AHIP Cancels Upcoming Health Policy Conference As Virus Fears Mount

America’s Health Insurance Plans is the latest organization to cancel events due to the rapidly spreading coronavirus pandemic.

AHIP cancelled its upcoming National Health Policy Conference and National Conference on the Individual and Small Group Market in Washington, D.C., March 18-20.

Previously, iPipeline cancelled its Connections 2020 event set to begin Sunday in Las Vegas. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has called a special March 22 meeting to discuss the coronavirus spread.

“The health and safety of our conference speakers, attendees, and staff come first,” said Matt Eyles, president and CEO of AHIP. “That’s why we are taking this proactive, preventative action.”

The National Health Policy Conference and the National Conference on the Individual and Small Group Market have been a health industry staple, hosting many influential policy leaders, Congressional leaders, industry executives and health care media over the years.

Both conferences are well attended and renowned for the insights into health policy and the future of America’s health care landscape.

“We are fully committed to help America’s powerful health care system meet the challenges posed by the Coronavirus strain COVID-19,” AHIP’s Board of Directors said in a separate statement yesterday. “We are taking decisive action to help prevent the spread of this disease, to ensure that people have coverage for and access to needed testing, and to help patients who are infected receive the care and treatment they need.”

AHIP conference registrants will be contacted with further information regarding refunds or a credit for a future AHIP conference. More information is available at the AHIP website.

Future 2020 AHIP conferences, including AHIP Institute & Expo (June 17-18), are moving forward as scheduled.

This report compiled by InsuranceNewsNet staff.