Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast
The Becker's Payer Issues Podcast is a must-listen podcast exclusively created for health insurance executives. Two new 15-minute episodes are released weekly, featuring leaders who shape health insurance in America and discuss the cost of care, policy, and regulation.
Episodes
Using AI and Virtual Reality to Strengthen EMS Training with Dan LaVallee
In this episode, Dan LaVallee, Associate Vice President of Community Engagement at UPMC Health Plan, discusses how an AI powered virtual reality simulator is helping EMT students build clinical readiness, confidence and communication skills. He shares how UPMC’s Freedom House program supports workforce development and how this training model could expand to other communities.
Strengthening Medicaid and Maternal Health in Florida with Fiona Fang
In this episode, Fiona Fang, CEO of Aetna Better Health of Florida, discusses Medicaid challenges, maternal and infant health, whole person care and efforts to help members maintain coverage. She also shares how data, community partnerships and targeted outreach can improve outcomes.
Building Better Health Plans for Small Businesses with Meredith Duncan
In this episode, Meredith Duncan, president and CEO of Texicare, discusses expanding access to affordable health coverage for small businesses, virtual care, provider network growth and the importance of building strong local relationships with providers and brokers.
Medicare Advantage Market Disruption and the Future of Risk Adjustment with Ceci Connolly
In this episode, Ceci Connolly, President and CEO, Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP), discusses Medicare Advantage market disruption, plan exits, beneficiary impacts, and the need for risk adjustment reform to support sustainable coverage in local communities.
Karen Ignagni on Affordability, Medicaid and the Future of Health Insurance
In this episode, Karen Ignagni, CEO, EmblemHealth, discusses the evolving Medicaid landscape, healthcare affordability, interoperability, and how health plans can use technology, AI, care management, and value-based care to better support members. She also shares insights on her return to the CEO role and EmblemHealth's ongoing transformation.
Beyond Star Ratings: What High-Performing Medicare Advantage Plans Do Differently
In this episode, Rick Gordon, Director of Government Programs at Milliman MedInsight, and Nicole Zilliox, Director of Clinical Products at Milliman MedInsight, discuss how Medicare Advantage plans can integrate quality, risk adjustment, clinical data and provider engagement to improve performance. They also explore data governance, audit readiness and proactive workflows for navigating evolving CM
Building the Behavioral Health Workforce and Expanding Access to Recovery Care with Matthew Hurford
In this episode, Matthew Hurford, President and CEO of Community Care Behavioral Health at UPMC, discusses workforce development, the growth of UPMC’s Telemedicine Bridge Clinic to 23,000 encounters, and strategies to expand behavioral health access, treatment engagement and recovery.
Building the Data and AI Foundation for Health Plans
In this episode, Mike Sanky, Vice President of Healthcare & Life Sciences GTM, Databricks, discusses how health plans can modernize data and AI capabilities to manage rising costs, improve utilization insights and strengthen governance for scalable AI adoption.This episode is sponsored by Databricks.
Jeremy Wigginton on Expanding Behavioral Health Access
In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Chief Medical Officer at Capital Blue Cross, discusses expanding behavioral health networks, improving access and navigation, and using integrated care strategies to reduce costs and emergency department utilization.
Building Trustworthy AI in Healthcare Through Transparency
In this episode, Halsey Wise, CEO, Lyric, discusses the importance of trust, truth and transparency in healthcare AI, including decision lineage, governed AI and keeping humans in the loop. He also explores how AI can reduce administrative waste, improve decision-making and strengthen trust among payers, providers and patients.This episode is sponsored by Lyric.
What Health Plans Need to Know About the Next Regulatory Pivot
In this episode, Cereasa Horner, Vice President of Payment Integrity and Governance at CERIS, discusses how health plans can adapt to accelerating regulatory changes, strengthen documentation and audit readiness, and improve alignment with providers. She also shares strategies for cross-functional collaboration, transparency and an education-first approach to payment integrity.This episode is spon
Healthcare Costs, IDR and the No Surprises Act: David Merritt on What’s Driving Affordability Pressures
In this episode, David Merritt, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, discusses rising healthcare costs, employer affordability pressures and the growing impact of the No Surprises Act’s IDR process. He also outlines potential reforms to curb excessive awards, increase transparency and slow premium growth.
