Don Berwick on Leading CMS, Medicare Reform, and the Future of U.S. Healthcare

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Don Berwick—Senior Fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and former Administrator of CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)—for an in-depth conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing U.S. healthcare.Dr. Don Berwick shares firsthand insights on running CMS during the rollout of the Affordable Care Act, the founding of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation, and what it means to shift an agency’s culture toward quality and patient-centered care. The discussion explores Medicare Advantage, payment reform, and how privatization and policy changes have shaped the healthcare landscape over the last decade. Dr. Berwick offers a candid assessment of the impact of political leadership, the influence of moneyed interests, and the need for a renewed social contract to achieve meaningful change.Listeners will also hear Dr. Berwick’s advice for the next generation of healthcare leaders: why collaboration, crossing disciplinary boundaries, and holding onto core values are key to progress. This episode is a must-watch for healthcare executives, policymakers, and anyone interested in healthcare strategy, Medicare, health policy, and leadership.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:43 Dr. Don Berwick's Background and Career02:22 Impact of the Affordable Care Act03:50 Challenges and Achievements at CMS06:04 Current State and Future of Healthcare13:04 The Role of Money in Healthcare22:22 Advice for Future Healthcare Leaders24:41 Cross-Disciplinary Learning and Innovation31:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts