CONNECTING LEADERS ACROSS THE
HEALTHCARE SUBROGATION INDUSTRY
An elevated conference experience bringing together leaders from across the healthcare subrogation industry for three days of curated education, strategic conversation, and meaningful professional connection.
REFINED PERSPECTIVES. ENDURING IMPACTS.
Set along Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row, the 2026 SHA Annual Conference blends thoughtful programming with the craftsmanship and hospitality of Hotel Distil. Designed for experienced professionals and rising leaders alike, the conference creates space for practical insight, industry collaboration, and high-quality dialogue.
AGENDA SNAPSHOT
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
REGISTRATION | 4-6 PM
WELCOME RECEPTION | 6-8 PM
​
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5
COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST | 7:30 - 8:30 AM
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH | 12-1 PM
HAPPY HOUR | 5-7 PM
​
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6
COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST | 7:30 - 8:30 AM
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH | 12-1 PM
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
-
11 Educational Sessions
-
Hybrid Ticket Options
-
Complimentary Breakfast & Lunch
-
Networking Events:
-
Welcome Reception (Sunday evening)​
-
Happy Hour (Monday evening)
-
-
CLE Credits Available for all Sessions
-
Exclusive SHA Conference Items
-
Discounted Hotel Rate - $249/night
FULL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4TH
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Conference Registration
Welcome Reception
Foyer
Outdoor Terrace
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5TH
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
8:30 AM - 8:40 AM
8:40 AM - 9:40 AM
9:40 AM - 9:55 AM
9:55 AM - 10:55 AM
10:55 AM - 11:10 AM
11:10 AM - 12:10 PM
12:10 PM - 1:10 PM
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
2:10 PM - 2:25 PM
2:25 PM - 3:25 PM
3:25 PM - 3:35 PM
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Breakfast
Opening Remarks
Session 1
Break
Session 2
Break
Session 3
Lunch
Session 4
SHA Involvement Meeting
Break
Session 5
Closing Remarks
Happy Hour
Reserve Room
Grand Ballroom
Grand Ballroom
​
Grand Ballroom
​
​
​
Grand Ballroom
​
Reserve Room
Grand Ballroom
Reserve Room / Breakout Room
Grand Ballroom
Grand Ballroom
Sidebar
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
8:30 AM - 8:35 AM
8:35 AM - 9:35 AM
9:35 AM - 9:50 AM
9:50 AM - 10:50 AM
9:50 AM - 10:50 AM
10:50 AM - 11:05 AM
11:05 AM - 12:05 PM
12:05 PM - 1:05 PM
1:05 PM - 2:05 PM
2:05 PM - 2:20 PM
2:20 PM - 3:20 PM
3:20 PM - 3:30 PM
Breakfast
Opening Remarks
Session 6
Break
Session 7
Session 8
Break
Session 9
Lunch
Session 10
Break
Session 11
Closing Remarks
Reserve Room
Grand Ballroom
Grand Ballroom
Grand Ballroom
Reserve Room / Breakout Room
Grand Ballroom
Reserve Room
Grand Ballroom
Grand Ballroom
Grand Ballroom
FULL CONFERENCE AGENDA
DAY 1: MONDAY, OCTOBER 5TH
SESSION ONE
State of Subrogation: Critical Legal, Medicare & Legislative Updates
Speakers:
Description:
John Kolb - Managing Partner of Kolb Clare & Arnold, PSC
Brian Bargender - Internal Consultant at Humana
Matt Stephens - Managing Partner and Shareholder at ROS Law Group, PLC
Ryan Woody - Shareholder at AxePoint Law
This highly anticipated annual update session provides focused insight into the most significant legal decisions, Medicare changes, legislative developments, and fiduciary considerations impacting healthcare subrogation professionals. Through expert analysis and practical perspective, the panel will break down what’s new, what’s evolving, and what these developments mean for recovery efforts, compliance strategies, and organizational risk moving forward.
