Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Tracking Insurance Policy Shifts and Payer Strategy with Jakob Emerson
Aug 8, 2025
Jakob Emerson, an expert on payer issues at Becker's Healthcare, dives deep into the shifting landscape of insurance policies. He highlights recent state-level protests against rate hikes in Arkansas and discusses the rising health insurance premiums driven by federal policy changes. Jakob also examines the complexities surrounding IVF and GLP-1 drug coverage, focusing on accessibility challenges and innovative strategies employed by payers like Cigna to improve affordability. His insights shed light on the evolving dynamics of healthcare access and costs.
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Rate Hikes Driven By Rising Medical Costs
- Jakob Emerson says ending enhanced ACA premium tax credits explains only part of the proposed insurer rate hikes.
- He emphasizes rising medical costs and utilization are the dominant drivers behind widespread large requests.
State Pushback On ACA Rate Hikes
- Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders urged the state's insurance commissioner to reject Centene and Blue Cross proposed ACA rate increases.
- Centene requested a 54 percent increase, provoking local political backlash despite broader federal dynamics around ACA subsidies.
PBM Ownership Ban Faced Legal Defeat
- Arkansas passed a law banning PBMs that own pharmacies, driven by Huckabee Sanders' administration.
- A federal judge recently blocked the law, marking a legal win for PBMs in that latest round.