Podcasts about blue cross blue shield

Step into a candid conversation at IMA26 with Kristie Stocker, whose 20 years of experience at Blue Cross Blue Shield offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to transform company culture—beyond lip service and buzzwords. Kristie shares practical insights into the real obstacles leaders and teams face when trying to build a positive workplace, from the myth that only big budgets or small teams can make culture work, to the power of small everyday actions like genuine appreciation and listening. Whether you're a leader, a team player, or somewhere in between, Kristie's stories and strategies make workplace transformation feel possible—and even simple. Expect to walk away with a fresh take on self-leadership, how to measure the impact of culture, and why everyone, from the C-suite to individual contributors, plays a role in shaping the office vibe. If you've ever wondered how to spark meaningful change at work (or checked out during a half-day workshop), this episode brings the inspiration and actionable tips you need.

Send us a text and chime in!Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice (AZ Blue Health Choice) is working alongside community partners to help Medicaid families access the school supplies, preventive healthcare, and support children need to succeed both in the classroom and beyond. This year, AZ Blue Health Choice is investing in a backpack initiative with Equality Health Foundation that will provide approximately 3,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to children and families across Arizona. The backpacks include everyday classroom essentials such as notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons, rulers and glue sticks, helping ease the financial burden many families continue to face. But the initiative...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/3000-arizona-families-get-a-back-to-school-boost/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Send us a text and chime in!Nurses are often the first to comfort a patient, the steady voice during difficult moments, and the one who helps individuals and families navigate their health journeys. To celebrate the extraordinary impact nurses make every day, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) is now accepting nominations for its third annual Nurses Who Inspire contest. The contest invites Arizonans to nominate a nurse who has gone above and beyond to care for patients, support coworkers, strengthen communities, and inspire health across the state. Self-nominations are also welcome. "Nurses are at the heart of healthcare," said Dr. Cara Christ, Chief...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/arizona-nurses-who-inspire-contest-offers-5000-prizes/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Dr. Neal Barnard is back on the PLANTSTRONG Podcast — and this time, he and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine are taking the federal government to court.At the center of the fight? The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans.Neal says the government tossed aside the work of a transparent scientific advisory committee and instead moved forward with recommendations shaped by a nine-member panel that operated largely out of public view — with members he says had significant ties to the livestock, dairy, and low-carb industries.And that matters. A lot.These guidelines don't just sit on a government website collecting dust. They help shape nutrition policy and what gets served in schools, hospitals, correction institutions, military facilities, and other federal food programs.Neal is especially fired up about the push for more protein, more animal foods, full-fat dairy, and even beef tallow. His point? Most Americans — including kids — are already getting plenty of protein, and piling on more animal protein can also mean piling on more saturated fat and cholesterol.But here's the key: PCRM isn't asking a judge to decide what the perfect diet should be.They're asking whether the government followed the law.Rip and Dr. Barnard dig into:• Why PCRM says the new Dietary Guidelines were created through a flawed process• The industry ties Neal says existed among members of the advisory panel• Why this lawsuit is about transparency and process — not asking a judge to settle nutrition science• Why school meals are one of Neal's biggest concerns• Whole milk, animal protein, saturated fat, and the comeback of beef tallow• Why lumping all “processed foods” into one big bucket misses the mark• PCRM's history of challenging the government over dietary guidelines• Why Neal believes this case is strong• His surprising roots in the cattle industry• Why compassion still sits at the heart of his work• A major diabetes study PCRM is conducting with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota• And a new breast cancer awareness campaign featuring Venus Williams and Dr. Kristi FunkThis is bigger than politics and bigger than one set of guidelines.It's about who gets to shape the food messages Americans hear, what ends up on millions of plates, and whether science, transparency, and public health are actually leading the way.Watch on YouTubeEpisode WebpageLearn More About our 2026 Live PLANTSTRONG Events: https://plantstrongevents.com/ Let Us Help Your PLANTSTRONG JourneyLearn More About Our Corporate Wellness Program: https://liveplantstrong.com/corporate-wellness/ COMPLEMENT: Use code PLANTSTRONG for 30% off at https://lovecomplement.com/pages/plantstrong-special-offer Follow PLANTSTRONG and Rip Esselstynhttps://plantstrong.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GoPlantstrong https://www.instagram.com/goplantstrong/https://www.instagram.com/ripesselstyn/ Follow the PLANTSTRONG Podcast and Give the Show a 5-star RatingApple PodcastsSpotify

Send us a text and chime in!As another Arizona summer pushes temperatures into the triple digits, thousands of Tribal residents across the state are receiving something simple but essential: water. This summer, 77,000 bottles of water are reaching Tribal communities across Arizona, helping families stay hydrated and safe during one of the state's most dangerous seasons. Supported by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation (AZ Blue Foundation), the effort is part of a larger initiative to help Tribal Nations respond to extreme heat and protect residents most vulnerable to heat-related illness. For many communities, especially those in rural and remote areas, extreme heat is...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/77000-water-bottles-reach-arizona-tribal-communities/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Guests include:Sonya Brooks - Clinical Supervisor, Native American Connections, talks to us about the upcoming 2026 Native American Connections Parade in OctoberKyrie Dukepoo - Tribal Liaison, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice-Medicaid Health Plans, about the upcoming 13th Annual Tribal Summit, hosted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health ChoiceSheila Iyengar - CEO / Founder of NAGI Foundation, providing animal medical and support programs to assist Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community membersSupport the show

CHI-St. Vincent, Blue Cross/Blue Shield at impasse on reimbursements; Wildfire risk continues to be high across state; County hospital board accepts bids on electrical, other renovations; Atkins man held in shooting; Morrilton-Vilonia game pushed back 30 minutes due to heat; we visit with Cindy Lucariello of the Conway County Care Center.

Send us a text and chime in!A local school nurse received an unexpected back-to-school surprise as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona recognized her dedication to students and families during the annual Yoga on the Field event at Chase Field. Held in partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Yoga on the Field brought hundreds of Arizonans together to focus on physical and mental well-being before the D-backs game against the Cincinnati Reds. As part of the event, AZ Blue surprised a school nurse from the Alhambra Elementary School District with classroom supplies and a donation to purchase a new laptop, helping provide resources that support students throughout...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/arizona-school-nurse-gets-special-back-to-school-surprise/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Two conversations that connect the health of workers to the history of the movement that fights for them — one looking at what union members eat and how it affects their long-term health, and one tracing 49 years of a union that keeps the aviation system safe and has been fighting for the right to do that work well since 1977. Blue Cross Blue Shield National Labor Office Executive Director Merrilee Logue discusses the Food Is Medicine movement and what it means for the 18 million union members covered through BCBS plans. She outlines updated USDA dietary guidelines emphasizing protein, healthy fats and minimally processed foods, the specific nutritional challenges facing union members doing shift work and physically demanding jobs and a range of programs now available through union insurance plans — from registered dietitians and medically tailored meals to produce prescription programs in which healthcare providers can literally prescribe fruits and vegetables as part of a treatment plan. She also discusses the American Psychiatric Association's documented connection between nutrition and mental health and Blue Cross Blue Shield's investment of millions in nutrition programs, food banks and educational initiatives in every zip code across the country. Then, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists President Dave Spero traces the 49-year history of PASS National — from Howard Johnnssen's decision to start a union after being suspended for kicking in a door to put out a fire, through founders sleeping in their cars and burning through their leave by Memorial Day every year to sign up members, to the eight-year fight for the first contract. He discusses what PASS did on September 11, 2001, when the president suspended the collective bargaining agreement in the first hours so members could focus entirely on securing the aviation system, current FAA workforce shortfalls and the threat of a government shutdown at the end of September 30. Follow @BlueLabor on LinkedIn and X for BCBS NLO updates and visit passnational.org for more from PASS National.