SESSION TWO
Shots That Shouldn’t Have Been Poured: Never Events and Subrogation Claims in Medical Malpractice and Nursing Home Cases
9:55 - 10:55 AM
Speakers:
Description:
Chad Gabert – Vice President and Corporate Counsel at Katch
Matthew R. Falk – Attorney and Founding Member at Falk Legal Group
This presentation examines the impact of “never events” and hospital‑acquired conditions (HACs), as defined by the National Quality Forum and incorporated into CMS reimbursement policies, on health subrogation claims arising from medical negligence and nursing home litigation. The program explores how preventable adverse events affect recoverable medical expenses, causation, and fault allocation when healthcare providers or long‑term care facilities contribute to or exacerbate patient injuries. Attendees will gain practical guidance on the claims adjudication process, review of key documents, like insurance policies and plan documents, tricky issues likely cast of characters and potential conflicts all present in evaluating subrogation claims, addressing payment/non‑payment issues, and navigating recovery challenges in cases involving negligent medical care and nursing home treatment.
SESSION THREE
The Priority Problem: Recovering Health Benefits in Multi-Coverage Claims
Speaker:
Description:
Ashton T. Kirsch – Attorney and Shareholder at Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C.
Health insurers often have additional recovery opportunities beyond traditional subrogation pathways. This session will provide a practical overview of when and how to pursue reimbursement from alternative coverage sources, including workers’ compensation, personal injury protection (PIP), medical payments, and other applicable policies. Attendees will gain insight into how jurisdictional differences impact recovery rights and learn to identify key triggers for pursuing subrogation across various coverage types. In addition, the session will highlight creative and practical strategies for identifying liability carriers and pursuing recovery against responsible third parties.
11:10 AM - 12:10 PM
SESSION FOUR
Mass Torts Today: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in Lien Resolution
1:10 - 2:10 PM
Speaker:
Description:
Elizabeth Carter – Senior Attorney and Shareholder at Hill Hill Carter
Mass tort cases present unique complexities—but also significant recovery potential when approached strategically. This session will explore current trends in mass tort litigation, highlight ongoing challenges in lien resolution, and share practical strategies to improve outcomes. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to identify viable opportunities and navigate these cases more effectively.
SESSION FIVE
Pour Me Another Round: Dealing with Difficult Attorneys and the Occasional A.I. Bot
2:25 - 3:25 PM
Speakers:
Description:
Joel Tilleson – Partner at Falk Legal Group
Lisa Boero – General Counsel at Security Health Plan and the General Counsel at the Marshfield Clinic Health System, a region of Sanford Health
Sara Skrzeczkoski – Subrogation & Third-Party Liability Manager at Security Health Plan
A continuation of last year’s presentation, “Dealing with Difficult Attorneys: A Roundtable,” this year’s panel—once again featuring perspectives from an in-house general counsel, a subrogation unit manager, and an outside litigator—will focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and explore its misuse in subrogation recoveries. Come prepared to share your best AI fail stories, as the panel will conclude with the presentation of the 2026 Big Cheese Trophy.
8:40 - 9:40 AM
DAY 2: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6TH
8:35 - 9:35 AM
SESSION SIX
Distilling Leadership: Crafting the Next Generation of Industry Leaders
Speakers:
Description:
John Fedorko – Senior Assistant Vice President at EXL
Laura Schmidt – Managing Partner at Kelly, Smith & Schmidt, PC
Lisa Boero – General Counsel at Security Health Plan and the General Counsel at the Marshfield Clinic Health System, a region of Sanford Health
Great leaders aren’t accidental — they’re developed with intention, investment, and vision. In this cross-sector panel, leaders representing diverse segments of the healthcare subrogation ecosystem will share how their organizations identify high-potential professionals and intentionally cultivate future leaders. This candid discussion will explore the role of mentorship, succession planning, leadership development strategies, and the responsibility today’s leaders carry in preparing the next generation. Attendees will gain insight into how different sectors approach talent development — and how today’s decision-makers are building sustainable leadership pipelines for the future of our industry.
9:50 - 10:50 AM
SESSION SEVEN
Bridging the Gap: Insights from Non-Group Health Plan Carriers to Streamline Recovery
Speakers:
Description:
Douglas Lehrer – Insurance Trial Lawyer and Shareholder at Matthiesen, Wickert & Lehrer, S.C.
