Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast

Епизоди

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  Agentic orchestration: A new approach to enterprise AI 13.08.2026 17мин

  In this episode, Munjal Shah, Co-founder & CEO of Hippocratic AI, discusses how agentic orchestration can coordinate teams of AI agents to achieve healthcare outcomes such as reducing readmissions, closing care gaps and improving patient follow-up. This episode is sponsored by Hippocratic AI.
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  Simplifying Healthcare and Tackling Rising Costs with Jessica Lopez-Liggett 11.08.2026 19мин

  In this episode, Jessica Lopez-Liggett, Commercial State Plan President for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana, discusses rising healthcare costs, simplifying the member and provider experience through technology, and expanding high-quality, lower-cost care through provider partnerships. She also shares why addressing social determinants of health and bringing employers, providers and community organizations together is critical to improving healthcare.
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  Advancing Personalized Care Through AI, Clinical Insights and Early Intervention with Dr. Stanley Crittenden 10.08.2026 19мин

  In this episode, Dr. Stanley Crittenden, Chief Medical Officer at Cigna Healthcare, discusses how AI-powered analytics and personalized care management are helping identify health risks earlier, improve outcomes and simplify healthcare navigation. He shares how Cigna is using technology to support clinicians, expand access to care and drive affordability while keeping human connection at the center.
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  Simplifying Healthcare Through Digital Transformation, Affordability and AI with Katie Catlender 08.08.2026 14мин

  In this episode, Katie Catlender, Chief Operating Officer at Point32Health, discusses the organization’s push to consolidate legacy digital platforms, reduce administrative costs and create a simpler experience for members and providers. She also shares how Point32Health is using AI responsibly to personalize care, reduce friction and build trust while keeping members at the center.
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  Closing the Rural Telehealth Gap in Chronic Care with Sarah Adkins 07.08.2026 10мин

  In this episode, Sarah Adkins, director of public policy with the Elevance Health Public Policy Institute, discusses research showing lower telehealth utilization among rural populations and the barriers driving the gap. She shares strategies for payers and healthcare leaders to expand digital infrastructure, tailor telehealth programs and improve access for underserved members.
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  Advancing Smarter, More Personalized Cancer Care with Dr. David Debono 29.07.2026 24мин

  In this episode, David Debono, MD, Oncology Medical Director at Carelon Health, shares how technology, clinical pathways, and data-driven insights are helping improve cancer care while supporting physicians, expanding access, and delivering more personalized treatment for patients.
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  Building Stronger Healthcare Workforce Pathways Through Community Partnerships with Dan LaVallee & Dr. Brandy Hershberger 28.07.2026 18мин

  In this episode, Dan LaVallee, Associate Vice President of Community Engagement at UPMC Health Plan, and Dr. Brandy Hershberger, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Academic Affairs at UPMC, discuss how innovative apprenticeship programs, workforce partnerships, and community engagement are creating sustainable healthcare career pathways and strengthening the future workforce.
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  How Blue Shield of California Is Rethinking Care Delivery with Susan Mullaney 24.07.2026 23мин

  In this episode, Susan Mullaney, Chief Operating Officer at Blue Shield of California, discusses how stronger payer-provider partnerships, AI, value-based care, and pharmacy innovation can improve health outcomes, lower costs, and reshape care delivery for the future.
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  Dr. Ben Kornitzer on AI, Prior Authorization Reform, and the Future of Payer Provider Collaboration 17.07.2026 18мин

  In this episode, Dr. Ben Kornitzer, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer at Aetna, discusses how AI, real-time data exchange, and prior authorization reform can strengthen payer-provider partnerships and improve patient outcomes.
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  AI, Climate Risks, and the Future of Member Care with Dr. Daniel Knecht 14.07.2026 15мин

  In this episode, Dr. Daniel Knecht, Chief Medical Officer, EmblemHealth, discusses how the organization's AI-powered Environmental Resilience Program helps identify and support members at risk during extreme heat events. He also shares how predictive outreach, clinical oversight, and addressing social determinants of health are shaping the future of population health management.
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  GLP-1 Coverage, Affordability, and Member Access with Angel Ballew 10.07.2026 21мин

  In this episode, Angel Ballew, Head of Pharmacy Clinical Programs and Services at Centene, discusses how the organization approaches GLP-1 coverage across Medicaid, Medicare, and marketplace plans while balancing clinical evidence, affordability, and member access. She also shares insights on utilization management, adherence strategies, and preparing for the next wave of indications for these rapidly evolving therapies.
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  Medicare Advantage, Value-Based Care and Improving Outcomes for Vulnerable Populations with Dr. Ken Cohen 08.07.2026 23мин

  In this episode, Dr. Ken Cohen, Chief Medical Officer at Optum Health, discusses new research on Medicare Advantage, social vulnerability, and how full-risk care models can improve quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes. He also shares insights on the infrastructure, technology, and strategies needed to advance value-based care.
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  Margaret Anderson on Growth, Integration and Affordability at Health Alliance Plan 07.07.2026 12мин

  In this episode, Margaret Anderson, President of Health Alliance Plan by Henry Ford Health, discusses the organization's rebrand, its strategy for deeper integration with Henry Ford Health, and how it's driving growth while improving affordability. She also shares insights on provider sponsored health plans, administrative efficiency, and the growing impact of gene therapies on the healthcare system.
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  Earlier Signals, Better Outcomes: Rethinking Risk Stratification for New Members 24.06.2026 12мин

  In this episode, Karla Mills, Vice President of Product Innovation, Surescripts, discusses how health plans can use medication data as an early signal to identify risk, prioritize new members, and improve care management. She shares practical strategies for preparing ahead of enrollment surges and leveraging existing programs to drive better outcomes and operational performance. For more information, please check out our website: https://surescripts.com/who-we-serve/health-plans
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  Medicaid, Food as Medicine, and the Future of Coverage with Kelly Munson 19.06.2026 22мин

  In this episode, Kelly Munson, President and CEO of Independence Health Group, discusses the evolving Medicaid and ACA landscape, the impact of policy changes on coverage and affordability, and the role of managed care in improving health outcomes. She also shares insights on food as medicine, healthcare innovation, and leadership lessons from becoming the organization's first female CEO.
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  Using Data and AI to Improve Care Coordination with Liz Signorella 16.06.2026 5мин

  This episode recorded live at the Becker’s Spring 2026 Payer Issues Roundtable features Liz Signorella, Senior Director of Payor Contracting, Clover Health. She discusses reducing administrative burdens for providers, leveraging AI and real-time data to support proactive care, and improving patient outcomes through stronger care coordination and earlier intervention.In collaboration with Hippocratic AI.
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  Tackling Healthcare Affordability Through Innovative Funding Models with Morgan Kendrick 11.06.2026 12мин

  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.
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  America’s Health Rankings Senior Report: Key Trends in Healthy Aging with Rhonda Randall, DO 09.06.2026 21мин

  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.
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  Sharon Williams on Member Experience, Healthcare Access, and Smarter Payer Technology 05.06.2026 7мин

  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.
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  Rethinking Risk Adjustment and Payer Provider Alignment in Value-Based Care 03.06.2026 17мин

  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.