Payer Shakeups, Rising Costs and the Future of Employer Health Insurance with Jakob Emerson
In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, discusses Centene’s exit from the commercial group markets in California and Oregon, rising employer health insurance costs and growing pressure on coverage. He also explores specialty drug spending, AI-driven administrative costs, payer consolidation and the evolving politics of health insurance.
The Rise of ICHRA: Flexibility, Choice and the Future of Health Benefits with Hunter Foster
In this episode, Hunter Foster, VP, Agency Operations and Strategy, benefitbay, explores the growing adoption of ICHRA and defined contribution models, including the demand for flexibility, predictability and employee choice. He also discusses successful implementation, broker adoption, AI's evolving role and what increased carrier participation could mean for the future of health benefits.
Nathan Frank on Aetna’s AI Strategy: Reducing Friction Across Healthcare
In this episode, Nathan Frank, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Aetna, discusses how AI and digital tools are simplifying prior authorization, improving interoperability and enhancing member and provider experiences. He also shares Aetna’s approach to responsible AI, emphasizing human connection, trust and practical technology solutions that reduce administrative b
How Value-Based Care Delivers Better Outcomes for Medicare Members with Dr. Ali Khan
In this episode, Dr. Ali Khan, Chief Medical Officer, Aetna Medicare, discusses new findings showing how value-based care improves clinical outcomes, preventive care and hospital utilization for Medicare members. He also shares how Aetna is supporting providers with risk-based arrangements, interoperability and care coordination.
Jakob Emerson on Medicare Advantage Pullbacks and SCAN’s Costco Partnership
In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director, Becker’s Healthcare, discusses the latest Medicare Advantage trends, including SCAN’s new partnership with Costco, insurer market exits, tighter margins, and fewer plan options for seniors. He also explores how changes to Part D subsidies could influence Medicare Advantage enrollment.
Amanda Free on Affordability and Access in Georgia’s Commercial Market
In this episode, Amanda Free, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Commercial President, discusses improving healthcare affordability, expanding access in rural communities, strengthening value-based care partnerships and helping members make smarter choices about where and how they receive care.
Agentic orchestration: A new approach to enterprise AI
In this episode, Munjal Shah, Co-founder & CEO of Hippocratic AI, discusses how agentic orchestration can coordinate teams of AI agents to achieve healthcare outcomes such as reducing readmissions, closing care gaps and improving patient follow-up. This episode is sponsored by Hippocratic AI.
Simplifying Healthcare and Tackling Rising Costs with Jessica Lopez-Liggett
In this episode, Jessica Lopez-Liggett, Commercial State Plan President for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana, discusses rising healthcare costs, simplifying the member and provider experience through technology, and expanding high-quality, lower-cost care through provider partnerships. She also shares why addressing social determinants of health and bringing employers, providers and co
Advancing Personalized Care Through AI, Clinical Insights and Early Intervention with Dr. Stanley Crittenden
In this episode, Dr. Stanley Crittenden, Chief Medical Officer at Cigna Healthcare, discusses how AI-powered analytics and personalized care management are helping identify health risks earlier, improve outcomes and simplify healthcare navigation. He shares how Cigna is using technology to support clinicians, expand access to care and drive affordability while keeping human connection at the cente
Simplifying Healthcare Through Digital Transformation, Affordability and AI with Katie Catlender
In this episode, Katie Catlender, Chief Operating Officer at Point32Health, discusses the organization’s push to consolidate legacy digital platforms, reduce administrative costs and create a simpler experience for members and providers. She also shares how Point32Health is using AI responsibly to personalize care, reduce friction and build trust while keeping members at the center.
Closing the Rural Telehealth Gap in Chronic Care with Sarah Adkins
In this episode, Sarah Adkins, director of public policy with the Elevance Health Public Policy Institute, discusses research showing lower telehealth utilization among rural populations and the barriers driving the gap. She shares strategies for payers and healthcare leaders to expand digital infrastructure, tailor telehealth programs and improve access for underserved members.
