AIM 2026 recap: Key highlights from the ICHRA industry’s largest conference

By Elizabeth Walker on Jun 10, 2026 2:24:44 PM

Key Highlights from the ICHRA Industry’s Largest Conference

From May 20–22, 2026, Remodel Health welcomed brokers, employers, insurance carriers, and industry partners from across the country to downtown Indianapolis for AIM 2026: Aligning ICHRA Minds. Hosted in partnership with Ambetter Health, our fourth annual AIM Conference brought together some of the sharpest minds in healthcare to discuss the evolution and future success of the individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement (ICHRA).

Held at the JW Marriott, AIM 2026 was our largest ICHRA conference yet, where hundreds of attendees from 34 states gathered to hear dozens of speakers and panelists share their expertise and insights. Together, we celebrated the momentum of ICHRA, discussed emerging opportunities, and shared ideas that will help shape the healthcare industry for years to come.

Here's a look back at the conversations and moments that made AIM 2026 a conference to remember.

Watch the AIM 2026 recap video below:


Kicking off AIM 2026 with casino games and cocktails

AIM 2026 officially began on May 20 with our Casino & Cocktails Welcome Reception, sponsored by Renaissance Benefits.

Attendees walked the blue carpet before stepping into the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom for an evening of networking, entertainment, and friendly competition. Guests enjoyed casino games, live music, great food and drinks, and spirited conversations with fellow industry leaders and Remodel Health staff. It was the perfect way to kick off three days dedicated to learning, collaboration, and innovation.

AIM 2026 - Casino & Cocktails Welcome Reception

Inspiring keynotes and exciting industry perspectives

The main day of the conference opened on May 21 in a packed room with an engaging keynote from John Foley, former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels and bestselling author. Foley challenged attendees to think differently about leadership, teamwork, and high-performance culture, and provided insightful lessons aimed to help all types of businesses and industries excel.

AIM 2026 - John Foley as keynote speaker

Right before the keynote, attendees got the chance to hear from Jon Whitmer, Senior Vice President of Carrier Relations at Remodel Health. He set the stage for the conference with a look at the state of the ICHRA ecosystem, including tailwinds and growth, and a sneak peek at our 2026 National ICHRA Report.

As the largest ICHRA administrator by ARR, Remodel Health has the largest industry-specific dataset. We shared trends we’re seeing, such as:

  • Growth in the new-to-coverage space following the expiration of enhanced APTCs (69% year-over-year growth in new business to start the year for PeopleKeep by Remodel Health)
  • More group brokers are placing ICHRAs for their clients (53% increase in broker-generated quotes from 2024 to 2025)
  • Employer size offering an ICHRA is growing (267% growth in the average ICHRA group size from 2023 to 2025)

We showed how ICHRA has crossed from early-adopter territory into a mainstream benefits strategy.

Later that afternoon, attendees heard from Marcus Robinson, CEO of Individual and Family Plans at UnitedHealthcare, and Claire Shannon, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Local Markets, Individual and Specialty at UnitedHealthcare. Together, they took to the main stage to offer valuable perspectives on current trends and data, the continued growth of the individual market, and where the ICHRA will fit into an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Our mainstage presentation concluded with a look toward the future from Remodel Health's Head of Product, Bill Williams. During his presentation, attendees got a preview of the next generation of Remodel Health's platform. They also learned about upcoming features designed to further improve the ICHRA experience for brokers, employers, and employees.

Breakout sessions explored the future of ICHRA

Each year at AIM, we offer multiple sessions that allow attendees to dive deeper into ICHRA and healthcare topics that are shaping the industry. This year's breakout sessions drew strong attendance, with several sessions reaching standing-room-only capacity.

Industry leaders from HealthSherpa, Oscar Health, UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter Health, Foley & Lardner, and Marsh McLennan Agency led conversations discussing the impact and future of the ICHRA.

AIM 2026 - Attendees during a breakout sessions

Sessions focused on:

  • Building the infrastructure and technology powering the growing ICHRA ecosystem
  • Designing effective ICHRA strategies that support employer goals
  • Market data and insights shaping ICHRA adoption trends
  • Regulatory and policy developments affecting the industry
  • Compliance best practices for employers and brokers
  • Integrating ancillary benefits into an ICHRA strategy
  • Communicating ICHRA's value to executive leadership teams
  • Real-world employer experiences and lessons learned
  • The continued growth and momentum of the ICHRA market

Throughout each session, it was clear that the ICHRA continues to gain traction as employers seek more flexible, personalized, and sustainable approaches to health benefits.

“AIM 2026 was our best yet, and not because of its size. But because of who was in the room and the collaboration that happened,” Jon Whitmer, Senior Vice President of Carrier Relations at Remodel Health, said. “We had practice leaders and group consultants from the country's top agencies who've placed their largest ICHRA cases with us, several of those employers sharing their experience, and top carriers speaking candidly about the pressure to make coverage affordable. ICHRA is evolving in real time, and AIM is a catalyst for the work all of the stakeholders are doing to move it forward.”

Jon Whitmer - AIM Recap quote

Connecting with sponsors and carrier partners

AIM 2026 wouldn't have been possible without the support of our sponsors and partners, which included Ambetter Health, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar Health, Renaissance Benefits, W3LL, Guardian Life, ICHRA powered by HealthSherpa, Your Money Line, Finch, and Ideon.

Throughout the conference, attendees had the opportunity to visit sponsor booths, learn about new products, and create new partnerships aimed at helping to move the industry forward. The exhibit area became a hub of conversation in between sessions as attendees looked forward to absorbing as much knowledge as they could through networking with like-minded individuals.

“What gives me the most optimism coming out of AIM isn't simply the growth of ICHRA; it's the people behind it,” Johnna Barnard, Chief Customer Officer at Remodel Health, said. “Across employers, brokers, carriers, and partners, I saw leaders committed to improving healthcare access and affordability for employees and their families. The future of health benefits won't be built by any one organization alone; it will be shaped by those willing to challenge the status quo, collaborate, and put people at the center of innovation. The momentum is real, and we're just getting started.”

Johnna Barnard - AIM Recap quote

Taking the conversation beyond the conference center

Some of the best conversations at AIM happen outside of the keynotes and breakout sessions. This year, attendees gathered at Victory Field for an evening of networking in an iconic Indianapolis venue. Guests enjoyed ballpark-inspired food and drinks, batting cages, and relaxed opportunities to connect with peers and exchange ideas.

However, the event at Victory Field wasn’t the end of the night. Remodel Health leadership hosted small-group dinners at local restaurants across downtown Indianapolis, creating opportunities for deeper discussions and stronger relationships among attendees.

Whether networking at the ballpark, sharing dinner with colleagues, or exploring the city, attendees found countless opportunities to build meaningful connections during the wrap-up of Day 2.

Rounding out the conference on May 22, attendees had the opportunity to experience a sought-after Indianapolis tradition: Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. AIM guests had access to an exclusive Remodel Health chalet with complimentary food and beverages, where they could watch the final practice sessions before race weekend front and center while mingling with newfound friends.

It was a fitting conclusion to a conference built around bringing people together and celebrating the momentum of an industry on the move.

AIM 2026 Signage

Looking ahead

Every year, AIM continues to reinforce the idea that you can’t build a better healthcare system alone — it takes all of us working together toward the future. The conversations that took place in Indianapolis highlighted the immense progress the industry has made with ICHRA while discussing the opportunities and challenges that still lie ahead.

As ICHRA adoption continues across the country, collaboration between brokers, employers, carriers, technology partners, and industry advocates will be more important than ever so more organizations can offer better health benefits. We're looking forward to continuing the conversation at AIM 2027, and we can’t wait for you to join us there.

AIM 2026 - Hands raised during the final activity of the keynote address.

Stay up to date on registration details for next year’s conference by following Remodel Health on LinkedIn and checking our website. And in the meantime, revisit the highlights of AIM 2026 by checking out our recap video!