy Merrell serves as Senior Managing Attorney of Subrogation Services for The Phia Group. In this role, Cindy leads the company’s legal subrogation and recovery operations, guiding a dynamic legal team in securing reimbursement on behalf of health plans. Before joining The Phia Group, Cindy served as a healthcare subrogation attorney advocating for some of the nation’s largest payers. Cindy spent the first six years of her legal career litigating cases for injured people, which has been instrumental for navigating the legal process both inside and outside the courtroom. Since joining The Phia Group in 2020, Cindy has distinguished herself as a subject matter expert in subrogation law, reimbursement rights, and third-party liability resolution. Cindy regularly contributes to The Phia Group’s educational platforms, including the “Empowering Plans” podcast series, where she shares insights on emerging legal issues such as artificial intelligence in subrogation, coordination of benefits with stop-loss carriers, and evolving litigation trends in healthcare recovery. Cindy is known for her practical, solution-focused approach and her ability to translate complex legal concepts into actionable guidance for clients and colleagues alike.
In addition to working in healthcare advocacy, Cindy enjoys spending time with her family and pursuing her passion for American Saddlebred horses.
SESSION FOUR DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
The Bigger They Are the Harder They Reduce
Monday, October 6th at 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
This presentation will cover a best practice check list that focuses on quality file handling steps that maximize recoveries of large liens. In order to have maximum impact, these seasoned experts will begin with a discussion on medical inflation compared to minimal liability coverage limit trends then move into a checklist for large lien case handling. It will touch on both ERISA and NON-ERISA plans along with Medicare plans utilizing case studies from our combined 50 years of case handling experience. The session is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of six figure lien resolution best practices along with specific examples of ways recoveries have been maximized by following our time-tested check list.
CONSTANCE ARCHER
Senior Vice President of Subrogation Operations
Constance Archer is the Senior Vice President of Recovery Operations and Client Solutions for <Subro Services LLC>. She graduated cum laude, in the top ten percent of her class at the University of Louisville’s Brandeis School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Kentucky and Florida. She was a member and editor of the Journal of Law and Education and has been published numerous times.
Ms. Archer has been a leader in the field of subrogation for more than thirteen years. Currently, she leads a team of more than 300 subrogation professionals responsible for managing and resolving claims on behalf of 100+ payer clients. She is passionate about people leadership! She enjoys travel, yoga, and spending time with her husband.
SESSION NINE DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Shifting Gears: Staying in the Driver’s Seat During Mergers and Private Equity Takeovers in Healthcare Subrogation
Tuesday, October 7th at 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
As the pace of mergers and private equity takeovers accelerates, healthcare subrogation professionals often find themselves in the fast lane with little warning. Whether you’re part of a pit crew or in the pole position, this session will help you navigate the sharp turns of corporate acquisitions. Our panel of industry veterans will walk you through strategies for keeping traction when your company changes ownership—covering everything from protecting your position and negotiating favorable terms, to adapting to new team dynamics, understanding restrictive covenants, and maintaining peak performance. Don’t get left in the dust—learn how to stay in control when the track suddenly changes.
DARAN KIEFER
Principal and Attorney at Kiefer & Peters Co. L.P.A.
Daran P. Kiefer is a principal with the law firm of “Kiefer Peters L.P.A.” and limits his practice to subrogation matters for property and casualty insurers, health insurers, TPA, and self-funded plans. Mr. Kiefer is a licensed attorney in good standing in both Ohio and Kentucky. Mr. Kiefer started with Kreiner & Peters directly out of law school handling subrogation and reimbursement matters for his entire professional career. Mr. Kiefer has tried cases in Ohio state courts and argued before the Ohio Courts of Appeal and the U.S. Sixth Circuit.
Mr. Kiefer received his BA from Centre College in 1991 and his Jurist Doctor “Magna Cum Laude” and “Order of the Coif” from Case Western Reserve University in 1994 including serving on its Law Review and Journal for International law.
Professionally, Mr. Kiefer served as board member (2008-2015) and president for the National Association of Subrogation Professionals. (2012-2014) and currently as co-executive director for SHA (2023-25). Mr. Kiefer also has been active in defense of subrogation rights appearing before several state legislatures on behalf of NASP and the subrogation industry to defend such legal rights and illustrate their benefits for society. Mr. Kiefer has been involved in numerous amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court in defense of health subrogation rights.
