Frontline Education. Practical Learning. Meaningful Connection.
We're excited to introduce the SHA Regional Conferences focused specifically on frontline subrogation professionals and case handlers. These one-day educational events are designed to provide practical, real-world education that frontline professionals can apply in their day-to-day roles. Each regional conference will feature four educational sessions presented by industry leaders, along with opportunities to connect with peers in a smaller, more interactive setting.
WISCONSIN REGIONAL CONFERENCE
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN
DATE:
TIMES:
VENUE:
JUNE 2, 2026
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
HUMANA'S GREEN BAY FACILITY
This one-day event will feature four educational sessions presented by industry leaders, focused on practical subrogation topics designed specifically for frontline professionals. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with peers in a collaborative, small-group environment while enjoying complimentary lunch.
REGISTRATION OPTIONS
Individual Registration
Purchase an individual ticket for the Wisconsin Regional Conference.
2026 Wisconsin Regional Conference Pass
30
Company Group Registration
Sending multiple attendees? Complete the Company Group Registration Form and SHA will send an invoice for $30 per ticket, along with registration details for your team members.
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, May 19
KENTUCKY REGIONAL CONFERENCE
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
DATE:
TIMES:
VENUE:
OCTOBER 7, 2026
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
HOTEL DISTIL
Taking place the day after the 2026 SHA Annual Conference, this one-day regional event offers an additional opportunity for frontline professionals to attend four educational sessions presented by industry leaders, focused on practical subrogation topics. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with peers and participate in a collaborative, small-group learning environment while enjoying complimentary lunch.
REGISTRATION OPTIONS
Individual Registration
Purchase an individual ticket for the Kentucky Regional Conference.
2026 Kentucky Regional Conference Pass
30
Company Group Registration
Sending multiple attendees? Complete the Company Group Registration Form and SHA will send an invoice for $30 per ticket, along with registration details for your team members.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, September 23
REGISTRATION
All Conference Tickets: $30 per person
We offer two registration options for the SHA Regional Conferences to make it easy for both individuals and teams to attend:
Individual Registration
Purchase tickets directly for the regional event you plan to attend. Individual ticket links are available under each regional conference section above.
Company Group Registration
Organizations planning to send multiple attendees may complete the Company Group Registration Form above. Once submitted, SHA will send an invoice for the requested number of tickets and provide a registration link for your attendees.
All tickets include:
-
Access to all four educational sessions
-
Complimentary lunch
-
SHA branded swag item
-
Networking opportunities with other professionals
Member Registration
Regional Conference registration is available to SHA members. If you are not currently a member, you will automatically receive a complimentary SHA membership upon registration. Attendees may opt out of membership communications at any time following the event.
SHA SPONSORS
Confirmed SHA sponsors who selected the Regional Conference Sponsorship Benefit will receive:
-
Four complimentary conference passes for the Green Bay, WI Regional Conference
-
Four complimentary conference passes for the Louisville, KY Regional Conference
Sponsors will receive registration details directly for their team members. No additional registration or payment is required for these complimentary passes.
SESSIONS & AGENDA
TIME:
ACTIVITY:
DURATION:
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
10 min
10:10 AM – 11:05 AM
Session 1: The Subrogation Highway: Removing Roadblocks and Keeping Recoveries Moving
55 min
Speaker:
Cindy Merrell - Director of Legal Recovery Services at The Phia Group |
Matthew R. Falk - Attorney and Founding Member at Falk Legal Group
Description:
Subrogation professionals often encounter roadblocks that can slow down or stall recovery efforts, from delayed referrals and incomplete information to communication challenges and inconsistent processes. Recognizing and addressing these issues early can help keep cases moving and improve recovery outcomes. In this session, attendees will explore common obstacles encountered in the subrogation process and practical strategies for overcoming them. The discussion will focus on improving case handling, strengthening communication, and identifying opportunities to streamline workflows and decision-making. Through real-world examples and practical guidance, participants will gain actionable tips to help remove roadblocks, keep recoveries on track, and manage their caseloads more effectively.
11:05 AM – 11:15 AM
Break
10 min
11:15 AM – 12:10 PM
Session 2: Understanding Made Whole: How to Evaluate and Navigate Challenging Recovery Scenarios
55 min
Speakers:
Brian Bargender - Business Consultant, Subrogation and Other Party Liability at Humana | Matthew S. Mayer - Attorney at Weld Riley, SC
Description:
The Made Whole doctrine can significantly impact recovery opportunities, and understanding how and when it applies is essential for frontline subrogation professionals. Knowing how to evaluate these situations early can help case managers set expectations and identify potential recovery opportunities. In this session, attendees will gain practical guidance on how the Made Whole doctrine applies in different contexts. The speakers will discuss how Made Whole considerations may apply to Medicare and Medicaid claims, as well as insured and self-funded non-ERISA plans where the doctrine most frequently arises. Participants will learn how to evaluate whether a claimant may be considered whole, recognize situations where recovery may still be possible, and explore practical tips for maximizing recovery in challenging scenarios. Through real-world examples and practical guidance, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to approach Made Whole cases with confidence.
12:10 PM – 12:50 PM
Lunch
40 min
12:50 PM – 1:45 PM
Session 3: Bourbon v. Rye—A Lawyer’s Perspective on Lien Negotiations
55 min
Speaker:
Description:
John Fedorko - Senior Assistant Vice President at EXL
In this presentation we will discuss negotiation techniques. While the applicable law, statutes, etc. are relevant and important when negotiating lien resolutions, the focus of this presentation will be on effective communication and the need to handle each case based on its individual facts, circumstances, and personalities. We will discuss both smooth (bourbon) techniques, as well as the use of spicier (rye) techniques when warranted. This presentation will make use of practical examples and audience participation and interaction will be encouraged. This promises to be a fun and informative session that will provide tips and techniques you can incorporate into your lien negotiation strategies.
1:45 PM – 1:55 PM
Break
10 min
1:55 PM – 2:50 PM
Session 4: Escalation Triggers & Trapdoors: A Subrogation Specialist’s Guide to Counsel Involvement
55 min
Speakers:
Chad Gabert - Vice President and Corporate Counsel at Katch |
Matthew R. Falk - Attorney and Founding Member at Falk Legal Group |
Dustin Harkness - Subrogation Team Lead at Katch
Description:
Front-line subrogation specialists and analysts often carry national portfolios and are expected to move files efficiently—until a claim hits a legal “trapdoor”: uncertain plan status, hostile plaintiff’s counsel, settlement allocations designed to starve medical damages, competing payers, secrecy provisions, or a looming disbursement that can make recovery impossible. This session provides a practical escalation framework for identifying the issues that require engagement of in-house or outside counsel. The program will also address a recurring operational question—“Why don’t we just let the injured party’s lawyer handle our lien?”—and break down the ethical conflicts, misaligned incentives, and procedural pitfalls that make reliance on plaintiff’s counsel a high-risk strategy, especially where enforceable rights can evaporate if funds are dissipated or improperly allocated.
2:50 PM – 3:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Wrap Up
10 min
WHAT TO EXPECT
Each SHA Regional Conference Includes:
-
Four educational sessions presented by industry leaders
-
Practical, frontline-focused subrogation education
-
Small-group, interactive learning environment
-
Networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals
-
Complimentary lunch
-
SHA branded swag item for attendees
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
These events are designed for:
-
Subrogation case handlers
-
Recovery specialists
-
Claims professionals
-
Analysts
-
New or developing subrogation professionals
-
Frontline team members looking to expand their knowledge
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 is also the current president of the subrogation health Alliance (SHA).
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. Brian also serves also co-chairs a Medicare Secondary Payer and Workers’ Compensation Medicare Set Aside task group for the National Coalition for Prescription Drug Plans (NCPDP).
SESSION TWO DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
Understanding Made Whole: How to Evaluate and Navigate Challenging Recovery Scenarios
The Made Whole doctrine can significantly impact recovery opportunities, and understanding how and when it applies is essential for frontline subrogation professionals. Knowing how to evaluate these situations early can help case managers set expectations and identify potential recovery opportunities.
In this session, attendees will gain practical guidance on how the Made Whole doctrine applies in different contexts. The speakers will discuss how Made Whole considerations may apply to Medicare and Medicaid claims, as well as insured and self-funded non-ERISA plans where the doctrine most frequently arises.
Participants will learn how to evaluate whether a claimant may be considered whole, recognize situations where recovery may still be possible, and explore practical tips for maximizing recovery in challenging scenarios. Through real-world examples and practical guidance, attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to approach Made Whole cases with confidence.