Logan Pry – Vice President of Medicare Compliance at Allan Koba Compliance Solutions
Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) recovery often places Group Health Plans and Non-Group Health Plans (NGHPs) on opposite sides of a claim, yet both face many of the same challenges, including unclear primary payer determinations, inconsistent data, and lengthy resolution timelines. Understanding the NGHP perspective can help streamline recovery efforts and reduce common roadblocks. This session will provide an inside look at the conditional payment recovery process from the NGHP perspective, highlight shared challenges experienced by both NGHPs and health plans, and explore best practices for improving communication and collaboration. Attendees will gain practical insights into how NGHP carriers handle claims, where delays commonly occur, and how better alignment can lead to more efficient and predictable recovery outcomes.
SESSION EIGHT
Workers Comp Subro: A Similar Spirit
9:50 - 10:50 AM
Speakers:
Description:
Joe Nemo – Attorney at Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A.
William J. McNulty – Attorney at Arthur Chapman Kettering Smetak & Pikala, P.A.
Workers’ compensation and health subrogation often intersect in complex ways following an accident or injury. This session will provide an overview of how workers’ compensation subrogation operates, including how claims are handled when both workers’ compensation carriers and health plans assert recovery interests against the same settlement or recovery. The presenters will explore common scenarios involving overlapping liens, reimbursement disputes, and situations where a health plan initially pays claims later determined to be work related. The session will also address lien priority considerations, including how ERISA can impact traditional assumptions regarding workers’ compensation recovery rights.
SESSION NINE
Speakers:
Description:
Keith Conrad – Associate Vice President of Subrogation, Legal at Machinify
R. Isaac Beckley - Senior Associate General Counsel at Machinify
Courtenay Wilson - Attorney at Machinify
Successful resolution of personal injury claims often depends on having all interested parties involved from the outset—yet health plan stakeholders are frequently excluded until late in the process. This session will explore the critical role of subrogation and reimbursement interests in mediation, and how early involvement can remove barriers, streamline negotiations, and lead to more efficient case resolution. Drawing from real-world experience in high-value mediations, presenters will share practical insights and proven approaches for achieving more favorable outcomes.
Personal Injury Mediations: Ensuring All Interested Parties Are at the Table
11:05 AM - 12:05 PM
SESSION TEN
Live AI Demos for Subrogation Handlers & Ways to Streamline Your Workflow - Part 3
1:05 - 2:05 PM
Speakers:
Description:
Nancy Case – Principal Attorney at Case Health Benefits Legal Advisors
Stephen Smith – Partner and Attorney at AxePoint Law
Christopher Aguiar – VP of Enforcement at The Public Interest Company
As AI continues to evolve at a rapid pace, new tools and capabilities are creating additional opportunities for subrogation professionals to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. This session will highlight the latest developments since the previous installments in this series, along with practical applications for day-to-day subrogation work. Through real-world examples and live demonstrations, presenters will showcase how these advancements can be leveraged to enhance processes while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
SESSION ELEVEN
SHA Annual Business Meeting
2:20 - 3:20 PM
Speakers:
Description:
Brian Bargender - Internal Consultant at Humana
Laura Schmidt – Managing Partner at Kelly, Smith & Schmidt, PC
Join us for the SHA Annual Business Meeting as we review the past year and outline what’s ahead. Members will vote to approve new board members, receive a financial update, and hear key organizational and policy updates. We’ll also discuss strategic priorities and share ways to get involved in shaping SHA’s future.
REGISTRATION
​Join us for an exciting and insightful event that brings together industry professionals, thought leaders, and innovators. This is your opportunity to expand your knowledge, network with peers, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and developments in the field.
TICKET OPTIONS
We offer several ticket options to fit your needs:
-
Standard Conference Pass - includes 1 in-person conference pass
-
Room Block Conference Pass - includes 1 in-person conference pass (if room is reserved in the SHA hotel block)
-
Livestream Conference Pass - includes 1 livestream conference pass to all conference sessions
-
Five-Pack Conference Pass - includes 5 in-person conference passes and 10 livestream conference passes
WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH YOUR TICKET
-
Access to all conference sessions
-
Access to networking events
-
Complimentary breakfast, refreshments, and lunch (for in-person attendees)
-
Complimentary conference bag, t-shirt, and goodies (for in-person attendees)
-
Access to the full attendees list
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
-
Early Bird Pricing Ends: Monday, July 6, 2026
-
Standard Pricing Begins: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
SPONSOR REGISTRATION
​Sponsors receive at least two complimentary conference passes as part of their sponsorship package. If you are a sponsor, please use the coupon code provided in your sponsorship confirmation email to register without payment.