SESSION SIX DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Subro Spark: Crafting a Perfect Pitch for Subrogation’s Societal Importance
Tuesday, October 7th at 8:40 am - 9:40 am
The presentation will reveal the far-reaching societal benefits of health subrogation and why it should be recognized as an indispensable mechanism for economic fairness, healthcare affordability, and legal accountability in modern America. This presentation will also spotlight the important role subrogation professionals play in the national healthcare system and U.S. economy. Subrogation is not just about dollars—it’s about justice, deterrence, and sustainability. By reducing litigation, expediting recoveries, and preserving plan integrity, subrogation professionals are not just adjusting claims—they are protecting America’s access to affordable care. Using these tools, the presentation will challenge attendees to craft an “elevator pitch” to explain subrogation’s value. The presentation aims to help subrogation professionals craft a pitch for their own health plans, company leadership, plan members, injury attorneys, courts and even the general public. The presentation seeks to ignite in subrogation folks a pride for what they do and an ability to articulate why it matters.
DOUGLAS LEHRER
Founder and Shareholder at Matthiesen Wickert & Lehrer, S.C.
Douglas W. Lehrer is an insurance trial lawyer and shareholder with the law firm of Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C. Doug’s practice spans the spectrum of insurance-related issues, including defending insureds and their insurers in response to claims of personal injury, property damage and wrongful death. Doug has handled countless lawsuits arising out of automobile collisions, slip and falls, product liability claims, toxic tort claims and construction and work site accidents and has represented insurance companies on all types of insurance coverage disputes as well as defending insurers in response to claims of bad faith. In addition, Doug has extensive experience in litigating various insurance subrogation matters. Doug’s subrogation practice includes the pursuing of property damage claims, fire loss subrogation, health (including both ERISA and non-ERISA) subrogation and workers’ compensation subrogation in Wisconsin and throughout the United States. Doug has also lectured extensively before insurance company representatives as well as other professional organizations around the country on various insurance-related issues. Doug was named the 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Super Lawyer for Civil Litigation: Defense by the Wisconsin Super Lawyers Magazine, an award given only to the top 5% of lawyers in the State.
SESSION TWO DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Words Matter: Improving ERISA Plan Subrogation Language
Monday, October 6th at 9:40 am - 10:40 am
This seminar will assist subrogation professionals and plan underwriters in addressing weaknesses in an ERISA plan’s subrogation language which can potentially cost the plan millions of dollars. Those overseeing ERISA plans should always be identifying and investigating medical claims paid that indicate subrogation potential. However, pursuing subrogation will be nearly impossible if the plan language does not support your right to subrogation and reimbursement. Every health plan should be reviewed to verify that it provides the plan with the ammunition and tools necessary to successfully recover plan payments when there is a third party responsible for causing the injury. During this seminar we will provide clear examples of how insufficient plan language can cost the plan untold millions. We will explore common gap or weaknesses in plan language that can undermine subrogation and coordination of benefit efforts. Strategies for strengthening plan language to ensure clarity and enforceability will be discussed and approaches for effectively communicating and marketing plan language updates will be given. We will also outline ways to identity and resolve conflicts caused by inconsistent or outdated plan language. In the world of insurance and ERISA subrogation, the addition or deletion of a few words can make all the difference in the world. Join us for an interesting webinar that reveals some of the easy fixes to make sure your ERISA plan subrogation language allows for maximum subrogation potential.
GARY WICKERT
Shareholder and Attorney at Matthiesen Wickert & Lehrer, S.C.
Gary L. Wickert is an insurance trial lawyer and shareholder with the law firm of Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C. Gary is regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on insurance subrogation. He is also the author of several subrogation books and legal treatises and is a national and international speaker and lecturer on subrogation. He oversees a National Recovery Program which includes a network of contracted subrogation law firms in all 50 states, Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom and boasts recoveries of more than $500 million in recoveries and credits for more than 250 insurance companies.
Licensed in both Texas and Wisconsin, Gary is double board-certified in both personal injury law and civil trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is also dual board-certified as a Civil Trial Advocate and Civil Pretrial Practice Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA), for whom he has both written and graded the product liability questions contained on the NBTA national certification exam taken by trial lawyers around the country. For nearly 30 years, Gary has served as an expert witness and insurance consultant on subrogation and insurance related issues and has been consulted by insurance carriers, lawyers, and legislative bodies from several states. He is also one of only a few lawyers to have ever represented a client before the U.S. Supreme Court on a subrogation issue. Gary also writes a monthly column for the Claims Journal Magazine entitled “The Road to Recovery.” Gary holds an AVVO rating of 10, the highest rating.