Advancing Smarter, More Personalized Cancer Care with Dr. David Debono
In this episode, David Debono, MD, Oncology Medical Director at Carelon Health, shares how technology, clinical pathways, and data-driven insights are helping improve cancer care while supporting physicians, expanding access, and delivering more personalized treatment for patients.
Building Stronger Healthcare Workforce Pathways Through Community Partnerships with Dan LaVallee & Dr. Brandy Hershberger
In this episode, Dan LaVallee, Associate Vice President of Community Engagement at UPMC Health Plan, and Dr. Brandy Hershberger, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Academic Affairs at UPMC, discuss how innovative apprenticeship programs, workforce partnerships, and community engagement are creating sustainable healthcare career pathways and strengthening the future workforce.
How Blue Shield of California Is Rethinking Care Delivery with Susan Mullaney
In this episode, Susan Mullaney, Chief Operating Officer at Blue Shield of California, discusses how stronger payer-provider partnerships, AI, value-based care, and pharmacy innovation can improve health outcomes, lower costs, and reshape care delivery for the future.
Dr. Ben Kornitzer on AI, Prior Authorization Reform, and the Future of Payer Provider Collaboration
In this episode, Dr. Ben Kornitzer, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer at Aetna, discusses how AI, real-time data exchange, and prior authorization reform can strengthen payer-provider partnerships and improve patient outcomes.
AI, Climate Risks, and the Future of Member Care with Dr. Daniel Knecht
In this episode, Dr. Daniel Knecht, Chief Medical Officer, EmblemHealth, discusses how the organization's AI-powered Environmental Resilience Program helps identify and support members at risk during extreme heat events. He also shares how predictive outreach, clinical oversight, and addressing social determinants of health are shaping the future of population health management.
GLP-1 Coverage, Affordability, and Member Access with Angel Ballew
In this episode, Angel Ballew, Head of Pharmacy Clinical Programs and Services at Centene, discusses how the organization approaches GLP-1 coverage across Medicaid, Medicare, and marketplace plans while balancing clinical evidence, affordability, and member access. She also shares insights on utilization management, adherence strategies, and preparing for the next wave of indications for these rap
Medicare Advantage, Value-Based Care and Improving Outcomes for Vulnerable Populations with Dr. Ken Cohen
In this episode, Dr. Ken Cohen, Chief Medical Officer at Optum Health, discusses new research on Medicare Advantage, social vulnerability, and how full-risk care models can improve quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes. He also shares insights on the infrastructure, technology, and strategies needed to advance value-based care.
Margaret Anderson on Growth, Integration and Affordability at Health Alliance Plan
In this episode, Margaret Anderson, President of Health Alliance Plan by Henry Ford Health, discusses the organization's rebrand, its strategy for deeper integration with Henry Ford Health, and how it's driving growth while improving affordability. She also shares insights on provider sponsored health plans, administrative efficiency, and the growing impact of gene therapies on the healthcare syst
Earlier Signals, Better Outcomes: Rethinking Risk Stratification for New Members
In this episode, Karla Mills, Vice President of Product Innovation, Surescripts, discusses how health plans can use medication data as an early signal to identify risk, prioritize new members, and improve care management. She shares practical strategies for preparing ahead of enrollment surges and leveraging existing programs to drive better outcomes and operational performance. For more informati
Medicaid, Food as Medicine, and the Future of Coverage with Kelly Munson
In this episode, Kelly Munson, President and CEO of Independence Health Group, discusses the evolving Medicaid and ACA landscape, the impact of policy changes on coverage and affordability, and the role of managed care in improving health outcomes. She also shares insights on food as medicine, healthcare innovation, and leadership lessons from becoming the organization's first female CEO.
Using Data and AI to Improve Care Coordination with Liz Signorella
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Liz Signorella, Senior Director of Payor Contracting, Clover Health. She discusses reducing administrative burdens for providers, leveraging AI and real-time data to support proactive care, and improving patient outcomes through stronger care coordination and earlier intervention.In collaboration with Hippocrat
Tackling Healthcare Affordability Through Innovative Funding Models with Morgan Kendrick
In this episode, Morgan Kendrick, EVP and President, Commercial Health Benefits, Elevance Health, discusses the rising cost pressures facing employers and explores how balanced funding, self-funding, and multiple employer welfare arrangements can help improve affordability while simplifying healthcare benefits for businesses and their employees.
