BIP Winter 2025

Some encounters are unforgettable. “One year, Sen. McCain was in the middle of a hearing,” Farrell recalls. “We were watching him on TV when his aide whispered something to him. He walked out of the hearing, came over, and talked with us right there. Moments like that remind you this work matters.” They also speak of former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Rep. David Schweikert (R AZ), who have taken time to meet with Arizona’s delegation year after year. “We know their families, their interests. It’s a personal connection,” Farrell says. “And that makes it easier for them to call us when they have questions about an issue instead of relying on the buzz in D.C.” Preparing for CapCon 2026 Such trust starts with preparation. Both leaders emphasize the importance of the months leading up to NABIP’s annual Capitol Conference, taking place Feb. 22–24, 2026. “Take advantage of the prep sessions,” Crandall advises. “You’ll learn the talking points, how to articulate them, and even why sometimes your 22-year-old staffer meeting might be more strategic than meeting with the member themselves.” New this year, attendees will have access to a mobile app that centralizes congressional meeting schedules, contact details and bill positions. “It’s going to make the process seamless,” Farrell says. “You’ll know exactly who you’re meeting with.” For first-time attendees, Crandall offers reassurance: “You won’t be on your own. We pair people by expertise: large group, small group, individual, Medicare. If you’re new, volunteer as the note taker. You’ll learn fast.” Farrell encourages attendees to explore beyond NABIP sessions. “Take a tour of the Capitol or the Library of Congress. Visit the cafeterias, walk the tunnels. Once you understand the ecosystem of Capitol Hill, you appreciate how it all fits together.” Even without a presidential election, the 2026 policy landscape will be packed. “Midterms, redistricting, subsidy extensions, pharmacy reform — there’s a lot on the table,” Crandall says. “We need our members in those meetings explaining how these issues affect clients in real terms.” Farrell agrees. “The extension of ACA subsidies, for example, could go down to the

With Sen. John McCain and dining at Old Ebbitt Grill.

YOUR FIRST CAPCON, MADE SIMPLE Get prepped Join NABIP’s virtual briefing sessions for talking points, logistics and meeting etiquette. Bring questions. Use the app This year’s meeting app centralizes Hill schedules, office profiles and cosponsorship status so you can walk in informed.

Play your position You’re paired across expertises — large group, small group, individual, Medicare. New? Volunteer as a note taker and observe. Embrace the hallway The venue doesn’t matter. Some of the best meetings happen in tight spaces between hearings. Be a tourist Schedule time for the Capitol, Library of Congress, or a cafeteria coffee. Understanding the ecosystem makes advocacy easier (and more fun).

32 bip magazine Winter 2025