SESSION SIX DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Subro Spark: Crafting a Perfect Pitch for Subrogation’s Societal Importance
Tuesday, October 7th at 8:40 am - 9:40 am
The presentation will reveal the far-reaching societal benefits of health subrogation and why it should be recognized as an indispensable mechanism for economic fairness, healthcare affordability, and legal accountability in modern America. This presentation will also spotlight the important role subrogation professionals play in the national healthcare system and U.S. economy. Subrogation is not just about dollars—it’s about justice, deterrence, and sustainability. By reducing litigation, expediting recoveries, and preserving plan integrity, subrogation professionals are not just adjusting claims—they are protecting America’s access to affordable care. Using these tools, the presentation will challenge attendees to craft an “elevator pitch” to explain subrogation’s value. The presentation aims to help subrogation professionals craft a pitch for their own health plans, company leadership, plan members, injury attorneys, courts and even the general public. The presentation seeks to ignite in subrogation folks a pride for what they do and an ability to articulate why it matters.
JEFF BAILL
Partner at Yost & Baill
Jeff Baill is one of the leading authorities on Subrogation in the world. Yost & Baill’s clients routinely consult with Jeff to evaluate the subrogation potential of various loss scenarios and to plan a course of action to proceed forward on handling the loss. He has 45 years’ experience in the subrogation industry trying cases, supervising lawyers, and advising and consulting with many of the largest insurance companies and self-insured entities in the country on strategies and practices to improve their subrogation results. Jeff not only founded the National Association of Subrogation Professionals but also served on its Board of Directors for 19 years. He has spoken all over the country on virtually every area of Subrogation.
SESSION FIVE DETAILS
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SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Sparking Impact: A Conversation with Jeff Baill on How Involvement with a Trade Association Elevates Your Career and Serves Your Clients
Monday, October 6th at 2:10 pm - 3:10 pm
A talk show style interview with Jeff Bail, founder of NASP. Jeff is now partially retired but started NASP, served on its board for 20 plus years and also serves on the US Tennis Association board. Jeff will talk about how getting involved in a trade association is good for your professional development and for your clients or employer.
JOEL TILLESON
Partner at Falk Legal Group
Joel Tilleson is a Partner at Falk Legal Group located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, having been with the firm since its inception in 2013. Joel is experienced in litigating health recovery and auto/property subrogation, as well as prosecuting breach of contract and collections claims. He has been licensed to practice law in Wisconsin since 2007. In addition to his law career, Joel previously served as an elected city councilman in the city of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and chaired the Council’s licensing and ordinance-drafting committees.
SESSION TEN DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Dealing with Difficult Attorneys: A Roundtable
Tuesday, October 7th at 2:10 pm - 3:10 pm
Surprising as it may seem, not everyone wants to reimburse their health insurer, and frequently dealing with difficult attorneys is a universal part of health recovery subrogation. This roundtable will be moderated by three people who each bring a unique view to negotiating with adverse attorneys: an in-house general counsel, a subrogation manager, and a litigator. The panel will present negotiation strategies and facilitate a lively and interactive group discussion on how to best handle aggressive opposing counsel.
JOHN KOLB
Managing Partner at Kolb Clare & Arnold, PSC
John Kolb is recognized as one of the nation’s foremost authorities on health subrogation law. John has represented insurers and self-funded health plans in recovery matters since 1998. John started his legal career in the in-house law firm of a large recovery vendor. While there, John devised the vendor’s nation-wide litigation strategy in response to the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Great-West Life & Annuity Ins. Co. v. Knudson (2002). John went on to found Kolb Clare & Arnold, PSC. John has successfully argued healthcare subrogation cases before the Third, Sixth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals, and before numerous federal district courts.
SESSION NINE DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Shifting Gears: Staying in the Driver’s Seat During Mergers and Private Equity Takeovers in Healthcare Subrogation
Tuesday, October 7th at 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
As the pace of mergers and private equity takeovers accelerates, healthcare subrogation professionals often find themselves in the fast lane with little warning. Whether you’re part of a pit crew or in the pole position, this session will help you navigate the sharp turns of corporate acquisitions. Our panel of industry veterans will walk you through strategies for keeping traction when your company changes ownership—covering everything from protecting your position and negotiating favorable terms, to adapting to new team dynamics, understanding restrictive covenants, and maintaining peak performance. Don’t get left in the dust—learn how to stay in control when the track suddenly changes.
