Derek Tancredi
December 2025
At AccessSync, I typically spend my days navigating the complex currents of payer dynamics, patient affordability, and regulatory shifts. So, when an event comes along that promises to tackle these challenges head-on, I’m always eager—and the Copay, Reimbursement, and Access Congress 2025 was on a whole new level.
What an incredible few days! The atmosphere was simply amazing. The energy in the room, from the first continental breakfast on Day 1 to the final networking sessions, was electric with the collaborative spirit of professionals committed to cracking the access code for patients.
Here are my top three strategic takeaways that will be shaping our priorities in the coming months:
1. The Future is “Access Unlocked”
Patient access isn’t only about a successful copay program; it’s about the patient’s entire journey. The sessions on Day 2 focused on “Access Unlocked: The New Era of Patient Discovery, Trust and Action,” emphasizing how brands are rethinking traditional access models. The session reinforced the need to design patient journeys that drive engagement and integrate seamless discovery by extending brand sites with compliant screening tools. The key is scaling discovery efficiently through trusted partner channels.
2. Legislation is the New North Star
The sheer volume of content dedicated to regulatory headwinds confirmed one thing: staying agile is no longer optional. Day 3 sessions zeroed in on the effects of legislative reform, with a critical look at PBM Reform and Copay Program Disruptions. Understanding how shifting PBM revenue models will create ripple effects in copay design is paramount. Manufacturers must adjust for higher patient costs while navigating formulary placement shifts.
3. Data is the Key to a Future-Proof Program
The buzz around data-driven decisions was palpable, particularly during the deep dive on Optimizing Copay Data and Insights to Strengthen Market Access Strategies. The message was clear: copay program data provides valuable insights into payer dynamics and formulary positioning, not just patient behavior. The future of market access rests on our ability to leverage these insights to build flexible, compliant, and future-proof copay programs.
Leaving the Copay, Reimbursement, and Access Congress 2025, I feel reenergized and strategically prepared for the year ahead. The collaborative environment, the sharp focus on operational excellence, and the emphasis on patient-centric strategies have set a high bar for innovation. If you missed it, I highly recommend making this event an annual part of your professional development.
My Takeaways & What I’m Bringing Back
- Actionable Insight: Many sessions ended with practical takeaways — not just theory, but, “here’s how you build the infrastructure”, “here’s how you structure the contract”, “here’s how you engage payers early”.
- Network That Matters: I made connections with payer-operational folks, tech data vendors, and fellow access strategists who I will follow up with long after the event.
- Mindset Shift: For me personally, the event reinforced that access is no longer a downstream checkbox. It needs to be embedded early: during development, evidence generation, pricing strategy, payer engagement — and even product design.
Want to learn more?
Contact us or email to learn how we can help your team achieve your market access goals.