America’s Health Rankings Senior Report: Key Trends in Healthy Aging with Rhonda Randall, DO
In this episode, Rhonda Randall, DO, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare, Commercial Business, Board member of the United Health Foundation, discusses findings from the America’s Health Rankings 2026 Senior Report, highlighting encouraging gains in preventive care and physical activity alongside rising concerns around drug deaths, suicide, and food insecurity among
Sharon Williams on Member Experience, Healthcare Access, and Smarter Payer Technology
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Sharon Williams, Chief Executive Officer, and Management Consultant, University of Michigan Health Plan. Sharon shares insights on balancing rising utilization costs with member experience, the role of technology and data integration in improving care coordination, and why expanding access to healthcare coverag
Rethinking Risk Adjustment and Payer Provider Alignment in Value-Based Care
In this episode, Carey Ketelsen, President of Virtix Health, joins the podcast to discuss how healthcare organizations are transforming risk adjustment through prospective outreach, AI-enabled workflows, and stronger payer-provider collaboration. She shares insights on improving documentation integrity, aligning incentives, and building patient-centered risk adjustment programs that support long-t
Rethinking Health Plan Design Through Access, AI, and Preventive Care with Adam Park
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Adam Park, Director of Network Development, Curative Health Plan, who discusses how Curative is redesigning employer-sponsored healthcare by removing financial barriers to care and investing in prevention. He also shares how AI is improving credentialing, prior authorization, and member support while helping cr
AI, Interoperability, and Member Experience in Modern Payer Operations with Cara Wahmann
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Cara Wahmann, Executive Director Clinical Oversight & Ops Support, HCSC, who discusses how health plans are navigating rising complexity across regulation, digital transformation, and member expectations. She also shares insights on using interoperability and AI to reduce administrative friction, digitize
Using Data and AI to Drive Proactive Member Care
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Patrick Stevenson, Vice President, Data and Technology, McLaren Health Plan. Patrick discusses how McLaren Health Plan is leveraging predictive analytics, AI, and proactive care strategies to improve member outcomes, streamline prior authorization, and better manage risk in today’s evolving payer landscape.In c
Building Trust and Member Engagement in Medicare Advantage with Garfield Collins
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Garfield Collins, Co-Founder and Chief Administrative and Partnership Officer, Zing Health. Garfield shares how Zing Health is balancing affordability with high-touch member engagement, leveraging technology and AI to support chronically ill populations, simplify care navigation, and build long-term trust with
Navigating Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) Audits with Confidence, and the Costs of Unsupported Diagnoses
In this episode, Dave DeHommel, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Payer Solutions at Reveleer, discusses how Medicare Advantage plans can reduce RADV audit exposure through stronger clinical data infrastructure, prospective risk adjustment strategies, and year-round documentation readiness. Visit https://www.reveleer.com/solutions/radv-audit?utm_source=beckers&utm_medium=podcast&
Using Data and AI to Drive Proactive Member Care
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Patrick Stevenson, Vice President, Data and Technology, McLaren Health Plan. Patrick discusses how McLaren Health Plan is leveraging predictive analytics, AI, and proactive care strategies to improve member outcomes, streamline prior authorization, and better manage risk in today’s evolving payer landscape.In c
Navigating Medicare Advantage, AI & Member Experience with Rob Hitchcock
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Rob Hitchcock, President and Chief Executive Officer, Select Health. Rob discusses the operational pressures facing payers today, including Medicare Advantage challenges and rising pharmaceutical costs, while sharing how Select Health is leveraging AI and end-to-end member insights to improve care coordination,
Building Trust Through Culture, Community & AI-Enabled Member Engagement with Andy Higgins
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Andy Higgins, Vice President, Product And Member Engagement, Clever Care Health Plan. Andy shares how Clever Care is building trust through culturally competent care, community-based member engagement, and AI-enabled support tools that enhance human interaction while improving quality outcomes and member experi
Rakesh Mathew, MS, MBA, CPHIMS, Interoperability Leader at Jefferson Health Plans