Are vaccines safe? How should patients interpret reports of vaccine injuries and adverse effects? Is natural immunity better than vaccine-induced immunity? And why did trust in vaccines and public health decline so dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic? In this episode of Confessions of a Male Gynecologist, Dr. Shawn Tassone sits down with Harvard-trained physician and author, Dr. Michael T. Myers, Jr., MD, MBA, for an in-depth discussion about vaccines, vaccine safety, medical misinformation, public health, and the growing distrust surrounding vaccination. Dr. Myers explains how vaccines are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, why correlation does not necessarily prove that a vaccine caused a reported health problem, and how systems such as the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) are actually intended to be used. They also discuss the reality of vaccine injuries, why adverse events deserve careful investigation, and why self-reported vaccine reactions must be interpreted within the larger scientific and clinical context. The conversation examines how communication during the COVID-19 pandemic affected vaccine confidence and contributed to increased vaccine hesitancy. Dr. Tassone and Dr. Myers discuss what public health officials and physicians could have communicated differently, the tension between vaccine mandates and individual autonomy, and why rebuilding trust between patients and healthcare professionals is essential. They also explore the childhood vaccination schedule, herd immunity, natural immunity versus vaccine-induced immunity, and the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles. Dr. Myers explains why the timing of childhood vaccines matters, how widespread vaccination protects both individuals and communities, and what can happen when vaccination rates fall. Rather than dismissing questions about vaccines, this conversation emphasizes the importance of informed discussion, transparent communication, scientific evidence, and allowing patients to ask difficult questions without immediately labeling them as anti-vaccine. For anyone trying to understand vaccine safety, vaccine adverse effects, VAERS, childhood vaccines, vaccine mandates, natural immunity, measles outbreaks, or the lasting impact of COVID-19 on trust in medicine, this episode provides a physician-led discussion of one of the most divisive public health topics of the last several years. In this episode, you will learn: How vaccines have played a major role in reducing serious illness, disability, and death from infectious diseases. Why vaccine misinformation and distrust increased substantially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. How communication from physicians and public health leaders can have a significant impact on vaccine confidence and patient trust. Why vaccine safety concerns should be taken seriously, but a medical event occurring after vaccination does not automatically mean the vaccine caused that event. VAERS is an important surveillance system designed to identify potential safety signals, but reports submitted to VAERS do not by themselves establish causation. Vaccine injuries and adverse reactions can occur, and those cases deserve careful evaluation within the context of the overall risks and benefits of vaccination. How the childhood vaccination schedule is designed around disease risk, immune response, vaccine effectiveness, and the ages when children are most vulnerable to specific infections. Reasons natural immunity is not automatically safer, stronger, or preferable to vaccine-induced immunity because acquiring natural immunity generally requires experiencing the infection itself. Examples of how vaccinations have dramatically reduced diseases such as measles, but declining vaccination rates can allow previously controlled diseases to return. How herd immunity helps protect individuals who cannot receive certain vaccines or who may not develop a strong immune response. Breaking down vaccine mandates that raise difficult questions involving public health, personal autonomy, individual rights, and responsibility to the broader community. How physicians can address vaccine hesitancy more effectively by listening to patients' concerns rather than immediately dismissing or criticizing them. Why trust between patients and healthcare professionals is essential when discussing vaccination and other controversial medical topics. Reasons clear communication about both the benefits and potential risks of vaccination is critical for informed medical decision-making. Why continued vaccine surveillance and research are necessary because scientific understanding evolves as additional data becomes available. Questions Dr. Mike Myers Answered in This Episode: Are vaccines safe? Dr. Myers discusses how vaccine safety is evaluated, how adverse events are monitored, and why risk must be considered alongside the risks associated with the diseases vaccines are designed to prevent. What does a VAERS report actually mean? VAERS allows healthcare professionals, vaccine manufacturers, patients, and others to report health events occurring after vaccination. These reports can help identify potential safety signals, but a VAERS report alone does not prove that a vaccine caused the reported event. Are vaccine injuries real? Yes. Adverse reactions can occur following vaccination. The challenge is determining whether a specific medical event was actually caused by the vaccine or simply occurred within the same time period. Is natural immunity better than vaccine immunity? Natural infection can produce immunity, but obtaining that immunity requires becoming infected and accepting the potential complications of the disease. Vaccine-induced immunity attempts to create immune protection without requiring someone to experience the full disease. Why do children receive vaccines according to a specific schedule? The childhood vaccination schedule is designed around when children are most vulnerable to certain diseases and when vaccines can provide effective protection. Why is measles returning in some communities? Measles is extremely contagious. When vaccination rates fall below levels needed to maintain community protection, outbreaks become more likely. Did COVID-19 change how people view vaccines? The pandemic significantly altered public trust in healthcare institutions, government agencies, physicians, and vaccines. Dr. Tassone and Dr. Myers discuss how inconsistent messaging and rapidly evolving recommendations contributed to that distrust. Should vaccines be mandated? Vaccine mandates involve a difficult balance between individual autonomy and protecting community health, making them one of the more complicated ethical questions surrounding vaccination policy. About Dr. Mike Myers Dr. Michael T. Myers, Jr., MD, MBA was the Chief of Primary Care, Pediatrics, and Practice Transformation for Summit Health New Jersey, one of the state's largest medical groups, before he retired in 2025. A physician leader with more than 35 years of experience in medical group practice management, public health initiatives, and health care consulting, Dr. Myers has held leadership positions at Partners HealthCare in Boston (now Mass General Brigham), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as COVID-19 scientific consultant to Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, and was appointed Adjunct Lecturer. His first book, COVID-ology: A Field Guide [CRC Press | 2022], an academic title for college health and science majors, was released in December 2022. Dr. Myers completed his primary care residency at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and received his MD from Harvard, BA from Johns Hopkins, and MBA from Northeastern University. Connect with Dr. Mike Myers Visit Dr. Myers Website | Dr.MikeMyers.com Purchase Dr. Mike Myers Latest Book, The Vaccine Bible, on Amazon Purchase Dr. Mike Myers Latest Book, The Vaccine Bible, on Bookshop.org Purchase Dr. Mike Myers Latest Book, The Vaccine Bible, on Audiobook Episode Resources: Work with Dr. Tassone | Tassone Advanced Gynecology Please contact the clinic directly at (512) 956- 0296 with all scheduling inquiries. Purchase Dr. Tassone's Best-Selling Book | The Hormone Balance Bible Dr. Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Archetype Quiz | Discover Your Hormonal Archetype Medical Disclaimer This podcast and website represent the opinions of Dr. Shawn Tassone and his guests. The content here should not be taken as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Because each person is so unique, please consult your health care professional for any medical questions.

"Healthcare becomes more affordable when we make the better choice the easy choice." In this episode of Bright Spots in Healthcare, Eric Glazer sits down with Beth Keyser, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's West Region Commercial Health Benefits business, to explore why healthcare affordability isn't just about lowering prices, it's about helping people make better decisions earlier. Throughout the conversation, Beth shares how Anthem is redesigning the member journey by combining data, navigation, provider collaboration, and whole-person care to guide members toward the right care at the right time and in the right setting. Rather than focusing on healthcare after the bill arrives, Beth explains why the greatest opportunity to improve affordability happens long before treatment begins. In this episode: Why healthcare affordability starts before anyone receives a medical bill Helping members choose the right site of care without sacrificing quality Moving beyond price transparency to true care navigation How Sydney Health and HealthOS are helping members and providers make better decisions together Why whole-person care is also an affordability strategy What the industry's strongest payer-provider partnerships are doing differently Why healthcare leaders should focus less on protecting data, and more on using it The opportunity healthcare may still be underestimating over the next five years If you're leading a health plan, provider organization, employer health strategy, or healthcare company, this conversation offers practical ideas for improving affordability by making healthcare easier to navigate, not simply cheaper. Resource: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and USA TODAY Network's in-house branded content studio launched a new five-part video series designed to help Americans better understand their health plan benefits, make informed care decisions and manage costs with greater confidence. https://www.usatoday.com/interactives/sponsor-story/anthem-blue-cross-blue-shield/5-key-health-insurance-terms-made-simple/ About Beth Keyser: Beth Keyser is a 30-year healthcare industry veteran with a passion for leading organizations that are on a mission to make people healthier.  Beth was named president of the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield West Region for the Commercial Health Benefits division in 2025, which includes Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio and Wisconsin. She is also responsible for Sales Enablement and Centralized Sales Support within the Commercial Health Benefits division. Previously, Beth served as president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana from 2020 to 2025. The Anthem health plan in Indiana is the largest in the state with nearly 5,000 Indiana-based associates, serving more than four million members. Before joining Anthem, Beth focused on improving doctor-patient relationships as the president of Create® health plans in New York City. Prior to her time at Create®, Beth held several leadership roles at Healthways where she was accountable for domestic and international revenue growth, customer experience, call center operations and establishing partnerships with health plans, employers, physician organizations and hospitals. Early in her career she helped stand up Gordian Health Solutions, a Nashville start-up, that was eventually sold to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. Beth currently serves on the Board of Directors of Women in Health Care Leadership at University of Alabama at Birmingham, which provides mentoring and training programs to develop tomorrow's leaders. She also serves on the board of directors of the Indiana Sports Corp, Neuraxis and the WellPoint Holding Corporation. Beth is also a proud member of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle. Keyser is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and earned a master's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Connect with Beth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-keyser-589a184/     About Bright Spots Ventures Bright Spots Ventures helps healthcare leaders discover what's working—and how to scale it. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and strategic advisory work, we bring together health plan, provider, and healthcare innovation leaders to exchange practical ideas that improve care, lower costs, and accelerate innovation. Learn more: https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com      