KARIE KATH
Senior Manager at Health Care Service Corporation
Karie Kath is the Senior Manager with Health Care Service Corporation, where she leads their Corporate Reimbursement Subrogation division. With a team of nearly 150 employees, she manages over 82,000 subrogation files all across the country for HCSC’s five Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Karie has over 25 years’ experience in the subrogation industry and over 22 years in people leadership. She has a strong passion for developing individual contributors into independent and well-rounded high performers. Karie’s motto is, “Be proud of learning, not of failing”.
SESSION EIGHT DETAILS
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SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
How Healthcare TPA’s Can Be Impact Players in A Crowded Subrogation Industry
Tuesday, October 7th at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
This management-focused session will provide actionable strategies for overseeing the day-to-day operations of healthcare subrogation teams. Attendees will learn how to handle high-volume, complex caseloads while keeping teams motivated, efficient, and aligned with organizational goals. Key areas of focus include education, partnerships, reporting, and managing corporate expectations, offering practical insights to enhance team performance and drive success in the healthcare subrogation process.
LAURA SCHMIDT
Managing Partner at Kelly, Smith & Schmidt, PC
Laura is a partner at KELLY, SMITH & SCHMIDT, PC. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree with honors from Texas Tech University and her J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law. Laura is licensed in Texas and Oklahoma; admitted in all state and federal courts in both states, the Fifth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Her legal practice focuses on subrogation and complex litigation. She is board certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and a Certified Subrogation Recovery Professional. She has more than 50 first-chair jury trials to her credit, and is a frequent speaker on subrogation issues at local, state and national seminars. She served on the Board of Directors for NASP for 5 years and as a Co-Chair for the Amicus Committee for 4 years.
SESSION FIVE DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Sparking Impact: A Conversation with Jeff Baill on How Involvement with a Trade Association Elevates Your Career and Serves Your Clients
Monday, October 6th at 2:10 pm - 3:10 pm
A talk show style interview with Jeff Bail, founder of NASP. Jeff is now partially retired but started NASP, served on its board for 20 plus years and also serves on the US Tennis Association board. Jeff will talk about how getting involved in a trade association is good for your professional development and for your clients or employer.
LISA BOERO
General Counsel at Security Health Plan and the General Counsel at Marshfield Clinic Health System, a region of Sanford Health
Lisa Boero is the General Counsel for the Marshfield Clinic Health System and Security Health Plan (now part of Sanford Health) located in Central and Northern Wisconsin. Lisa has led the in-house subrogation program at Security Health Plan since 2009 and is a past speaker at the NASP Annual Conference. She is licensed to practice law in Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin and graduated from Washington University in Saint Louis, J.D. 2000, and B.A. 1995. In her free time Lisa is also the author of seven novels and several short stories.
SESSION TEN DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Dealing with Difficult Attorneys: A Roundtable
Tuesday, October 7th at 2:10 pm - 3:10 pm
Surprising as it may seem, not everyone wants to reimburse their health insurer, and frequently dealing with difficult attorneys is a universal part of health recovery subrogation. This roundtable will be moderated by three people who each bring a unique view to negotiating with adverse attorneys: an in-house general counsel, a subrogation manager, and a litigator. The panel will present negotiation strategies and facilitate a lively and interactive group discussion on how to best handle aggressive opposing counsel.
LOGAN PRY
Vice President, Medicare Compliance at Allan Koba Compliance Solutions
Logan is the Vice President of Medicare Compliance for Allan Koba Compliance Solutions. He has worked with AKCS since its inception in October 2020. His work centers around Medicare Secondary Payer issues that arise in workers’ compensation, general liability, and no-fault matters. He focuses mainly on ensuring his clients’ Section 111 Mandatory Insurer Reporting compliance, Conditional Payment resolution - including disputes, appeals, post-treasury debt resolution, and Medicare Advantage conditional payment resolution in light of the PAID Act. He assists his clients in preparing and obtaining approval of Medicare Set-Asides, as well as conducting and managing various compliance audits for an array of clients. Over recent years, Logan has taken a role in advancing technology in the furtherance of MSP compliance. He has been integral in the development of multiple software solutions that aim to leverage technology and artificial intelligence in ensuring MSP compliance.
Logan has previously worked as an associate for national and regional law firms, concentrating on MSP issues for national employers and insurers. Prior to joining a firm, Logan clerked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania supporting matters related to the False Claims Act, Stark Law, and Anti-Kickback regulations.
