Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast

In this episode, Emily Porter, VP of External Affairs at Sidecar Health, discusses the latest executive order on price transparency, its impact on insurers and hospitals, and how Sidecar Health is using transparent pricing to empower consumers.

In this episode, Chris Wasel, President of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships at Vantage Healthcare, discusses Vantage’s 2025 initiatives, including ACO expansion, new CMS programs, and the challenges of collaboration in value-based care. Chris also shares insights on the impact of AI in healthcare and the need for long-term stability in payment models.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson sits down with Rona Li, SCAN Group's Chief Development Officer, and Rob Scruggs, Chief Digital Officer, to discuss SCAN’s latest digital initiatives. They explore how investments in technology, including the upcoming SCAN member portal and mobile app, are revolutionizing member engagement, improving access to care, and enhancing personalized health experiences.

In this episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, host Erika Spicer Mason speaks with Visar Tasimi, Senior Vice President of Provider Success at Lucet, about the critical communication challenges in behavioral health. They discuss the growing demand for services, the role of primary care in care coordination, and key strategies for improving provider engagement. Tune in for expert insights on how health plans can better support behavioral health providers and enhance patient care.This episode is sponsored by Lucet Health.

In this episode, Rick Abbott, Senior Vice President of Employer Solutions and Innovation at Priority Health, discusses the evolving landscape of employer-sponsored healthcare. From tackling affordability challenges to leveraging digital health and virtual care, Rick shares insights on how Priority Health is driving innovation to improve access, quality, and cost efficiency for employers and members alike.

In this episode, Paul Penzone, Vice President and Chief Community Relations Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, joins the podcast to discuss AZBlue’s mission to support community healthcare needs. He shares insights on the company's initiative to erase medical debt, expand access to preventive care, and foster long-term health equity across Arizona.

In this episode, Matt Gibbs, Senior Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Blue Shield of California, joins Becker’s to discuss how the company is dismantling the traditional PBM model to bring cost transparency and flexibility to pharmacy care. He shares insights on specialty drug pricing, the role of biosimilars, and why health plans must take back control of their pharmacy management.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson sits down with Dr. Todd May, Vice President and Medical Director at Health Net, to discuss an innovative multi-payer value-based payment model in California. Dr. May shares insights on how major insurers are working together to improve primary care quality, advance health equity, and reshape provider reimbursement.

In this episode of the Becker's Payer Issues Podcast, Dr. Kate Goodrich, Chief Medical Officer at Humana, joins Jakob Emerson to discuss the challenges of the primary care shortage, the impact of value-based care, and Humana’s commitment to improving health outcomes through innovative care models.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson sits down with Michael Hunn, CEO of CalOptima, to discuss the organization's plans to offer coverage on California’s ACA exchange by 2027. They explore how this move aims to improve continuity of care for individuals transitioning in and out of Medi-Cal, the challenges faced by low-income residents in Orange County, and the key steps ahead in the regulatory approval process.