Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast

In this episode, Dorothy Seleski, President of Medi-Cal at Health Net, discusses the organization's $9 million investment in strengthening California’s physician workforce, with a focus on underserved communities, cultural representation, and long-term collaboration across sectors.

Bob Tavernier of Quest Analytics® and Karen Tachian of Health Care Service Corporation discuss network performance in health plans including key survey insights, challenges with data quality, and how payers can use network data to drive strategic goals. The conversation highlights the importance of competitive intelligence, compliance, and member access in building high-performing networks.This episode is sponsored by Quest Analytics.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Eric Cannon, Chief Pharmacy Benefits Officer at SelectHealth. Eric shares how transparency, evidence-based care, and a personalized approach to member experience are key to driving better outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable, features Karina Lupercio, VP of Market Integration & Data, and Ann Marie Gomez, Sr. Director of Marketing at Healthcare Highways. They discuss how curated networks, culturally competent communication, and emerging technologies like AI are helping redefine healthcare access, affordability, and trust for members.

In this episode, we’re joined by Courtney Yeakel, Chief Product Officer, and Michael Moore, Chief Revenue Officer at Veradigm, to explore how technology is driving deeper collaboration between payers and providers. They share strategies for reducing administrative complexity, integrating risk adjustment and quality initiatives, and harnessing AI to improve patient outcomes. Tune in to hear how trusted partnerships, data transparency, and forward-thinking governance are shaping the future of value-based care.This episode is sponsored by Veradigm.

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.