CAHP Annual Conference 2026

October 19–21, 2026 at JW Marriott Desert Springs.

JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, California.

Over 1,000 health care professionals were expected to attend.

Health plan executives, professionals, and health care system administrators from California were expected to attend.

The 2026 conference was scheduled to focus on California's state budget situation, Medi-Cal delivery reforms, Covered California premiums, prior authorization policies, benefit mandates, and pharmaceutical costs.

It is most useful for California health plan leaders, government affairs and policy staff, and health system executives, since the agenda centered on state budget strain, Medi-Cal changes, Covered California premiums, prior authorization, mandates and drug costs, and the crowd of more than 1,000 was expected to come from plans and systems in the state. Professionals outside California, or vendors seeking a national buyer base, would get less from it, because the content is tied to state regulatory issues and the association organizing it represents California plans.

Attendees at health plan and policy conferences usually wear business attire, such as suits or blazers with slacks or dresses, though a resort venue in the desert in October allows lighter fabrics.

Attendees were expected to include health plan executives, compliance officers, medical directors, network directors, provider relations managers, and administrators from health systems contracted with California health plans.