Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast

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.

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 older adults.

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 coverage is critical to building a healthier America.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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-term success in value-based care.

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 create faster, more personalized healthcare experiences.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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 clinical policies, and improve consistency, personalization, and outcomes across payer operations.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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 collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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 members.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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&utm_campaign=260402--radv-b2g1 to learn more.

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 collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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, trust, and the overall member experience.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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 experience.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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 interoperability and strategic planning.

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 improved health outcomes.

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 Hippocratic AI.

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 collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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 collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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 to care.This episode is sponsored by Hippocratic AI.

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 Management Consultants.

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 with Hippocratic AI.

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 collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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 collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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.

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 across populations and communities.

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.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Dr. Krystal Ravai, 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.

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 AI.

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.

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 while maintaining trust and quality.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.

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 with Hippocratic AI.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 by Siftwell.

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 outcomes.This episode is sponsored by Twin Health.

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 improve outcomes while reducing costs.This episode is sponsored by Ceresti Health.

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 across underserved and rural populations.This episode is sponsored by Veradigm.

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.

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.

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.