On today's episode, we discuss a Louisiana Supreme Court recusal dispute involving St. Charles Surgical Hospital, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, Chief Justice John Weimer, and former Justice Scott Crichton. The panel breaks down why the court found that the documented personal conflict and public criticism created a substantial, objective risk that the chief justice could not fairly participate in the case. They also examine the underlying tensions over judicial stipends, administrative authority, and the challenges of keeping personal disputes from undermining public confidence in the courts. The conversation expands into judicial elections versus appointments, ranked-choice voting and upcoming state races, before turning to a Second Amendment case challenging federal restrictions on suppressors and certain short-barreled firearms. Don't miss it!

Send us a text and chime in!The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health Advancement (AZ Blue Foundation) donated ,000 to AllThrive 365 to support critical heat-relief efforts that help under-resourced Arizonans stay safe, healthy and comfortable during Arizona's extreme summer temperatures. The funding will support AllThrive 365's Healthy Homes program, providing air conditioner repairs and replacements and other energy-efficiency improvements that help low-income households reduce energy costs while creating safer living environments. “Arizona's extreme heat can have serious consequences for health, especially for older adults and individuals living in older or underserved housing,” said Paul Penzone, Vice President and Chief Community...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/arizona-heat-relief-program-receives-50000-donation/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 8-13-2026: Dr. Dawn opens by reading an anatomy student's elegy to a body donor, reflecting on how modern medical education has moved away from full cadaver dissection toward pre-dissected specimens and models—and what she believes has been lost in that transition. Dr. Dawn dissects how hospital consolidation has become the primary driver of runaway U.S. healthcare costs. She contrasts a $16,000 knee replacement at Catawba Valley Medical Center with a $40,000 procedure for the same Blue Cross Blue Shield plan an hour away at Asheville's Mission Hospital—a facility formed by the 1998 merger of the town's two acute-care hospitals and later acquired by HCA in 2018. Mission now charges 333% of Medicare rates (versus a 280% benchmark), and state inspectors have issued three "immediate jeopardy" findings since HCA's takeover, consistent with academic findings that hospital care quality drops when competition disappears. She notes that CMS-required price disclosures since 2021 finally make this transparent, and calls for regulatory prevention of hospital mergers—especially not-for-profit to for-profit conversions—in single or two-hospital markets. Dr. Dawn analyzes the 3.1% year-over-year drop in prescription drug prices reported through July—the sharpest decline since 1963. She attributes most of it to Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which partially rescinded George W. Bush-era Medicare Part D restrictions that had statutorily prohibited price negotiation, saving taxpayers roughly $6 billion in the first six months of implementation. Additional contributors include GLP-1 compounding competition, blockbuster drugs losing exclusivity, and Bureau of Labor Statistics methodology that swaps generics into the price index six months after brand patent expiration. She calls for consumer-facing apps that help patients shop hospital prices the same way they shop cars. Dr. Dawn covers the emerging science of dormant tumor cells—cancer cells that shed from primary tumors even before diagnosis, hide in bone marrow and lymph nodes, and enter a hibernation state (feeding off cellular residue via autophagy) that shields them from chemotherapy targeting rapidly dividing cells. New York researchers have identified proteins by which lung macrophages actively reinforce dormancy, but immune disruption from COVID-19, influenza, aging, and chronic stress can trigger reactivation. She emphasizes lifestyle protection for cancer survivors: minimal alcohol, Mediterranean diet, and five daily cups of green tea for the EGCG dormancy-maintaining effect seen in cell culture. A caller argues for single-payer healthcare and questions whether Medigap insurance is worth $287 monthly. Dr. Dawn explains the math: for a $100,000 hospital bill, 20% coinsurance is $20,000, making the $2,400 annual premium reasonable catastrophic-risk protection—though skipping it is a defensible bet for very low-utilization patients. She notes those whose income drops to Medi-Cal eligibility often end up with better coverage than middle-class seniors. The same caller then presents a differential diagnosis of himself as likely multiple sclerosis based on ChatGPT consultation, describing balance loss requiring hallway wall-guidance, dramatic vision changes, and fasciculations. Dr. Dawn walks through prompt engineering for medical AI: request differential lists ordered by probability of frequency in the population rather than symptom-fit alone. She notes symmetric symptoms argue against MS, suggests checking electrolytes (particularly calcium), and emphasizes that a physical examination should precede imaging to avoid incidentalomas that trigger cascading invasive workups—cautioning that without a primary care doctor, he lacks an advocate within the system.

Dr. Crystal Lee from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan shares steps families take to build consistent morning routines for the school year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a text and chime in!The first day of school is a little brighter for classrooms across Arizona thanks to AZ Blue. Through a series of teacher surprises and school support initiatives, AZ Blue is providing educators with the tools and resources they need to help students feel confident, supported and ready to learn. As Arizona students are returning to the classroom, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) is helping teachers start the school year with the tools they need to create positive learning environments. Through its ongoing commitment to strengthening communities across the state, AZ Blue is recognizing educators who go above...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/arizona-educators-receive-classroom-makeovers/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

July was a month about proof, and the providers who can document clean trips are pulling ahead. This month's Genie Journal Recap covers the regulatory, financial, and operational shifts shaping medical transportation, plus what each one means for providers.In this episode:Ohio SB 315 makes GPS-confirmed pickup, transport, and drop-off a condition of payment for NEMT, phasing in over 18 monthsIowa stands up a Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force with EVV in focus and a strategy due in 120 daysFederal officials defer more than $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota while documentation is verified (deferrals, not cuts)California raises its managed care tax to backfill Medi-Cal money, and Oregon weighs a broad spending adjustment while NEMT stays a mandatory benefitIllinois and Texas Blue Cross Medicaid plans move from Modivcare to MTM Health on October 1, plus leadership shuffles at both brokersThe FTA opens roughly $12 million in coordination funding at up to an 80% federal share, due September 9A DC robotaxi bill never mentions wheelchairs, and why that gap is a moat for accessible providersDeep Read: a Michigan State University study finds unreliable transportation a stronger predictor of missed care than illness itselfRouteGenie product news: passenger language support across 15 languages, and smarter per-position multi-load pricingChapters0:00 Intro0:22 July's theme: proof0:29 Ohio SB 315 and GPS-confirmed payment0:59 Iowa's Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force1:28 $1B+ in Medicaid deferrals (California, Minnesota)1:55 California's managed care tax and HR One2:19 Oregon's Medicaid gap2:49 Blue Cross drops Modivcare for MTM (IL and TX)3:23 MTM and Modivcare leadership moves3:49 FTA opens $12M in coordination funding4:31 The DC robotaxi bill and the accessibility gap5:06 Deep Read: transportation insecurity study5:50 Blog: 10 NEMT conferences worth attending in 20266:15 RouteGenie at NEMTAC Transform, Booth 2286:32 Product news: 15-language passenger support6:54 Product news: smarter multi-load pricing7:20 Wrap-upFull breakdown and source links: The RouteGenie Journal → https://go.routegenie.com/newsletterBlog mentioned: https://routegenie.com/blog/nemt-conferencesSee us in person: RouteGenie at Booth 228, NEMTAC Transform, August 16–19, JW Marriott Orlando Grande LakesSources this month: Ohio and Iowa governors' offices, Axios, the Associated Press, Mercury News, Oregon Public Broadcasting, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Newswire, Business Wire, Tech Times, Electrek, and a Michigan State University study in the journal Sustainability.