In this episode, Rakesh Mathew, MS, MBA, CPHIMS, Interoperability Leader at Jefferson Health Plans, joins the podcast to discuss the financial pressures facing payers and how sustained losses can reduce competition and lead to market consolidation. He shares perspectives on improving affordability and access, and outlines how organizations can prepare for success in 2027 through stronger interoper
Ilan Shapiro, MD, MBA, FAAP, FACHE, Chief Health Correspondent and Medical Affairs Officer and Senior Vice President at AltaMed Health Services
In this episode, Ilan Shapiro, MD, MBA, FAAP, FACHE, Chief Health Correspondent and Medical Affairs Officer and Senior Vice President at AltaMed Health Services, joins the podcast to discuss breaking language barriers in healthcare and closing gaps between patients and providers. He shares how improving communication and cultural understanding can lead to better access, stronger relationships, and
Reimagining Proactive and Personalized Health Coverage with Michael Roan
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Michael Roan, Market Lead, South Atlantic Markets, Oscar Health. He discusses innovative plan design, proactive care strategies, and how Oscar Health is leveraging AI and personalized member experiences to improve outcomes, reduce barriers to care, and support long-term health engagement.In collaboration with H
How AI and Proactive Care Models Are Transforming Medicare Advantage with Damanjeet Chaubey
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Damanjeet Chaubey, Vice President, Clinical Affairs, Clover Health. She discusses how Clover Health is using AI, clinical decision support, and home-based care models to improve member outcomes, reduce costs through proactive interventions, and support care teams without adding administrative burden.In collabor
Redefining Member Engagement and AI in Health Insurance with Chris Gay
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Chris Gay, Chief Executive Officer, Evry Health and Pendral. He discusses rebuilding trust between payers and members, using AI voice technology to improve engagement and care coordination, and how innovative plan design and digital tools can help lower costs while enhancing the member experience.In collaborati
Scaling Population Health with AI While Preserving the Human Touch
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Betsy Williamson, RN, BS, MHA, Vice President, Quality Performance and Population Health, Medical Mutual of Ohio. She shares how an AI healthcare voice agent is expanding member engagement, improving satisfaction, and enabling care teams to focus on higher impact work while maintaining a human-centered approach
Healthcare Upside / Down: How BCBS Massachusetts Predicts Churn, Empowers Brokers, and Wins More Business
In this episode, Steve Moorehead, Vice President of Product, Strategic Planning and Performance Management at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusett, and Marc Pierce, Principal at ECG Management Consultants, discuss why client retention has become a growing challenge for health plans and how organizations can use data-driven insights to identify risk earlier.This episode is sponsored by ECG Manage
AI, Consumer Choice, and the Future of Benefits Administration with Brandy Thompson
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Brandy Thompson, CEO, Benefitbay. She discusses how ICHRA models are shifting healthcare decision-making to employees, the operational challenges payers face with legacy systems, and how AI is improving member engagement, plan selection, and care navigation while maintaining trust and quality.In collaboration w
Payer pressures, community-based care, and responsible AI adoption with Ceci Connolly
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Ceci Connolly, President And Chief Executive Officer, ACHP, reflects on the growing financial and operational pressures facing health plans across all lines of business, and how nonprofit, community-based payers are navigating affordability while strengthening local relationships and care coordination.In collab
AI, Affordability, and Consumer Experience in Healthcare with Siva Balu
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Siva Balu, Senior Vice President, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Quartz. He discusses the operational challenges facing payers today, how AI and automation are improving affordability and member experience, and the importance of interoperability and data-driven engagement across healthcare.In collaborat
Lisa Baird, Chief Executive Officer of Aetna Better Health of Missouri
In this episode, Lisa Baird, Chief Executive Officer of Aetna Better Health of Missouri, joins the podcast to discuss keeping community needs at the center of healthcare strategy. She shares how her organization is reaching members in rural areas, improving access to care, and navigating evolving Medicaid eligibility requirements while continuing to support vulnerable populations.
