Luncheon Meeting

Lunch Sponsored by:

Webster Bank
Jim Lanfranchi, Sr. VP
Managing Director, Commercial Banking

Dear ABA Members, 

We look forward to two informative presentations at our first lunch meeting of 2026.

The first will be by Mark Whitcher, CEO of both Promise Labor Benefits and KTP Advisors presenting: The Shift Toward Medicare Advantage: Causes, Consequences, and Market Impacts

The second presentation will be by Annette Sanjines, Taft-Hartley Business Development Executive, Rx Benefits entitled The Importance of Clinical Utilization Management

Our February lunch sponsor is Jim Lanfranchi, of Webster Bank.

We look forward to seeing you at our February meeting. Please watch for our January newsletter later this month.

Presentation #1

The Shift Toward Medicare Advantage: Causes, Consequences, and Market Impacts

This presentation highlights the recent shifts in Medicare enrollment toward Medicare Advantage plans. It examines why beneficiaries are choosing Medicare Advantage, including affordability, bundled benefits, and policy changes such as the Inflation Reduction Act. Finally, it explores its potential market effects over the next 2–3 years, such as changes in plan design, regulation, and impacts on traditional Medicare and Medigap. 

Presented by:

Mark Whitcher, CEO
Promise Labor Benefits
KTP Advisors

Presentation #2

The Importance of Clinical Utilization Management

Clinical utilization management plays a critical role in ensuring members receive the right medication at the right time while safeguarding the long-term sustainability of benefit funds. Effective programs are guided by clinicians, incorporate patient specific considerations and are regularly reviewed. When done correctly, clinical utilization management is not about restricting access to care but based on clinical judgment promoting appropriate, safe, and cost-effective therapy.

Ultimately, clinical utilization management supports a shared goal: protecting member health while responsibly managing plan resources. Let’s deepen the understanding of clinical utilization management in today’s evolving pharmacy landscape. This discussion will focus on considerations, common misconceptions, and practical takeaways that support informed decision-making.

Presented by:

Annette Sanjines
RxBenefits Labor Business Development Executive
TUESDAY February 3rd, 2026

RWDSU
370 7TH Ave - 5TH floor conference room
(aka 7 Penn Plaza), New York, NY.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

In Solidarity,

The Board of the Association of Benefit Administrators

 

 

Mark Whitcher, CEO

Promise Labor Benefits

KTP Advisors

Mark Whitcher is the CEO of both Promise Labor Benefits and KTP Advisors, with more than 20 years of experience advising organizations on retiree health benefits, Medicare strategies, and benefit plan design. He has worked extensively with Taft-Hartley funds, municipalities, universities, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofits on healthcare strategy, contract negotiations, and financial analysis. 

Annette Sanjines

Labor Business Development Executive RxBenefits

Annette Sanjines is a Taft-Hartly Business Development Executive at RxBenefits with more than a decade of experience working with labor funds and benefit administrators. Her work today is focused on educating stakeholders on the value clinical utilization management, ensuring members’ needs are met, while simultaneously helping funds manage and mitigate unnecessary or wasteful pharmacy spend.

Annette joined RxBenefits in 2024 and brings nearly two decades of healthcare experience in pharmacy and client management. She began her career with UnitedHealthcare in 2013 and spent 11 years supporting the labor community, including managing local funds and over-seeing Taft-Hartley coalitions for major U.S. unions. Throughout her career, Annette has served as a trusted liaison for funds, clients, and consultants, translating complex clinical and utilization concepts as practical, actionable insights for decision makers.

Annette resides in Queens, NY with her two fur-babies, Billy and Bubbles.

Tags

2026
  • Date : February 3, 2026
  • Time : 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm (America/New_York)
  • Venue : RWDSU 5th Floor Conference Room - 370 7th Avenue NYC 12:00 - 2:00 PM

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