JPM 2025: Key Insights into the 43rd JP Morgan Healthcare Conference

Held at the Westin St Francis hotel, the four-day event will feature presentations from more than 500 private and public companies, focusing on hospital mergers and acquisitions, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and insurers’ financial performance. 

The 43rd annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference kicks off today in San Francisco, bringing together over 8,000 healthcare professionals to the city’s financial district. 

The four-day event will feature presentations from more than 500 private and public companies, focusing on hospital mergers and acquisitions, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and insurers’ financial performance. 

This year, security measures have been heightened following the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson during an investor event in New York last month, with JP Morgan Chase & Co implementing increased safety protocols in light of recent targeted attacks on healthcare leaders.

Key Themes & Highlights

• The conference is set to address several pressing issues in the healthcare industry. 

• Insurers are expected to provide updates on enrollment numbers and discuss how the Trump administration might impact Medicare Advantage plans and exchange subsidies. 

• Digital health companies will outline their plans for an active 2025, focusing on scaling artificial intelligence capabilities and collaborating with industry stakeholders to enhance technology adoption. 

• Nonprofit health systems are also expected to highlight strategies for utilizing cash reserves for capital projects and exploring mergers and acquisitions to navigate ongoing financial challenges. 

• CommonSpirit Health, Mayo Clinic, Advocate Health, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and Baxter are among the major participants.

Focus of Early Presentations

The first day of the conference will feature presentations from Advocate Health, a nonprofit formed in 2022 through the merger of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. 

Executives are likely to discuss the outcomes of the merger, the integration process, and the progress of its national health equity center in Milwaukee. 

Moreover, Providence, based in Renton, Washington, will present updates on its financial recovery strategy, aiming to break even on operations by 2026 under the leadership of its new President and CEO, Erik Wexler.

Mid-Week Discussions and Keynotes

Day 2 presentations are expected to include CommonSpirit Health’s strategy on outpatient expansion. The system has been divesting hospitals in underperforming markets while bolstering ambulatory surgery centers, behavioral health services, and home care in higher-growth areas. 

Meanwhile, Mayo Clinic is anticipated to provide updates on its $5 billion redevelopment project at its main campus and discuss its investments in AI-driven healthcare technology.

Later in the week, presentations will highlight behavioral health initiatives, with companies such as Talkspace and Teladoc discussing the benefits of extended payment flexibilities for telehealth, hospital-at-home care, and remote prescribing. 

These policies have been extended until March 31, 2025, offering a significant boost to virtual mental health services. Keynote addresses will include Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley.

Women’s Health Gains Prominence

A Women’s Health Series on Tuesday will feature discussions on leadership, investment gaps, and policy innovations. Speakers include Dr. Renee Wegrzyn, director of ARPA-H, and Kate Ryder, CEO of Maven. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will also deliver insights on The White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research during Fierce JPM Week.

Notable Absences from the Agenda

Despite the robust lineup, several prominent organizations will not participate in this year’s conference. 

Insurers such as Cigna, Centene, UnitedHealth Group, Humana, and Elevance Health are absent from the agenda, as are retail pharmacy chain Walgreens and health systems including Kaiser Permanente, Trinity Health, Mass General Brigham, and Banner Health. 

Additionally, CVS Health, currently undergoing a strategic review following its announcement in 2024, has also opted out of the event.

While some organizations are notably absent, the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference continues to shape the healthcare conversation, providing a crucial forum for discussing the future of the industry amid ongoing economic and technological shifts.