Kelli Tice, MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Health Improvement Officer at GuideWell and Florida Blue
In this episode, Kelli Tice, MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Health Improvement Officer at GuideWell and Florida Blue, joins the podcast to discuss navigating healthcare with limited resources while continuing to improve outcomes. She shares insights on advancing maternal health, the importance of thoughtful decision-making, and how leadership choices can create meaningful impact a
Advancing Affordability & Member Experience Through Digital Innovation with Jennifer St Thomas
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Jennifer St Thomas, Senior Vice President, Commercial and Medicare Markets, Mass General Brigham Health Plan. She discusses the growing focus on affordability, improving access to lower cost sites of care, and how digital tools and AI are helping simplify member communications and strengthen care coordination.I
Leveraging Data and Human Centered Care in Medicare Advantage with Dr. Krystal Revai
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Dr. Krystal Revai, Chief Medical Officer, Atrio Health. She shares how her team is tackling data challenges, using targeted care management to improve outcomes for high risk members, and thoughtfully integrating AI to support rather than replace human driven care.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.
Balancing Medicaid Costs, Access, and Member Experience with Nora Leibowitz
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Nora Leibowitz, Chief Medicaid Program Officer, CareOregon. She discusses rising utilization and funding pressures, how CareOregon is streamlining operations to improve member and provider experience, and the role of data and AI in reducing friction and strengthening outcomes.In collaboration with Hippocratic A
Affordability, Innovation, and Transforming Healthcare in North Carolina with Dr. Tunde Sotunde
In this episode, Dr. Tunde Sotunde, President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina & CuraCor Solutions, discusses the drivers of rising healthcare costs, the importance of value-based care and whole-person health, and how innovative programs and partnerships are improving access, affordability, and outcomes across the state.
Driving Affordability and Access Through Digital Innovation with Ellen Sexton
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Ellen Sexton, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer, Blue Shield of California. She discusses tackling healthcare affordability, scaling virtual care and digital tools like Virtual Blue, and using AI and data-driven strategies to improve access, reduce ER utilization, and enhance member experience w
AI, Simplicity, and Collaboration: Redesigning Medicare Advantage Care Delivery with Dr. Saria Saccocio
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Dr. Saria Saccocio, Chief Medical Officer, Essence Healthcare discusses how clinicians are overwhelmed and how payer-provider collaboration, simplified care navigation, and AI-enabled workflows are helping improve quality, reduce costs, and strengthen member experience in Medicare Advantage.In collaboration wit
Hasan Shanawani, Associate Chief Medical Officer at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
In this episode, Hasan Shanawani, Associate Chief Medical Officer at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, joins the podcast to discuss rising healthcare costs and the growing role of AI in payer decision-making. He shares how AI can enable organizations to “say yes” more often, while maintaining trust, transparency, and quality as these tools increasingly face consumers.
Advancing Rural Health Access and Innovation with Brendan Harris & Patti Jackson-Gehris
In this episode, Brendan Harris, President, UPMC for You and State Programs & Patti Jackson-Gehris, President, UPMC North Central and Williamsport markets, discuss UPMC’s strategies to improve rural healthcare access through workforce development, telehealth expansion, and innovative care models that address geographic and socioeconomic barriers.
Three Years of Virtual Blue and the Future of Virtual First Care at Blue Shield of California
In this episode, Tim Lieb, Senior Vice President of Commercial Markets at Blue Shield of California, discusses the three-year impact of Virtual Blue, including lower costs, reduced ER utilization, improved access to care, and how virtual first models are reshaping employer and individual health plans.
Expanding Consumer Choice and Innovation in ICHRA Models with Alan Silver
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Alan Silver, President, ICHRA, Ambetter Health Solutions, discussing how payers are addressing consumer expectations and affordability pressures, leveraging digital tools to scale ICHRA, and driving a more personalized, choice-based future for employer-sponsored healthcare.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.
Building Trust and AI Driven Member Engagement in Health Plans with Howard Weiss
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Howard Weiss, Vice President, Government Relations, EmblemHealth, discussing how payers are addressing trust in healthcare, balancing cost with member experience, and using AI to enhance care management, outreach, and workforce support without replacing human roles.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.