Chuck And Julie Show with Chuck Bonniwell and Julie Hayden Media Trust, Colorado's Political Crossroads, COVID Accountability, and the Politics of Trust Chuck Bonniwell and Julie Hayden examine newly discussed Fauci records, RFK Jr.'s exchange with Dana Bash, media and pharmaceutical influence, COVID-response accountability, listener concerns, Colorado politics, election integrity, jungle primaries, and the growing cultural debate around Caitlin Clark and the WNBA. RFK Jr. destroys CNN “parrot” Dana Bash over the media's shameful role in the COVID Scam. Chuck and Julie Open With “Truth Straight Up” In this episode of The Chuck and Julie Show, Chuck Bonniwell and Julie Hayden open with their trademark “truth straight up” format and immediately focus on newly discussed records connected to Dr. Anthony Fauci. The corrected transcript identifies Chuck and Julie as hosts, Jacob and Johnnie as listener participants, and notes that political, medical, legal, and election-related statements are preserved as speaker statements rather than independently verified claims. Fauci Records, RFK Jr., and the Dana Bash Interview Julie and Chuck argue that the records show Fauci knew more than he publicly acknowledged about COVID mortality, vaccines, masks, lockdowns, social distancing, and transmission. They discuss RFK Jr.'s CNN interview with Dana Bash, describing it as a moment where RFK Jr. challenged the media's COVID-era assumptions and accused the press of failing its duty of skepticism. The hosts frame Dana Bash as unprepared for RFK Jr.'s depth of knowledge and argue that the interview exposed broader media failures around COVID coverage, public-health messaging, censorship, and pharmaceutical influence. Media Narratives, Pharmaceutical Advertising, and COVID Skepticism The hosts continue by criticizing how legacy media handled COVID dissent, saying that stories were first ignored, then attacked as “misinformation” when they gained traction. They discuss Denver's Channel 7/ABC coverage, pharmaceutical advertising, hydroxychloroquine, vaccine messaging, and what they see as shifting public confidence in new shots. Julie shares a personal example from a school physical where her family declined several shots and the doctor said the office no longer carried the COVID shot. Chuck then suggests that pharmaceutical advertising may function less as direct product marketing and more as a way to influence networks and protect preferred narratives. Listener Participation: Jacob and Johnnie Join the Conversation After Julie leaves to pick up Rev, Chuck opens the program more fully to listeners. Jacob joins the discussion with his own concerns about COVID shots, pharmaceutical advertising, and vaccine mandates, including a reference to a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan case involving employees and settlements. Johnnie shares a personal story about medication he says contributed to his blindness and connects that experience to distrust of medical authority and government messaging. Chuck responds by recalling public encounters involving Fauci, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and skeptical citizens who challenged official vaccine narratives. Blackmail, Human Nature, and Political Distrust Johnnie asks whether powerful people may be pressured by embarrassing information or blackmail, prompting Chuck to discuss the idea that Washington operates through mutual leverage and hidden knowledge. Chuck connects this to declining public trust in government, media, and political institutions. The conversation broadens into a darker reflection on human nature, corruption, and the way people create political myths about their own side being pure. Chuck argues that both parties have serious problems, though he focuses especially on what he sees as the Democratic Party's weak bench and dependence on anti-Trump messaging rather than an attractive political vision. Colorado Politics, Republican Turnout, and Jungle Primaries Jacob then asks about Republican complicity, campaign volunteers, and voter follow-through. Chuck responds by describing Republicans as less reliable in lower-turnout races, while Democrats tend to bank votes early through mail ballots. The conversation shifts into Colorado politics, including jungle primaries, wealthy interests, county-party participation, Victor Marx, Greg Lopez, Kyle Clark, the governor's race, and Mark Beasley's low name recognition as a Republican U.S. Senate candidate. Chuck argues that jungle primaries sound inclusive but would reduce real grassroots participation by allowing wealthy interests to shape the candidate field. Election Integrity, the WNBA, and Closing Caller Roundtable Near the end of the episode, Chuck says a strong election-integrity law such as the SAVE Act, with voter-eligibility requirements and paper-ballot safeguards, could change Colorado's political landscape. The show then takes a cultural turn into the WNBA, Sophie Cunningham, Caitlin Clark, and the way fan attention and league politics have made the sport more revealing and more interesting. Chuck thanks Jacob and Johnnie for joining, says the caller-driven format was fun, and closes by inviting a similar open-listener conversation in the future before signing off until Wednesday.

When you quit drinking, you expect the hard part to be over, but sometimes, the brain finds a new outlet for the same addictive patterns. In this episode, Sara opens up about her personal experience with transfer addictions - how her addictive tendencies shifted from alcohol to food tracking, sugar, and weed, and what she learned about herself in the process. Through stories, science, and self-compassion, Sara breaks down: What transfer addiction (or cross-addiction) actually is Why our brains latch onto new sources of dopamine when we remove alcohol How dopamine depletion and reward substitution keep us chasing “the buzz” Why it's normal to experience new compulsions in early sobriety and how to move through them 7 powerful ways to heal the void and rebuild balance in recovery You'll also hear Sara share research-backed insights on dopamine regulation, neuroplasticity, and the incentive sensitization theory, explaining why we crave even when we no longer enjoy the thing we're craving. Whether your new obsession is sugar, scrolling, or staying “in control,” this episode reminds you that awareness is the first step toward freedom. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 01:16 Understanding Transfer Addictions 03:36 Promoting the 30-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge 04:43 Realizing Transfer Addictions 07:40 Defining Transfer Addiction 10:40 The Science Behind Addiction 20:27 Recognizing and Managing Transfer Addictions 22:06 Practical Tools for Overcoming Addictions 26:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

Send us Fan MailThis week I am delighted to finally bring you the interview I did with Dr Michael T Myers Jr MD about vaccines.Just to let you know who he is;Dr. Michael T. Myers Jr., MD was the Chief of Primary Care, Pediatrics, and Practice Transformation for Summit Health New Jersey, one of the state's largest medical groups, before he retired in 2025. A physician leader with more than 35 years of experience in medical group practice management, public health initiatives, and health care consulting, Dr. Myers has held leadership positions at Partners HealthCare in Boston (now Mass General Brigham), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as COVID-19 scientific consultant to Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, and was appointed Adjunct Lecturer.His first book, COVID-ology: A Field Guide [CRC Press |2022], is an academic title for college health and science majors, was released in December 2022. Dr. Myers completed his primary care residency at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and received his MD from Harvard, BA from Johns Hopkins, and MBA from Northeastern University. He is now the author of "The Vaccine Bible" an absolute must-have for anyone even remotely interested in kid's health, vaccines and general health.We are talking EVERYTHING to do with vaccines.Why the vaccine schedule is what it is (Why are there soo many shots??)What vaccines really are, and what they do.What are measles and why is there a flare-up in the number of cases.Why we see an uptick in the number of vaccine hesitant people? How do you asses the risk of a vaccine Vs the risk of an illness?and much, MUCH more.As I've been saying on the podcast for weeks, I had a great conversation with him on this and am delighted that I'm able to release this just before his book gets published (tomorrow!) You can buy the Vaccine Bible at all your good bookstores, just go click on this link (The ebook is an absolute insane bargain!)Or head to AmazonBarnes and NobleBookshopAs always; HPNB still only has 5 billing cycles.So this means that you not only get 3 months FREE access, no obligation! BUT, if you decide you want to do the rest of the program, after only 5 months of paying $10/£8 a month you now get FREE LIFE TIME ACCESS! That's $50 max spend, in case you were wondering.Though I'm not terribly active on  Instagram and Facebook you can follow us there. I am however active on Threads so find me there! And, of course, you can always find us on our YouTube channel if you like your podcast in video form :) Visit healthypostnatalbody.com and get 3 months completely FREE access. No sales, no commitment, no BS. Email peter@healthypostnatalbody.com if you have any questions, comments or want to suggest a guest/topic Playing us out this week, more Dresden the Flamingo 

