Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast

In this episode, Steve Tringale, President of Mass General Brigham Health Plan, discusses the evolving landscape of healthcare, the challenges and opportunities brought by change, and how the organization is leveraging AI and integrated care to improve member outcomes and experiences. He also shares insights into leadership in a time of rapid industry transformation.

Neetu Rajpal, CEO and co-founder of Lilac Software, discusses the transformative impact of agentic AI in healthcare payers. She reveals how AI can streamline claim processing and close care gaps, especially in crucial areas like breast cancer screenings. Neetu emphasizes the importance of ethics, addressing bias in AI training, and ensuring patient-centered design. The conversation also dives into the balance between innovation and trust in healthcare technology, highlighting the need for regulatory compliance as we navigate this evolving landscape.

In this episode, Senthu Arumugam, Chief Commercial Officer at SCAN Health Plan, discusses the evolving Medicare Advantage landscape, the impact of market disruptions, and how technology and stability-driven strategies can improve member experiences.

In this episode, Dr. Ravi Kavasery, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Shield of California, joins Jakob Emerson to discuss the company’s ambitious goal of shifting 90% of eligible healthcare spending to pay-for-value models. Dr. Kavasery shares insights on the challenges of transitioning from fee-for-service, the importance of aligning incentives, and the innovative models shaping the future of healthcare affordability and quality.

In this episode, Dr. Steve Friedhoff, Senior VP of Healthcare Services at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, discusses innovative initiatives addressing healthcare workforce shortages and expanding access to care. From supporting veterans transitioning into medical careers to investing in youth mental health programs, Dr. Friedhoff highlights how Blue Cross NC is shaping the future of healthcare in the state.

Jane Brown, Vice President of Medicaid Strategic Support and Oversight at Aetna, shares her wealth of experience in Medicaid services and advocacy. She discusses the evolving Medicaid landscape and emphasizes the importance of connectivity in healthcare. Jane highlights the need for effective data sharing to empower providers and improve decision-making. She also tackles the challenges of healthcare communication and new technologies that benefit Medicaid beneficiaries, underscoring the resilience and adaptability required for future Medicaid leadership.

In this episode, Dr. Dirk Slaker, Chief Medical Officer at Sonder Health Plans, discusses the evolving Medicare Advantage landscape. He shares insights on addressing rising healthcare costs, improving care coordination, supporting caregivers, and how Sonder’s partnership with Cleo aims to enhance patient outcomes.

 In this episode of the Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast, Dr. Pooja Mittal, Vice President and Chief Health Equity Officer at Health Net, discusses key challenges and opportunities in healthcare today. She explores the impact of Medicaid funding, the role of telehealth in underserved communities, and how AI can drive better health outcomes.

In this episode of the Becker's Healthcare Podcast, Jakob Emerson is joined by Rob Duffy, CTO at HealthEdge, to discuss the evolving role of platform-based technology in healthcare. They explore how interoperability, regulatory changes, and change management strategies are shaping the future of health plans. Tune in for expert insights on overcoming technological silos, preparing for innovation, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare ecosystem.This episode is sponsored by HealthEdge.

In this episode, Dr. Shantanu Agrawal, Chief Health Officer at Elevance Health, discusses the company’s innovative approach to addressing social determinants of health. He highlights the Elevance Health Foundation’s new impact investing program, its focus on behavioral health, and how insurers can drive meaningful change in communities.