HR1 Effects and How Organizations Can Prepare for Them
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Trey Sutten, CEO and Co-Founder of Siftwell, Director of Clinical Solutions. Here, he explores how health plans can prepare for HR1 by identifying at risk members, leveraging data and community partnerships, and building proactive strategies to maintain coverage amid regulatory change.This episode is sponsored
AI-Driven, Personalized Care for Chronic Conditions and How Payers Are Adapting Through Digital Health Innovation
In this episode, Dr. Lisa Shah, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Twin Health, discusses how AI-powered digital twin technology is transforming care for chronic conditions and enabling personalized, real-time interventions. She also shares insights on payer trends, outcomes-based models, and new approaches to reducing reliance on medications while improving long-term health out
How Dementia Care is Reshaping Population Health Strategy
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Dirk Soenksen, Chief Executive Officer of Ceresti Health, discussing why dementia is a major yet underrecognized cost driver and how it reshapes population health strategy. He highlights the critical role of family caregivers, the limitations of traditional care management, and how payer-focused models can impr
How Independent Providers Can Turn Insight Into Action
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Megan Zakrewsky, VP of Product Strategy, Veradigm, Director of Clinical Solutions. Here, she explores how prospective gap closure, interoperable data exchange, and EHR integrated workflows are helping independent providers act on payer insights in real time, reduce administrative burden, and improve outcomes ac
Rob Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Transformation Alliance
In this episode, Rob Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Transformation Alliance, joins the podcast to discuss the ongoing pressures and competition within Medicare Advantage. He shares insights on chronic care initiatives and the importance of collaboration and compromise between carriers and providers to improve outcomes and control costs.
ICHRA’s Rise and the Future of Employer Sponsored Benefits with Brandy Thompson
In this episode, Brandy Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Benefitbay, discusses the rapid growth of ICHRA models and why large employers are increasingly embracing choice driven benefits. She also shares how education, broker alignment, and evolving payer strategies are shaping the future of employer sponsored healthcare.
Harlon Pickett, President of Eagle Care Health Solutions
In this episode, Harlon Pickett, President of Eagle Care Health Solutions, joins the podcast to discuss the impact of direct primary care models on patient outcomes and cost. He shares how designing more effective networks and leveraging data can help create a more personalized and efficient healthcare experience.
Rebuilding Trust and Letting Consumers Drive Healthcare with Joseph Leach
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Joseph Leach, Market President, Oscar Health. He discusses the growing trust gap in healthcare, how empowering consumers through tools like ICHRA and AI can improve outcomes, and why meeting members where they are is key to balancing cost and experience.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.
Reducing Administrative Friction & Advancing AI Driven Care with Dr. Benjamin Kornitzer
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Dr. Benjamin Kornitzer, Chief Medical Officer, Aetna, discussing efforts to reduce administrative friction, streamline prior authorization, and improve care navigation for members and providers. He also shares how Aetna is leveraging AI, interoperability, and digital tools to enhance real time decision making,
Driving Affordability and Simplicity in Payer Strategy with Christina Ott
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Christina Ott, Chief Strategy Officer, Quartz, discussing how her organization is tackling rising costs by rethinking the payer role, improving care navigation, and reducing friction for members. She also shares insights on aligning digital investments and using AI to streamline workflows, enhance communication
The Evolving Role of Provider Data in Healthcare
This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Robert Holzer, Strategy and Innovation Leader, Next Horizon Innovations, Martin Luethi, Chief Technology Officer, Quest Analytics, & Bob Tavernier, Solution Executive, Quest Analytics. The conversation explores how provider data has evolved from a compliance requirement into a strategic driver of AI readine
Recommended
TED Business
Dark Night Tales with Brian King
Fantasy Flex
زن بودن
Medicine with Meaning
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar Collection
Take Back Your Health®
CBS Radio Mystery Theater | Old Time Radio
Solved Murders - True Crime Stories
紐約鳥｜New York Aperture
The Swerve Podcast: Obscure Topics | Conspiracy Theories
The Bread and Banter Podcast