Today we bring sexy back with highlights from NextAge season 2 — our series on intimacy and aging.From vibrator jokes with the Jugg Sisters to the late-in-life realization that you've been intimate with another person for the last time, this series has no shortage of spicy, poignant, and revelatory moments. Series editor LaTonya Turner joins host Blake Farmer to revisit his most blush-worthy moments, along with a few surprising and poignant ones.This episode was produced by Blake Farmer.NextAge is a special series about growing older in the 21st century — and how Middle Tennesseans are reframing aging. Listen now to all episodes.This season of NextAge is made possible by a grant from the West End Home Foundation — Advancing Aging with Dignity and Strengthening Communities — and by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

Healthcare affordability is having a moment, and not the vague kind. From the Mackinac Policy Conference, we sit down with Dr. David Miller, Executive Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs at Michigan Medicine and President of the University of Michigan Health System, to talk about what it takes to lower the total cost of care while protecting access to top-tier clinical outcomes for patients across Michigan.We start with timely news: Michigan Medicine will continue its partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield, easing uncertainty for people who rely on specialty care and were wondering whether they could even schedule their next visit. From there, we zoom out to the bigger policy and operational pressure points across the healthcare ecosystem: how to reduce complications in high-acuity care, why primary care and earlier intervention can prevent expensive crises later, and what “value-based insurance design” looks like when you're serious about paying for treatments that are proven to work.Then we get practical about AI in healthcare. Dr. Miller explains where ambient AI documentation is already reducing administrative burden, why technology-enabled medical education is becoming essential across the health professions, and how evidence from imaging and stroke triage can move innovations from promising demos into real clinical policy. We also talk about rural hospitals and lower resource environments, and how a statewide network can use technology to spread expertise beyond urban centers. We close with the financial reality of medical education and student debt, and what Michigan can do to keep the next generation of clinicians here. If this conversation helps you think differently about affordability, share it, subscribe, and leave a review so more people can find it.Support the showEngage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!

State Treasurer Brad Briner and Plan Executive Administrator Thomas Friedman join us this week to recap the State Health Plan Board of Trustees meeting and explain major changes: a premium increase, a new three-tier provider network (preferred, access, non-preferred), and the decision to return Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina as the third-party administrator and pharmacy benefit manager in 2028. They discuss why the changes are needed to control costs, how tiers work for members across urban and rural areas, protections for patients in active treatment, and next steps for implementation and member engagement.

This episode's Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow' Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: Precision diagnostics and precision care are not two separate steps. They are a single, continuous system, and treating them otherwise is costing health plans time, money, and patient outcomes.Dr. Bill Kerr, Co-Founder and CEO of Avalon Healthcare Solutions, has spent over a decade building the infrastructure to close that gap.With a career spanning chief medical officer roles at WellCare Health Plans and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Bill brings rare fluency across clinical science, health plan economics, and operational complexity.Through Avalon's Diagnostic Insights Platform, his team is ensuring the right test reaches the right patient at the right time, driving smarter decisions and reducing costly waste across millions of members nationwide.Join us to discover how precision diagnostics are reshaping the future of value-based care. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Dr. Kerr founded Avalon to accelerate lab science adoption, closing the costly 20-year gap between discovery and clinical use.Lab testing is only 10% of medical spend, but drives 70% of clinical decisions, making diagnostic precision essential.In non-small cell lung cancer, only one-third of patients currently receive best-in-class, mutation-targeted treatment.Avalon now serves 30 health plans and roughly 100 million lives, expanding into diagnostic imaging with AI integration.Dr. Kerr's ask to the community: help Avalon bring diagnostic insights into the exam room without adding clinical noise.About our Guest:Before co-founding Avalon, Dr. Kerr served as the Chief Medical and Growth Officer atCareCentrix, a company focused on delivering healthcare at home. Prior to joiningCareCentrix, Dr. Kerr served as the Chief Medical Officer at WellCare Health Plans andBlue Cross Blue Shield of Florida. Dr. Kerr was previously the Vice President ofProfessional Networks at Independence Blue Cross and regional medical director forseveral plans in Texas.Dr. Kerr holds a BA from the University of Arkansas, an MBA from the University of Houston, and an MD from the University of Arkansas. He was also a research associate in the Nuffield Department of Pathology at the University of Oxford.Links Supporting This Episode: Avalon Healthcare Solution website: CLICK HEREDr. Bill Kerr LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREAvalon Healthcare Solutions LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMike Biselli Twitter page: CLICK HEREVisit our website: CLICK HERESubscribe to newsletter: CLICK HEREGuest nomination form: CLICK HERE

What if your next customer isn't a person, but an AI agent acting on their behalf? And what if that agent is evaluating your brand on a purely logical, data-driven basis, completely devoid of the emotional hooks your marketing has always relied on?Agility requires not just adapting to changing customer behaviors, but also redefining who—or what—our customer even is. It demands that we build operational and strategic frameworks that can cater to both human emotional drivers and the cold, hard logic of machines.Today, we are at Forrester CX in New York City, and we're going to talk about a fundamental shift in the customer journey: the rise of the AI agent as an influential, and in some cases, decision-making persona. This isn't just about using AI in our marketing; it's about marketing to AI. We'll explore what it means when our brand's message needs to be optimized not just for human perception, but for machine interpretation and evaluation.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Chuck Gahun, Principal Analyst at Forrester. About Chuck Gahun Chuck is a leader in Forrester's Digital Business & Strategy practice serving business and digital executives. His research coverage includes content management systems (CMSes), product information management (PIM) systems, and commerce services and strategy for B2B and B2C companies. Chuck helps executives design strategies that deliver customer and business value by partnering with technology vendors and services providers. Chuck has 20 years of experience in content and commerce. He specializes in digital strategy, experience design, and technology initiatives in CMSes, e-commerce systems, digital asset management (DAM) systems, PIM systems, digital experience platforms (DXPs), and several others. He has led strategy and implementations for brands like Goldman Sachs, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Hilti, Marriott, AARP, and the Centers for Disease Control. Prior to joining Forrester, Chuck was a managing director and partner at Shift7 Digital (a Merkle company) and held senior management positions at ZS Medullan and Publicis Sapient. Chuck holds a BA in government and international politics and an MS in technology management from George Mason University. Chuck Gahun on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckgahun/ ---------- Resources ---------- Forrester: https://www.forrester.com We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fThe most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vitamins are essential nutrients our bodies need to function, supporting immune health, energy production and even brain function. But with entire aisles dedicated to multivitamins, immune boosters, gummies and supplements, it's easy to wonder: what should you really be taking, if anything? On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Angela Seabright, Care Management Physician at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Together, they discuss multivitamins, what's in them, and who, if anyone, should be taking one.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:What are multivitamins?Who should consider taking them?Why are they so popular?Are there any risks?

