Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Jeff Yuan, Co-founder of Mending
Aug 2, 2025
Jeff Yuan, Co-founder of Mending, is an innovator focused on reshaping health insurance through AI. In this discussion, he reveals how Mending is tackling provider burdens and enhancing patient access with direct primary care partnerships. Yuan delves into the intriguing rebranding journey from Tarot Health to Mending and highlights early successes in Maine and Oklahoma. He also emphasizes the significance of adapting to change in the healthcare landscape, advocating for innovative solutions to improve provider independence and patient care.
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Founder’s Healthcare Journey
- Jeff Yuan transitioned from academic research in IBD and Crohn's to healthcare consulting and startups.
- He met his co-founder at a biotech startup before launching Mending, an AI-native insurer focused on easing provider burden.
AI to Reduce Burdens and Costs
- AI used from day one can radically reduce provider administrative burden and avoid adversarial payer-provider dynamics.
- Automation also shrinks insurer operational costs, helping premiums and overall healthcare expenses.
Direct Primary Care Partnership Benefits
- Direct primary care doctors partnered with Mending have seen extended patient visits and close communication like texts and emails.
- These doctors appreciate no administrative middleman and only being in-network with Mending, aligning with their practice philosophy.