Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast

This episode features Anthony J. Colistra, President of MD Live by Evernorth, discussing how virtual care has evolved, where consumer demand is headed, and how MD Live is using AI to personalize the patient experience, improve patient-provider communication, and streamline provider administrative tasks to give them more time to spend with patients.This episode is sponsored by Evernorth.

In this episode, Alan Murray, President and CEO of MediDrive, shares how innovative, tech-enabled approaches to non-emergency medical transportation are closing care gaps, reducing no-show rates, and supporting more coordinated, patient-centered care—while also improving administrative efficiency and helping to lower system-wide costs.This episode is sponsored by MediDrive.

In this episode, Dr. Joe Kimura, Chief Medical Officer at SCAN Health Plan, discusses how SCAN is leading innovation in Medicare Advantage through personalized care, data analytics, and strategic partnerships. He also explores the critical role of technology and member engagement in improving outcomes for a growing senior population.

This episode features Amy Jordan, Vice President of Consumer Digital Engagement at UnitedHealthcare, discussing the launch of Smart Choice, a data-driven provider search tool designed to simplify healthcare navigation. Amy shares how the platform uses personalization and quality metrics to improve member experience and how it fits into UnitedHealthcare’s broader digital transformation strategy.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Dr. Tom Allen, Executive Medical Director, Behavioral Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Dr. Allen shares how his team is advancing behavioral health outcomes through telehealth, data-driven insights, and deeper integration with primary care while addressing rising rates of mental health conditions with a focus on member experience and whole-person care.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Chris Wasel, President, Strategic Partnerships, Vantage Healthcare. He shares how Vantage is aligning value-based care, patient satisfaction, and care accessibility through innovative on-site services in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across New England.

In this episode, Michelle Fullerton of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Connie S. Ducaine of MyndYou, explore how AI is streamlining workflows, improving patient engagement, and helping care teams operate at the top of their licensure. They share real-world use cases, tips for integration, and insights on measuring value across efficiency, quality, and outcomes.This episode is sponsored by MyndYou.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Saria Saccocio, Chief Medical Officer, Essence Health. Saria shares how Essence Health is enhancing outcomes through physician-led value-based care, leveraging technology like AI and wearable health devices, and advancing health equity through deep community partnerships.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Shawn Shuman, Director, Medical Management, Peak Health. Shawn discusses how Peak Health is tackling healthcare access barriers, boosting member satisfaction, and addressing health equity through innovative care management strategies.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Harlon Pickett, President, Eagle Care Health Solutions. He shares how his organization is improving healthcare access, affordability, and quality through customized, membership-based models, while expanding care equity in rural and underserved communities.