Love, romance and intimacy can look very different in the second half of life — no matter your gender or sexuality. Today we get stories of gay men growing older together, a trans woman from Coffee County finally living in full expression after a huge loss and a woman with her own coming out story who is now coaching people later in life on how to get through the messy middle and beyond.Throughout a lifetime, one hope is that we never stop growing into ourselves — evolving as we know more, overcome more and love more. On today's episode of NextAge, we talk with leaders in our LGBTQ+ community to learn how we can become more resilient and kind to ourselves and those around us. Especially in the face of mighty hurdles.Got a story to share for our NextAge series? Leave us a message at 615-751-2500 or chime in during the live show on our YouTube stream.This season of NextAge is made possible by a grant from the West End Home Foundation — Advancing Aging with Dignity and Strengthening Communities — and by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.Guests• Dwayne Jenkins, Nashville Black Pride, Nashville Cares, Brothers United• Ginger Cutrell, transgender community advocate• Anne-Marie Zanzal, Coming Out Coach

Today's episode features guest host Michael Upshall (guest editor, Charleston Briefings) who talks with Allison Belan, Director for Strategic Innovation, Duke University Press. Allison has a background in English and Philosophy. In this conversation, she talks with Michael about her start in type setting, working on school newspapers and school literary magazines and then a school journal in college.  She talks about working as a project manager with a very small custom software consultancy that worked with a variety of corporations, like Wrangler Jeans and Blue Cross Blue Shield,  to build their first Business to Consumer (B2C) websites during the early days of the World Wide Web.  She appreciated the newly acquired technology and business skills of this job, but missed publishing. In 2004, She joined Duke University Press as assistant production manager for journals. She details the evolution of her roles over the years at Duke, to her current role as Director for Strategic Innovation and Services which includes managing the technology operations and business systems of the Press and, as Allison says, keeping an eye on what's going on in the broader industry and when something transformative about operations or business needs to happen, ringing the bell at the press with the need to get up to speed and work to begin adopting new initiatives, like AI and accessibility among other things, and supporting and aligning with strategy.  The video of this interview can be found here: https://youtu.be/Yxhhqfse_Gc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mupshall/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisoncbelan/ Keyword #DukeUniversityPress #PublishingLeadership #PublishingInnovation #DigitalPublishing #DigitalScholarship #DigitalStrategy #TechAndPublishing #Accessibility #HigherEd #LibraryInnovation #InformationLiteracy #CriticalThinking #InformationProfessionals #AcademicLibraries #LearningResources #EdTechTools #career #scholcomm #ScholarlyCommunication #libraries #librarianship #LibraryNeeds #LibraryLove #ScholarlyPublishing #AcademicPublishing #publishing #LibrariesAndPublishers #podcasts

ANNOUNCEMENT: If you're a caregiver based in New York State or still have family in New York, join me on Thursday June 18th for my webinar, Caregiving: A Public Health Issue. 8pm est; $15 per person.Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1991026454723?aff=oddtdtcreatorOn this episode of The Social Work Rants Podcast, I discussed the changes to reimbursement rates for providers using CPT codes 90834 and 90837 on the Alma platform, effective July 15th. The changes involve adjusting the rates for session durations, with code 90837 (53 minutes and up) being reimbursed at the same rate as code 90834 (37-52 minute sessions). Basiliso also mentioned the impact of inflation on these changes, citing a recent 4.2% inflation rate.Inflation and Mental Health ConcernsI discuss the impact of inflation on various aspects of life, including healthcare costs and gas prices, noting that while President Biden reduced the national inflation rate, many expenses continue to rise. I expressed concerns about technology platforms like Headway that visually scan patients during mental health sessions, citing ethical issues around patient privacy and surveillance. I also mentioned challenges with audits and payment reimbursements for agencies.I highlight the work of Justin Gillespie from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, who is working on legislation to address reimbursement rates at both state and national levels.Payer Regulation Impact on NonprofitsI discussed recent payer regulation changes affecting Medicaid and HMO services, including increased denial rates and higher audit frequencies leading to potential nonprofit closures. They highlighted budget issues in New York City affecting nonprofit organizations' ability to pay staff and bills. Basiliso noted that the full impact of the HR1 legislation may not be fully realized until after the November general election.Medicaid Recertification Changes UpdateI also warned about upcoming changes to Medicaid recertifications and a new work requirement effective in July, which will require individuals to show proof of working up to 80 hours to maintain their benefits. These changes will significantly impact vulnerable populations and make social workers' jobs more challenging. The discussion was presented as educational content to help professionals understand the evolving landscape affecting their work.

Jason talks about the start of the World Cup and what he believes to be tepid local interest in it. It's okay. This is a safe space. You can admit you don't really care for soccer all that much. But if you're like Jason, you DO like the new corporate name for Williams Arena - The Barn, supported by Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

The land of Big Tech Therapy has been making headlines. I cover some of them in this episode.*The links shared below are a reference only and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Marie Fang, Private Practice Skills, or its sponsors.If you'd like a great summary of all that I covered, check out ZynnyMe's article:https://www.zynnyme.com/blog/alma-headway-and-the-big-questionIf you feel compelled to do something, this r/therapists post links to several options at the systemic level:https://www.reddit.com/r/therapists/comments/1tvzpov/support_and_advocacy_for_therapists/Build Better Health's Mental Health Insurance Reform Task Force's Petition (if you'd like to sign):https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/we-demand-a-system-that-reflects-the-true-value-of-mental-health-careThank you to Paubox for sponsoring this episode. Paubox makes HIPAA-secure email and forms easy and streamlined. Check them out here:⁠https://hubs.la/Q04k58tL0⁠*Get $250 off your first year with Paubox with coupon code "SKILLS"*Bonus Deal:* If you add the Paubox badge to your website you get an extra $100 off your first year - that means you can get your whole first year free if you apply both deals!Citations:Alma has investments from Cigna and Optum:https://cignaventures.com/alma-raises-130m-in-series-d-funding-led-by-thoma-bravo-to-advance-its-mission-to-simplify-access-to-high-quality-affordable-mental-health-care/Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), the parent company of several Blue Cross Blue Shield programs, invests in Headway:https://www.hcsc.com/newsroom/news-releases/2023/strategic-investment-headway-behavioral-healthReference: HCSC is parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield:https://www.hcsc.com/who-we-areRula backed by Blue Venture Fund:https://bhbusiness.com/2024/09/17/digital-mental-health-platform-rula-health-expands-to-50-states/Reference: Blue Venture Fund invests on behalf of Blue Cross Blue Shield:https://blueventurefund.com/Headway and Alma announce 30 percent cut in Optum Rates, January 2025:https://clearhealthcosts.com/blog/2024/11/2-digital-mental-health-platforms-cut-pay-rates-for-therapists-with-unitedhealths-optum-stirring-anger/Aetna cuts rates with Alma-contracted therapists:https://bhbusiness.com/2026/05/21/aetna-cuts-rates-with-alma-contracted-therapists/r/therapists megathread on Aetna's rate cuts through Alma:https://www.reddit.com/r/therapists/comments/1tj1bl1/megathread_aetna_alma_reimbursement_changes_90837/APA urges Aetna to halt rate cuts:https://updates.apaservices.org/apa--american-psychiatric-association-urge-aetna-to-pause-reimbursement-rate-cuts-for-behavioral-health-cliniciansAetna Launches Aetna Mental Health on Demand:https://www.aetna.com/insights/news/aetna-launches-mental-health-on-demand.htmlCVS Announces Aetna Mental Health on Demand:https://www.cvshealth.com/news/condition-management/aetna-launches-aetna-mental-health-on-demand-to-provide-real-time-access-to-care-and-ongoing-support.htmlProof News Article: "Woman's Talkspace Therapy App Sessions Exposed in Court"https://www.proofnews.org/womans-talkspace-therapy-app-sessions-exposed-in-court/FTC Sues Amazon for Monopoly Power:https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/09/ftc-sues-amazon-illegally-maintaining-monopoly-powerClass Action Lawsuit Against Headway:https://www.classaction.org/news/headway-hit-with-class-action-over-alleged-disclosure-of-patient-info-to-googleClear Health Costs Article: "Therapists have misgivings on the platforms: Alma, Headway etc. and the business of therapy”https://clearhealthcosts.com/blog/2025/11/therapists-have-misgivings-on-the-platforms-alma-headway-etc-and-the-business-of-therapy/Website: www.privatepracticeskills.comThis podcast is not intended as professional or legal advice. Be sure to seek the services of a professional if you are in need of them.

