Join MAPRx as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of Medicare Part D with an afternoon of engaging discussion, meaningful connection, and collaboration among policymakers, health care leaders, patient advocates, and more. Together, we'll reflect on two decades of progress and explore the future of prescription drug access through keynote remarks, expert panels, and a networking reception.

For 20 years, Medicare Part D has expanded access to prescription drug coverage for millions of Americans. Today, more than 56.1 million beneficiaries rely on the program, making it a cornerstone of Medicare and prescription drug access in the United States. This special anniversary event will examine the program's evolution, celebrate its successes, and bring together diverse voices from across the health care ecosystem to discuss the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026
 
3:00–6:00 p.m. ET

AGENDA

3:00 PM: Welcome
     Louise Vetter, President & CEO, Lupus Foundation of America 

3:05 PM: Keynote Conversation 

  • John Brooks, JD, MBA, Director, Center for Medicare; Deputy Administrator, Senior Counselor to the Secretary, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • John O'Brien, PharmD, MPH, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Pharmaceutical Council

3:35 PM: Panel Discussion - Medicare Part D in Action: Access, Affordability, and the Patient Perspective     

  • Carl Schmid, Executive Director, HIV + Hepatitis Policy Institute
  • Pam Traxel, Sr. Vice President, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network 
  • Pat Wildman, Sr. Vice President, Advocacy & Government Relations, Lupus Foundation of America
  • Leah Howard, President & CEO, National Psoriasis Foundation (Moderator)  

4:15 PM: Panel Discussion - View from the Hill: Medicare Part D's Evolution and Impact

  • Preston Bell, Staff Member, House Ways and Means Committee, Health Subcommittee   
  • Liz Fowler, JD, PhD, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Health Transformation Strategies; Distinguished Scholar, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health    
  • Polly Webster, MPH, JD, Senior Health Counsel, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
  • Joel White, Partner, Head of Health Practice, Monument Advocacy; President, Council for Affordable Health Coverage   
  • Rai Downs, Partner, Tarplin, Downs and Young, LLC; Partner, FGS Global (Moderator)

4:55 PM: Closing Remarks

5:00-6:00 pm: Networking Reception

Location Information

  • International Spy Museum
  • 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC, 20024 US

Please complete the form below to register for the event. Additional event details and confirmation will be sent to registered attendees closer to the event date.


We will make every effort to accommodate requests; however, due to catering limitations, we cannot guarantee that all needs can be met or that food will be free from allergens or cross-contact.

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