As Pennsylvania entered a more costly Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment that began November 1, state leaders face growing pressure to safeguard affordability and access to care. This panel will bring together policymakers, healthcare experts, and public health officials to examine the policy tools available to ensure Pennsylvanians can continue to access affordable coverage and essential services. Discussion will focus on strategies to stabilize premiums, strengthen Pennie (the state’s health insurance marketplace), and protect and expand equitable access to vaccines and preventive care across the Commonwealth.

As one of the state’s leading health systems, UPMC is charting a path toward an AI‑enabled future where innovation and patient safety advance hand in hand. This session will explore how UPMC's clinical expertise, governance models, and real‑world implementation experience can serve as a foundation for statewide standards that elevate care for every community. By working in partnership with legislators, health systems can shape a shared vision for responsible AI.

As Pennsylvania and the nation look toward 2026, innovation in healthcare is accelerating — from advanced technologies that enhance patient care to new models that prioritize healthcare. This panel will explore how emerging tools like telehealth, artificial intelligence, and data integration are transforming the delivery, accessibility, and quality of care.  Panelists will also examine how technology can expand access to mental health services, address workforce shortages, help prevent the spread of disease, improve substance use disorder services and supports, and improve outcomes in underserved communities.