June 8, 2026 ~ Tricia Keith, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan joins Paul W. Smith live from the Detroit Economic Club. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we capture authentic perspectives from conference attendees on the challenges of health care affordability and its wide-reaching impact across Michigan. Business leaders, policymakers, and small business owners share how affordability issues affect their daily lives and decision-making. Stakeholders agree that collaborative solutions are needed to address these challenges, with many recognizing the importance of partnership across sectors. The episode also highlights how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is actively engaged in both leading and participating in efforts to find and implement meaningful solutions for a more affordable health care system.Guests:Ryan MaibachLina Hourani-HarajliCarla Walker- MillerRick BakerDr. Bernard CostelloEmily Gerkin GuerrantKurt BrauerJamie Westrick

On this episode, we highlight Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's nonprofit mission and its investments aimed at improving community health, reducing disparities, and addressing the long-term drivers of health care costs. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's social mission is central to advancing both health and affordability across Michigan. Through investments made by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, and support for safety net providers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is helping to strengthen communities and support those most in need. The episode explores how addressing social determinants and root causes of health leads to better outcomes and reduces long-term costs. We also discuss the impact of uncompensated care on the entire health care system and the importance of supporting community health as an essential part of building a sustainable, affordable health care system for everyone.Guests:•Tiffany Albert• Jason Maciejewski• Mary Lewis

In this episode, we feature an honest conversation with small business owners about the rising costs of health insurance and the difficult trade-offs they face to offer coverage to their employees. Employers share their firsthand experiences with affordability challenges, highlighting the real-world impact of escalating health care expenses on their businesses and lives. The discussion explores how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is partnering with employers to manage costs while maintaining access and quality for employees. Solutions such as value-based care, pharmacy cost management, and population health programs are examined as part of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's commitment to creating sustainable, long-term affordability—emphasizing strategic partnerships over short-term cost shifting.Guests:•Andy Hetzel•Brian Calley•Mark Ware•Alan C. Young

In this episode, we explore how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is partnering with major health systems and providers to transform the way health care is delivered and paid for in Michigan. By working collaboratively with Corewell Health, Henry Ford Health, and a broad network of providers, Blue Cross is shifting away from the traditional fee-for-service model—which pays for the volume of care provided—and moving toward value-based care that rewards better patient outcomes. This approach aims to improve the quality of care, reduce unnecessary or duplicative services, and make health care more affordable in the long run. Achieving true affordability requires close alignment and cooperation not only between insurers and providers, but also with employers who share in the goal of accessible, high-quality care for all.Guests:Tricia KeithBrian PetersRob CasalouTina Freese DeckerTodd Van Tol

Forty years of experience in medicine brings a lot of knowledge, wisdom and health information. On this episode, Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dr. Jim Grant, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, who is retiring after more than 30 years in medicine. Together, they discuss his career, how medicine has evolved and what he wants you to know about your health and prevention as he reflects on his experiences.In this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast, we explore:A 40-year careerWhat has changed in the medical industryImportant health tipsDr. Grant's future plans 

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Menopause is having a moment! After generations of misunderstanding, myths and mockery, menopause and perimenopause is starting to get the attention and support it deserves. And no wonder: in the United States, about 6,000 women enter menopause each day, according to scientific data. In this episode of NextAge Season 2, we're joining the conversation. You'll hear from some of familiar on-air hosts here at Nashville Public Radio about their experiences and medical experts who specialize in menopause healthcare.Got a story to share for our NextAge series? Leave us a message at 615-751-2500 or chime in during the live show on our YouTube stream.This season of NextAge is made possible by a grant from the West End Home Foundation — Advancing Aging with Dignity and Strengthening Communities — and by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.This episode was hosted and produced by LaTonya Turner.Guests: Nina Cardona, Morning Edition Host, WPLN/Nashville Public Radio Jude Mason, Mid-day Host, WNXP Radio Leigh Mayo, Account Manager, WPLN/Nashville Public Radio Megan Jones, Digital Editor, WPLN/Nashville Public Radio Dr. William Lee, Associate Professor Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt Medical Center; certified menopause practitioner  Anne-Ward Eshelman - Nurse Practitioner at HaneyGYN

It's not that what we learned about the birds and the bees was all wrong. It's just that it was mostly about procreation and – more likely – focused on how not to make a baby before the time is right. As we've learned in this season of NextAge, baby making and physical intimacy are not the same thing, and that's especially apparent in the second half of life. In this episode, we bring you the birds and the bees for those who've been around the block. It may be a useful discussion for all of us, no matter our age.Got a story to share for our NextAge series? Leave us a message at 615-751-2500 or chime in during the live show on our YouTube stream.This season of NextAge is made possible by a grant from the West End Home Foundation — Advancing Aging with Dignity and Strengthening Communities — and by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.This episode was produced by Blake Farmer.Guests: Jill Danford, MD, board-certified urogynecologist, Ascension Saint Thomas Melissa Kaufman, MD, PhD, urology professor, Vanderbilt

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.

We're kicking off Week 2 of our NextAge season on romance, intimacy and our bodies with one of our city's most interesting citizens: George Rowe. A man who has lived many lives.He's been a Christian music recording artist with a big publishing deal. He's been an attorney. And now he heads the Nashville office of Compass Realtors. He's also lived the life of the stereotypical nuclear American family with his wife and three kids — until something had to change.This episode was produced by Josh Deepan. NextAge is made possible in part by BlueCross BlueShield of TennesseeGuest George Rowe, Compass Real Estate principal broker

In this episode, Dr. Yndia and guest global wine traveler Stephanie Browne, founder of Sipping Sense and Divas Uncorked, discuss all things related to wine, culture, leadership, and connection. Drawing from more than thirty years of corporate experience in Human Resources and DEI at Blue Cross Blue Shield, Stephanie shares how her professional journey, as a cultural connector who celebrates Black life through food, wine, and storytelling, has shaped her approach to hospitality, entertaining, and inclusion. They also discuss her new book, Sipping Sense: Uncorking the Flavors of Wine, Entertaining and Healthy Cooking, the evolving landscape of wine culture, and why gathering intentionally remains a powerful expression of identity, confidence, and belonging in African descended communities. Production credit: @Masauko. Episode sponsored by @Give Black Alliance.  Share and Follow on IG: @BelongingToBlackness_Podcast & @ProfYndia. Listen to episodes directly at: https://yndialorickwilmot.com/belonging-to-blackness/ and wherever you listen to your podcasts.  Apple Podcast Amazon Music iHeart Radio Spotify Support the podcast & use 21% off Discount Code: BELONGTOBLACK at CozyEarth.com #BlackWines #EntertainWithStyle #SippingSense #BelongingToBlackness #DivasUncorked #StephanieBrowne #HealthyCooking #FoodAndWineExperience #WomenInWine The post S7, Ep 067 with Stephanie Browne, on the art of gathering: wine, memory & Black belonging first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

Love, romance and intimacy can look very different in the second half of life — no matter your gender or sexuality. Today we get stories of gay men growing older together, a trans woman from Coffee County finally living in full expression after a huge loss and a woman with her own coming out story who is now coaching people later in life on how to get through the messy middle and beyond.Throughout a lifetime, one hope is that we never stop growing into ourselves — evolving as we know more, overcome more and love more. On today's episode of NextAge, we talk with leaders in our LGBTQ+ community to learn how we can become more resilient and kind to ourselves and those around us. Especially in the face of mighty hurdles.Got a story to share for our NextAge series? Leave us a message at 615-751-2500 or chime in during the live show on our YouTube stream.This season of NextAge is made possible by a grant from the West End Home Foundation — Advancing Aging with Dignity and Strengthening Communities — and by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.Guests• Dwayne Jenkins, Nashville Black Pride, Nashville Cares, Brothers United• Ginger Cutrell, transgender community advocate• Anne-Marie Zanzal, Coming Out Coach