HOW TO REGISTER
-
Select your ticket from the options below.
-
Fill out your email address and registration details.
-
Enter your payment information (via Credit/Debit Card or PayPal)
Once your registration is complete, you will receive an invoice receipt via email. Attendees can also download a PDF copy of the invoice receipt by clicking on the link labeled 'View Invoice' in the email. Additionally, a separate confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided during registration and payment.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM TODAY
We have secured a limited room block at the Hotel Distil for conference attendees. Rooms are available for $249 per night from Saturday, October 3rd to Tuesday, October 6th. Due to high demand, we have limited availability on Saturday, October 3rd and Tuesday, October 6th. Please email us at info@subrohealthalliance.org to make any adjustments to your reservation.
ROOM BLOCK CUT-OFF DATE: Thursday, September 3rd
TICKET PURCHASE & REGISTRATION
Select a ticket option below to register for the 2026 SHA Annual Conference. Once you've made your selection, complete the registration form and proceed to payment to finalize your ticket purchase. We look forward to seeing you in Louisville!
EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
2026 Room Block Conference Pass
225$1 in-person conference pass (if room is reserved in the SHA hotel block)Â2026 Standard Conference Pass
325$1 in-person conference passÂ2026 Livestream Conference Pass
175$1 livestream conference pass to all conference sessionsÂ2026 Five-Pack Conference Pass
1,575$5 in-person conference passes and 10 livestream conference passesÂ
Secure your spot and save with our early bird ticket rates! Register today to lock in the best price before rates increase by $100 after Monday, July 6th.
NOTE: The Room Block Conference Pass does NOT cover the cost of the room itself. Instead, it offers a discounted conference fee when you reserve a room within the hotel block.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
BRIAN BARGENDER
Internal Consultant 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 ONE DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
State of Subrogation: Critical Legal, Medicare & Legislative Updates
​
Monday, October 5 at 8:40 am - 9:40 am
This highly anticipated annual update session provides focused insight into the most significant legal decisions, Medicare changes, legislative developments, and fiduciary considerations impacting healthcare subrogation professionals. Through expert analysis and practical perspective, the panel will break down what’s new, what’s evolving, and what these developments mean for recovery efforts, compliance strategies, and organizational risk moving forward.
SESSION ELEVEN DETAILS
SESSION TITLE:
SESSION DATE & TIME:
SESSION DESCRIPTION:
SHA Annual Business Meeting
​
Tuesday, October 5 at 2:20 pm - 3:20 pm
Join us for the SHA Annual Business Meeting as we review the past year and outline what’s ahead. Members will vote to approve new board members, receive a financial update, and hear key organizational and policy updates. We’ll also discuss strategic priorities and share ways to get involved in shaping SHA’s future.
CLE REGISTRATION
CLE credit is available for both in-person and virtual attendees. To receive credit, please review the information below and complete the registration form using the link provided. Payment instructions will be shared once all forms have been submitted.
CLE PRICE: $375 | $100 EXTRA PER ADDITIONAL JURISDICTION
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE: STATE & PROCESSING FEES
- Fill out registration form on SHA website to sign up to receive CLE credits during the SHA Conference
- CLE Packet & forms will be provided at registration (virtual attendees will be emailed forms)
- Forms will need to be filled out and signed by the end of the conference
- CLE registration cut off date will be 14 days before the conference (Monday, September 21, 2026)
- Pay CLE fee at the conference registration desk (or via PayPal invoice)
*NOTE: Credit Hours may vary based on state’s regulations & all credits are non-transferable.
CLE REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
NEED ASSISTANCE?
If you need assistance with registering or booking your room, please contact us at info@subrohealthalliance.org.