Logan stays engaged in the industry through his involvement in various committees. His recent speaking engagements include the Medicare Secondary Payer Network (MSPN) annual conference, the RISE Medicare Secondary Payer Conditional Payment Forum, SHA Annual Conference, IIC Annual Seminar, the Hanna Brophy Sunrise Seminar, and the WSIA Workers’ Compensation annual conference, as well as numerous recent webinars and podcasts.
Logan resides in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife Kaitlyn, son Jack, and dog Snoop.​
SESSION THREE DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Medicare: Recent developments, The PAID Act, and Lessons for Health Subrogation Professionals
Monday, October 6th at 10:50 am - 11:50 am
Most older Americans now get their Medicare benefits through Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare plans’ subrogation and coordination of benefits efforts have begun to change the way some workers' compensation, general liability, no-fault/PIP, and self-insured companies process and settle injury claims. Many of these carriers are being increasingly proactive with outreach efforts to plans and their subrogation vendors. This presentation will explain why injury carriers are being more proactive and whether that will continue, challenges that both injury carriers and plans face because of these outreach efforts, how both sides can benefit from the outreach, and potential subrogation lessons for other types of health plans.
MATT MONYHAN
Executive Director of Operations & Strategy at Carelon Subrogation
Matt Monyhan is the Executive Director of Operations & Strategy for Carelon Subrogation. He has spent decades working in healthcare subrogation as both plan and vendor. Starting as a recovery analyst, he now oversees recovery efforts for almost 40M lives. Based in Louisville KY, Matt strives to make healthcare subrogation more efficient and less abrasive while reducing costs for payors.
SESSION ONE DETAILS
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SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Insights from the SHA Board: Industry Trends & Legal Update
Monday, October 6th at 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Stay up to date on the latest developments in the healthcare subrogation industry with this session led by SHA Board Members. Our board members will explore key trends, legal updates, and hot topics shaping the industry. With perspectives from seasoned professionals across the field, this session offers attendees a high-level overview of current challenges, emerging issues, and what subrogation professionals should be keeping an eye on. Come ready for an honest and thought-provoking conversation on where the industry stands and where it’s headed.
MATT STEPHENS
Managing Partner and Shareholder at ROS Law Group, PSC
Matt Stephens is a Shareholder and the Managing Partner of Litigation, Operations, and Finance for ROS Law Group, PLC. He has practiced law for almost 24 years, and has been with the firm for over 21 years handling health plan subrogation and reimbursement matters on behalf of employers, plan fiduciaries, and third-party administrators. Before joining the firm, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable W. Frank Crawford, former Presiding Judge of the Tennessee Court of Appeals, and worked with one of the country’s largest labor and employment law firms. Mr. Stephens is a leader in the health plan subrogation industry. He is a frequent speaker on ERISA, FEHBA, Medicare, and other challenging health plan subrogation and reimbursement topics around the country. In fact, since 2007, he has been a Presenter at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s National Other Party Liability Group (“NOPLG”) Annual Conference. Mr. Stephens co-founded the Subrogation Healthcare Alliance (“SHA”), the country’s first organization dedicated solely to healthcare subrogation. He is also a published author. His article, “Becoming the Best Healthcare Gunslinger in the Ninth Circuit,” was published in the Winter 2006 Edition of Subrogator by the National Association of Subrogation Professionals. Additionally, he co-authored “Healthcare Subrogation Trilogy: Sorting Out the Three Cases Decided by the Supreme Court in 2006 in Order to Maximize Subrogation Recoveries in 2007 and Beyond,” published in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Legal Affairs Bulletin, No. 974 (March 2007). In 1998, Mr. Stephens graduated cum laude from The University of Memphis with a Bachelor of Professional Studies, and in 2001, he earned his law degree from The University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. He and his wife, Allyson, have been married for 29 years, and they have five children: Lauren, Jack, Hudson, Charlie, and Kate.
SESSION SIX DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Subro Spark: Crafting a Perfect Pitch for Subrogation’s Societal Importance
Tuesday, October 7th at 8:40 am - 9:40 am
The presentation will reveal the far-reaching societal benefits of health subrogation and why it should be recognized as an indispensable mechanism for economic fairness, healthcare affordability, and legal accountability in modern America. This presentation will also spotlight the important role subrogation professionals play in the national healthcare system and U.S. economy. Subrogation is not just about dollars—it’s about justice, deterrence, and sustainability. By reducing litigation, expediting recoveries, and preserving plan integrity, subrogation professionals are not just adjusting claims—they are protecting America’s access to affordable care. Using these tools, the presentation will challenge attendees to craft an “elevator pitch” to explain subrogation’s value. The presentation aims to help subrogation professionals craft a pitch for their own health plans, company leadership, plan members, injury attorneys, courts and even the general public. The presentation seeks to ignite in subrogation folks a pride for what they do and an ability to articulate why it matters.