Second half of life companionship may look a lot different than the first. Procreation is off the table, merging households holds new logistical challenges, and there's often grown children with strong opinions to consider. Whether it's through death, divorce, or another kind of shift, love, intimacy and romance change as we age. And for many who end relationships that started in the first half of life, what they want out of the second looks very different. Our guests on the show today have, to quote the great Joni Mitchell, seen love from both sides now. They've been in love. They've been alone. They've got mixed feelings and find the beauty in it all. NextAge season 2 continues.Got a story to share for our NextAge series? Leave us a message at 615-751-2500 or chime in during the live show on our YouTube stream.This season of NextAge is made possible by a grant from the West End Home Foundation — Advancing Aging with Dignity and Strengthening Communities — and by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.Guests• Barb Opyt, Learning and Development consultant• Angela Hobbs, retired trainer• Philip Tulimieri, author

n this Bright Spots in Healthcare episode, host Eric Glazer brings together Medicare Advantage and operational leaders to explore a growing challenge facing health plans: why identifying risk is no longer enough to improve outcomes. As organizations invest heavily in HRAs, predictive analytics, and member insight platforms, many still struggle to convert those insights into timely, coordinated action. This discussion focuses on where execution is breaking down between identification and intervention, and what leading plans are doing differently to reduce friction, align teams, and engage members while the opportunity to act still exists. This is a candid discussion for executives navigating increasing pressure around Stars, affordability, member engagement, and operational efficiency, while trying to turn insight into measurable performance improvement. Our guests include: Vanita Pindolia, PharmD, MBA, Vice President, Stars Program, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Chuck Palermo, Vice President, Operations, Health Alliance Plan Linda Isham, Former Vice President, Operations & Clinical Support, Humana Cory Busse, Vice President, Strategic Solutions, Icario  Together, they explore: Why insight without operational coordination often fails to improve outcomes How leading plans are identifying the small populations that disproportionately impact performance What changes when organizations shift from retrospective reporting to real time intervention How plans are reducing friction by coordinating Stars, quality, operations, and engagement efforts around a shared action plan Why understanding behavioral, social, and operational barriers is becoming critical to improving adherence, experience, and quality outcomes How organizations are designing outreach and engagement strategies that reflect real member behavior, not just clinical gaps This episode offers a practical look at how leading organizations are closing the gap between insight and action, and what it takes to operationalize engagement in a way that consistently improves quality, cost, and member experience.   Panelist Bios: https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/events/closing-the-gap-between-insight-and-action-data-informed-tech-enabled-strategies-for-health-plans/ Download the Episode Guide: Get key takeaways and expert highlights to help you apply lessons from the episode. Download guide: https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Final_May7_Episode_Guide.pdf Key Insights Summary: Find key insights from the discussion, guest takeaways, and detailed moderator notes captured by Eric during the conversation, https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/May_7_2026_KIS.docx.pdf Resources:  Report: Health Plan Playbook for 2027, Part 1: From HRA Completion to Real Action This first report in Icario's Health Plan Playbook for 2027 series examines why Medicare Advantage plans need to rethink the HRA as more than a requirement or data collection exercise. The issue is not that plans lack information. It is that the handoff between what members report and what happens next is often too slow, fragmented, or manual to drive meaningful action. The report focuses on a core shift facing plans heading into 2027: completing an HRA is no longer the goal. Acting on it is. When a member is engaged, self reporting, and open, plans have a short window to intervene. If nothing happens in real time, that moment is lost. Drawing on practical examples, the report shows how real time intervention, automatic enrollment into barrier removal programs, and proactive identification of risk patterns can help plans reduce delays, support care teams, and close the gap between insight and action. Inside, you'll find insights on: Why HRAs should be treated as a moment of influence, not just a compliance requirement Where plans lose momentum between member reported needs and follow up action How automatic enrollment can reduce manual handoffs and connect members to support faster Why delayed intervention creates hidden costs across ED utilization, inpatient stays, Stars performance, and unresolved care gaps How plans can act on SDoH, ADL, and behavioral signals while members are still engaged What changes when real time decisioning is embedded directly into the member experience The broader lesson is operational: plans that improve performance are not just collecting better data. They are reducing the time between signal and action, removing broken handoffs, and helping members get to the right support while the opportunity still exists. To request your copy of the report, please contact show producer Nicole Roberts at nroberts@brightspotsventures.com. Thank You to Our Episode Partner, Icario: Icario is a healthcare engagement platform designed to help health plans move beyond disconnected outreach and fragmented member experiences toward more coordinated, action oriented engagement. By combining behavioral science, real time data, and personalized engagement strategies, Icario helps plans identify where members are most likely to disengage, what barriers may prevent action, and how to intervene at the right moment to drive meaningful outcomes. Rather than simply increasing touchpoints, the focus is on reducing friction, improving coordination across teams and programs, and helping members take the next best step. The result is stronger performance across quality, adherence, cost, and member experience. Schedule a Meeting with a Senior Leader at Icario: To explore how Icario is helping health plans improve engagement, reduce friction, and drive more coordinated action across the member journey, reach out to show producer Nicole Roberts at nroberts@brightspotsventures.com to schedule a conversation with a member of the Icario leadership team. About Bright Spots Ventures: Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation.   We help healthcare leaders discover what's working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the "bright spots" in healthcare, proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.

NextAge Season 2, our series on romance and intimacy in the second half of life, continues with a deep dive on technology and dating apps. Smart phones, tablets and computers, social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and online dating apps like OurTime, SilverSingles, and SeniorMatch help a growing number of seniors find companionship and keep connected with family. However, entering into the digital world isn't always simple. So how are older adults learning to navigate these platforms? How do they build confidence online? How do we all keep up with constant tech changes — and stay safe?As more seniors explore dating later in life, are these apps working to meet everyone's needs? Today we get some professional advice, tech support, and a safety briefing – all while hearing the good, bad, and in between of the new state of dating.You can join in on the conversation during the noon hour on our YouTube livestream. Listen now to aired episodes of NextAge on our website.This season of NextAge is made possible by a grant from the West End Home Foundation — Advancing Aging with Dignity and Strengthening Communities — and by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.Guests Julie Grower, dating app user Chuck Taylor, dating app user June Moore, particpant, Seniors on the Move, Tech Goes Home Dr. Jess Carbino, sociologist; relationship & online dating expert Breana Clark, MSW, program Manager, Senior Renaissance Center Rachel Solava, outreach and advocacy manager, Digital Literacy for Seniors, Greater Nashville Regional Council

Today we kick off NextAge Season 2, a series focused on romance, intimacy, and relationships in the second half of life, with a personal and hilarious conversation with Brenda Kay and Sheri Lynn, the purveyors of NashTrash Tours.For nearly 30 years, Brenda Kay and Sheri Lynn, also known as the Jugg Sisters, have been carting tourists and locals alike around town, showing off the city with their comedy show on wheels. Known for their wigs, makeup, and over-the-top humor, the pair prove that the characters on the big pink bus aren't far from the real thing: authentic, fearless, and hilarious. Today, the real-life sisters open up about love, aging, intimacy, and things many of us still laugh nervously about discussing out loud.Please note: This episode contains candid conversations about intimacy, aging and physiology that may not be suitable for younger listeners.This episode was produced by Mary Mancini.NextAge is made possible by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

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.

Senate leader Phil Berger lost his primary in March to Rockingham County sheriff Sam Page by just 23 votes. When the margin is that close, every factor that influenced at least 23 voters could be considered the deciding element in the race. Berger's support for a controversial casino wasn't the only aspect of Berger's legislative record that faced criticism during the primary.Sheila Mikhail, a prominent biotechnology executive in the Triangle, spent more than $200,000 on the race for a very different reason. She's been advocating for a bill that would require insurance companies to cover supplemental breast cancer exams. Mikhail blames Berger and the lobbying influence of insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield for keeping the bill from a vote on the Senate floor after it passed the House nearly unanimously. She spoke with WUNC News Capitol Bureau Chief Colin Campbell about her advocacy and why she decided to help Page.