Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast

In this episode of the Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast, Erika Spicer Mason speaks with Dr. Jenna Glover, Chief Clinical Officer at Headspace, about how health plans can better address mental health challenges by moving away from one-size-fits-all models. Jenna shares how smart triage, proactive care, and precision-based strategies can lead to better outcomes, reduced costs, and more equitable access to support. Tune in to hear how health plans can take a leading role in reshaping mental healthcare delivery for the future.This is episode is sponsored by Headspace.

In this episode, Jeff Bak, President and CEO of Imagine360, discusses how his organization is innovating to make healthcare more affordable, equitable, and member-friendly. He shares insights on direct contracting, price protection, health equity efforts, and how better member engagement is driving improved outcomes.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Matthew Hurford, President and CEO of Community Care Behavioral Health at UPMC, discusses how UPMC is advancing mental health support across staff, providers, and communities. He highlights practical steps to move from awareness to action and addresses pressing challenges like youth mental health and social isolation.

A sharp decline in Star Ratings is raising alarms for health plans, impacting Medicare Advantage enrollees and financial performance. The conversation highlights how real-time data can enhance care coordination, helping providers close key gaps. Experts discuss the need to adapt to evolving CMS metrics, emphasizing transitional care to improve patient outcomes. Listeners learn what it truly takes to boost performance in a highly competitive healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Dr. Romilla Batra, SVP and Chief Medical Officer at Premera Blue Cross, discusses how she’s rethinking clinical strategy to align with the quintuple aim, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance equity. She also shares insights on empowering providers, removing barriers to care, and partnering with communities for better health outcomes.

In this episode, we explore how data analytics and clinical expertise can transform kidney health management for health plans. Joining the conversation is Joe Vattamattam, Founder and President of Healthmap Solutions, who shares insights on why tackling chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is crucial. Tune in to learn how Healthmap leverages technology, clinical support, and innovative strategies to improve outcomes for patients and providers.This episode is sponsored by Healthmap Solutions.

In this episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, Lukas Voss sits down with Mark Johnson, Senior Vice President at CERIS, to explore how payment integrity can significantly reduce billing errors and financial waste in healthcare. With up to 80% of medical bills estimated to contain mistakes, Mark shares how technology, process modernization, and strategic payer initiatives are making a meaningful impact. Tune in for insights on how payers can improve accuracy, streamline operations, and drive value across the payment lifecycle.This episode is sponsored by CERIS.

In this episode, Melissa Skottegaard, Chief Communications Officer and Chair of The Cigna Group Foundation, shares how the organization is tackling youth mental health, veteran housing insecurity, and health equity through a data-driven, employee-powered community engagement strategy designed for deeper, more focused impact.

Jocelyn Wood, a Senior Solutions Consultant at Verifiable with nearly 20 years in healthcare, joins the discussion on the pressing need to upgrade outdated legacy systems in the sector. She highlights how these systems impede patient access and delay provider onboarding. The conversation also delves into the vital role of payer-provider collaboration, offering strategies for healthcare leaders to enhance efficiency. With insights from real-world examples like Midi Health's expansion, it provides a roadmap for building patient-centered, scalable networks.

In this episode, Dr. Ruchi Talwar, Medical Director of Episodes of Care Population Health at Vanderbilt Health, joins Jakob Emerson to discuss how provider-led bundled payment programs are improving outcomes, reducing costs, and delivering value for both employers and patients. She shares insights into Vanderbilt’s innovative “My Health Bundles” and their real-world success in reshaping specialty care.