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NJL People: Stephen K. Warch

Stephen K. Warch (Steve)

Attorney

With over 30 years of distinguished experience in health care and insurance regulation, including senior roles with a Fortune 10 managed care organization, within government oversight, and as an outside counsel, Steve is uniquely qualified to counsel health care industry organizations (including insurers, providers, third-party administrators, and other healthcare-focused organizations) through complex and high-stakes regulatory landscapes. His extensive knowledge and focus on payers allow him to give insightful counsel to clients and foster productive interactions with regulatory agencies in Minnesota and across different regions.

Steve also actively assists health care organizations in structuring and managing crucial relationships with external partners. This involves expert evaluation and negotiation of contracts, meticulous oversight of vendor performance, and the implementation of sound vendor management practices to ensure continuous compliance.

For some regulated entities, Steve takes on the role of outside general counsel to identify and address a wider range of client issues and opportunities.

Away from his professional pursuits, Steve enjoys staying active and can often be found on the golf course, cycling, tending to his yard and garden, or honing his culinary skills in the kitchen.

Key Practice Experience

Key Industry Experience

  • Health Care
  • Insurance
  • Financial Services
  • Nonprofits

Representative Matters

  • Frequent interaction with federal and state regulators on behalf of insurance and health care clients
  • Outside General Counsel for Minnesota Medicaid managed care organization
  • Outside General Counsel for national membership organization focused on health care and corporate compliance
  • Representation of significant managed care organizations in regulatory, transactional and litigation matters
  • Representation of national health insurer and related entities in regulatory and transactional matters
  • Representation of national property and casualty third-party administrator in state licensure and regulatory matters
  • Representation of national insurance provider on state licensure requirements, regulatory and transactional matters, and product structuring and development
  • Representation of national financial services organization and national sales and manufacturing company in Minnesota Attorney General consumer fraud investigations

Recognitions and Honors

  • Adjunct Professor of Law, University of Minnesota Law School (2012-2014; 2019-2021)
  • Adjunct Professor of Law, University of Arizona Law School (2022)
  • Adjunct Professor of Law, William Mitchell College of Law (2006-2007)
  • Multiple-year recognition in Minnesota Super Lawyers list
  • Past Chair, Minnesota State Bar Association, Health Law Section: Program Chair (2005-2007); Member, Governing Council (2007-2013)
  • Program Committee: Minnesota CLE Health Law Institute: 2005-Present

Publications and Presentations

  • “The Past, Present and Future of the Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine,” Minnesota Association of Corporate Counsel, July 2022
  • “The ‘Multiple Hats’ Conundrum: Attorney/Client Privilege for In-House and Government Attorneys,” Minnesota State Bar Association Health Law Section, October 2021
  • “Utilization Management in the Crosshairs,” Minnesota CLE 2018 Health Law Institute, June 13, 2018
  • “Whipsawed – The Potential Impacts of Health Care Reform Efforts on Government Programs,” Minnesota CLE Health Law Institute, June 15, 2017
  • “A Change to Minnesota Law: Licensure of For-Profit HMOs,” Minnesota Physician, June 2017
  • “The New 3Rs: Repeal, Replace, and Repair. Predicting Healthcare Reform in 2017 and Beyond,” Minnesota State Bar Association Health Law Section, March 17, 2017
  • “Reforming Health Care Reform: A Look at Proposed Options,” Minnesota Physician, February 2017
  • “Transactional Challenges for Payers and Strategies to Get to Yes (Or At Least Close Enough),” Minnesota CLE Health Law Institute, June 4, 2015
  • “The Mental Health Parity Act and Key Provisions of the MHPAEA Final Rule,” Minnesota CLE Health Law Institute, June 5, 2014
  • “The Minnesota Insurance Exchange and its Future Impact on the Marketplace: Plan and Provider Perspectives,” Minnesota CLE Health Law Institute, June 6, 2013
  • “We Have Come to Rain on Your Parade — Compliance with Medicare Advantage and Part D Marketing Rules for Payors, Providers, and Brokers,” Minnesota CLE Health Law Institute, June 8, 2012
  • “Exchanges, Unicorns and Rainbows – 14 Months Later: A Discussion about the Implications of Reform for Health Plans,” Minnesota CLE Health Law Institute, June 9, 2011
  • “National Health Care Reform: Implications for Employers,” Omega Benefits Client Seminar, July 27, 2010
  • “Key Aspects of Health Reform for Minnesota Insurers and Health Plans,” Minnesota CLE Health Law Institute, June 10, 2010
  • “The Mental Health Parity and Equity Addiction Act: The Interim Final Regulations,” Minnesota State Bar Association Health Law Section, April 16, 2010
  • “Cracks in the Foundation of Peer Review: Key Developments in Privileging and Credentialing,” The Hennepin Lawyer, Vol. 78, No. 5, May 2009
  • “The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005: A New Era for False Claims Act Compliance,” Health Care Compliance Association Regional Conference, September 15, 2006
  • “The Role of State Attorneys General in the Regulation of Health Care Entities,” Health Care Compliance Association Compliance Institute, April 18, 2005
  • “The Attorney General’s Role in Regulation and Oversight of Charities and Non-Profit Organizations,” Minnesota State Bar Association CLE Program “Understanding and Advising Nonprofit Organizations,” April 3, 2003
  • “The Attorney General’s Role in Regulation and Oversight of Charities and Non-Profit Organizations,” Larson Allen Public Service Group Annual Nonprofit and Foundation Conference, May 15, 2003
  • “Legal Issues at the Intersection of Healthcare and ERISA – An Overview,” Minnesota Attorney General’s Office CLE Program “Minnesota’s Health Care System: Maladies, Symptoms and Cures,” June 8, 2001
  • “Meeting Head On: Offers of Settlement and an Insurer’s Potential Bad Faith,” Wisconsin Lawyer, Vol. 69, No. 10, October 1996

Professional Associations

  • Advisory Board Member, Mitchell-Hamline Health Law Institute
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Ramsey County Bar Association
  • Health Care Compliance Association

Community Engagement

  • Board Member, Saint Paul Urban Tennis (2019-Present)
  • Member, Volunteer Lawyers’ Network Benefactors Board (2019-2023)
  • Board and Executive Committee Member, Mount Zion Temple, Saint Paul, MN (2010-2016)
  • Board Member, Saint Paul Tennis Club (2007-2010)
  • Board Member, Sunny Hollow Montessori School (2001-2003)
  • Board Member, Edina A Better Chance Foundation (1994-1997)

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