NANCY CASE
Partner and Attorney at Axepoint Law
Licensed in Illinois, Washington, Wisconsin and now Arizona.
Nancy Case is a trusted advisor in ERISA and health insurance subrogation, representing group health plans, administrators, and TPAs nationwide. Known for precision and results, she has successfully handled hundreds of subrogation and reimbursement matters across Washington, Illinois, Wisconsin, and now Arizona.
Nancy’s practice spans litigation, plan drafting, and regulatory compliance. Her strategic approach and deep expertise make her a go-to resource for protecting plan assets and enforcing reimbursement rights. Clients value her clarity, consistency, and commitment to delivering results that withstand legal and operational scrutiny.
SESSION SEVEN DETAILS
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SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Bracing for Government Scrutiny: How to Navigate Audits and Subrogation Compliance
Tuesday, October 7th at 9:50 am - 10:50 am
This session focuses on Department of Labor, Medicare, and Medicaid audits, emphasizing healthcare subrogation. We will explore how subrogation intersects with broader ERISA and Federal Agency requirements, drawing parallels to recent OIG audits in Medicare Advantage (e.g., Humana and CVS HealthAssurance) as a real-world example of heightened regulatory scrutiny, including exploration of Wurtz v. The Rawlings Company class action lawsuit.
REBEKAH MCGUIRE-DYE
Vice President of Subrogation Efficiency at The Phia Group
Rebekah McGuire-Dye has worked nearly 30 years in the cost containment industry and now serves as the Vice President of Recovery Services Onboarding & Support for The Phia Group, whereby she ensures the company’s client care service function remains unparalleled in the cost containment industry. During her extensive career, Rebekah has served over 150 health benefit providers in roles ranging from front-line file handler to Group Vice President overseeing all commercial subrogation operations for over 20 million benefit recipient lives. Her nearly three-decade cost containment career, while focused on the healthcare line of business, also includes experience in both disability and property and casualty subrogation matters. Such in-depth experiences have cultivated her passion for cutting-edge technology and its ability to drive efficiencies for all levels of an organization. She is honored to be sharing her love of modernization with the board of Subrogation Healthcare Alliance as the inaugural Director of Technology.
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While not pursuing cost containment endeavors, Rebekah is an avid traveler (some may say wanderer), nature lover, and family-oriented resident of rural Kentucky. She gives back to her community at every turn and focuses stewardship efforts on advocating for underserved school children in remote parts of Kentucky.
SESSION FOUR DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
The Bigger They Are the Harder They Reduce
Monday, October 6th at 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
This presentation will cover a best practice check list that focuses on quality file handling steps that maximize recoveries of large liens. In order to have maximum impact, these seasoned experts will begin with a discussion on medical inflation compared to minimal liability coverage limit trends then move into a checklist for large lien case handling. It will touch on both ERISA and NON-ERISA plans along with Medicare plans utilizing case studies from our combined 50 years of case handling experience. The session is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of six figure lien resolution best practices along with specific examples of ways recoveries have been maximized by following our time-tested check list.
SARA SKRZECZKOSKI
Subrogation & Third-Party Liability Manager at Security Health Plan
Sara Skrzeczkoski has been with Security Health Plan working in subrogation for over 25 years. She has been Subrogation and Third Party Manager for the last 15 years.
SESSION TEN DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Dealing with Difficult Attorneys: A Roundtable
Tuesday, October 7th at 2:10 pm - 3:10 pm
Surprising as it may seem, not everyone wants to reimburse their health insurer, and frequently dealing with difficult attorneys is a universal part of health recovery subrogation. This roundtable will be moderated by three people who each bring a unique view to negotiating with adverse attorneys: an in-house general counsel, a subrogation manager, and a litigator. The panel will present negotiation strategies and facilitate a lively and interactive group discussion on how to best handle aggressive opposing counsel.
STEPHEN SMITH
Partner and Attorney at Axepoint Law
Steve Smith serves as a partner with AxePoint Law, focusing on insurance-recovery litigation in workers’ compensation, property, auto, ERISA, and health subrogation. He has led subrogation teams in state and federal courts across the Midwest and beyond, routinely resolving complex liens and statutory issues. He also advises clients on evolving federal requirements, helping them align recovery efforts with Medicare, Medicaid, and ERISA mandates.