Relocalizing Health with Dave Chase

Welcome to the 11th episode of Relocalizing Health, where we dive deep into how communities are reclaiming their local healthcare systems from extraction and inefficiency. This week, host Dave Chase is joined by Josh Butler, a benefit advisor based in Amarillo, Texas, who has been at the forefront of transformative change in his region.Instead of telling a story from a neat conclusion, we’ll journey into the "messy middle", where real progress and real challenges coexist. Josh Butler shares his pivotal moments, including a powerful story about helping a truck driver finally receive surgical care after ten years of suffering due to unaffordable deductibles. Inspired by the Health Rosetta movement, Josh transitioned from selling traditional insurance to building innovative, local solutions through the High Plains Health Plan.Listen in as we unpack the obstacles, breakthroughs, and the human impact of reimagining health benefits, where employers, clinicians, and advisors work together to create plans focused on accessibility, affordability, and genuine care. Whether you’re an employer, civic leader, or just someone passionate about change, this episode reveals what’s possible when communities take ownership of their healthcare dollars and destinies.Join us for a compelling conversation about restoring the American dream, one local health system at a time.Timestamps:00:00 "Relocalizing Healthcare Transformation"03:30 Health Insurance Broker Challenges08:29 "Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Collaboration"12:27 "Joining Health Rosetta: My Journey"13:25 "Growth, Learning, and Overcoming Fear"19:21 Physicians Prioritize Patients Over Profit21:52 Healthcare Industry Resistance to Change25:53 Choosing Partners Carefully28:17 "High Plains Health Plan Benefits"32:52 Brokerage Expansion and Partnerships35:15 Establishing a Financial Baseline39:21 Restoring the American Dream41:27 "Transforming Healthcare with Passion"Learn More: RosettaFest 2025 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to Relocalizing Health, where we shine a light on the reality behind America's healthcare crisis and offer practical, local solutions you can start implementing today. In this episode, Dave Chase dives deep into the staggering 342% increase in healthcare costs since 1999, exposing why traditional benefit packages keep getting worse despite annual "kabuki dance" negotiations between employers, brokers, and insurance carriers.Through real-world stories, like Bryce Heinbaugh, an Ohio benefit advisor who transformed from feeling part of the problem to helping thousands in his community, Dave Chase reveals how deliberate, grassroots actions can change the game. Learn about the transformative power of community-owned health plans, transparent pricing, advanced primary care, and keeping healthcare dollars local.If you're an employer tired of wasteful spending or a benefit broker fatigued by the status quo, this episode uncovers actionable ways to reclaim what matters most: high-quality, affordable care for your people and real economic value for your organization. It’s not about disruption for disruption’s sake, it’s about restoring common sense and dignity to healthcare, right where you live. So tune in as we bust myths, share inspiring case studies, and invite you to join the movement to relocalize health.Timestamps:00:00 "Brokers, Profits, and Transformation"03:32 Healthcare Costs: A Theft Problem08:09 Reimagining Healthcare for Success12:21 Transparent Healthcare & Pharmacy Benefits14:41 "Advanced Primary Care Benefits"19:09 "Life-Changing Healthcare Savings Story"20:09 "Transforming Healthcare to Value Creation"25:52 "Health Reset Transformation Steps"26:40 Relocalize Health NowLearn More: RosettaFest 2025 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

In a compelling discussion, Russell DuBose, Vice President of Human Resources at Phifer Incorporated, shares transformative strategies for employer-sponsored healthcare. He reveals how Phifer applied Lean Six Sigma to treat healthcare like a supply chain, achieving five years of flat costs and delivering zero pharmacy copays. Russell discusses building an onsite primary care center, improving health outcomes, and fostering community collaboration. His insights inspire manufacturers to rethink healthcare, emphasizing the power of transparency and individualized medicine.

Welcome back to Relocalizing Health, the podcast where we delve into how communities across America are taking back control of their healthcare from corporate interests and transforming it into a force for genuine wellbeing and economic vitality. I’m your host, Dave Chase.In today’s episode, we bring you a truly inspiring story of healthcare transformation, not spearheaded by a hospital exec, a government official, or a tech disruptor, but by an independent benefits advisor from Ohio who decided enough was enough. Bryce Heinbaugh joins us to share his journey, which began with a professional crisis of conscience after realizing how much money was being siphoned out of his community by a broken healthcare system.Bryce opens up about his pivotal moment at a Health Rosetta conference, the challenges of being a change agent, and how he helped move Ashtabula City Schools from the brink of financial crisis to building a $7 million healthcare reserve. We’ll explore the practical steps he took to rebuild the local healthcare ecosystem, from partnering with direct primary care physicians and community pharmacists, to negotiating direct contracts with high-quality providers, even in a so-called “medical desert.”Alongside Bryce, we’ll dig into the blueprint that empowered not just schools, but also local governments and private employers, to save millions while improving care for their people. We’ll discuss the national implications of this approach, the predictable pushback from entrenched interests, and why fostering local collaboration among advisors, clinicians, and civic leaders is crucial for lasting change.If you’ve ever wondered how healthcare could become an economic engine rather than a drain, or what it takes to shift from Wall Street-driven models to community-owned health plans, this is the episode for you. Stick around for actionable insights, hard-earned wisdom, and a hopeful look at what’s possible when communities work together to reclaim their healthcare destiny.Timestamps:00:00 "Revolutionizing U.S. Healthcare Costs"04:52 Epiphany of a Benefits Broker07:07 Healthcare Innovation Journey12:24 Community-Focused Healthcare Solution17:02 "Leveraging Major Employers for Community Initiatives"18:07 Analyzing Healthcare Spending Data22:59 Orthopedic and Imaging Expansion Success25:59 Healthcare Reform Sparks Local Controversy29:52 "Decentralizing Healthcare from Wall Street"31:49 Cut Out Middleman, Save on Prescriptions37:16 "Zero-Cost Healthcare Impact on Communities"38:44 Economic Impact of Healthcare Savings43:35 "COHP Scorecard Assessment"48:33 Space Collaboration Insights49:44 Revolutionizing Healthcare AccessLearn More: RosettaFest 2025 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to another episode of Relocalizing Health, the show where we explore inspiring stories of communities reclaiming healthcare and reshaping the system to serve people, not profit. In today’s episode, host Dave Chase takes us to Ashtabula County, Ohio, a region that transformed itself from a “medical desert” into a beacon of hope for what healthcare can look like when it’s community-powered and people-centered.You’ll hear from three courageous local healthcare leaders: Dr. Brad Schneider, a primary care physician who broke out of the hospital “hamster wheel” to offer direct primary care; Maria Fowler, owner of one of the last independent pharmacies in town, standing strong against corporate chains and unfair pharmacy benefit managers; and Casey Billington, a nurse who helped co-found a revolutionary nurse navigation service that ensures every call is met with a real human; no AI, no runaround.Together, they reveal the staggering ways in which their community-owned health plan is not only saving millions of dollars for local schools and governments, but also restoring compassion and genuine relationships in care. Through their candid stories, you’ll get a front-row seat to the “mafia-like” challenges of the current system, the heartbreak of patients forced to fundraise for life-saving treatments, and the joy of finally making the system work for the people it’s supposed to serve.If you’re a civic leader, clinician, or anyone hungry for proof that healthcare can be both better and more affordable, this episode is packed with hope, practical strategies, and a vision of a future where community truly comes first. Let’s dive in!Timestamps:00:00 Relocalizing Health: Community Care Revolution05:45 Rising Patient Load Challenges Doctor08:01 Burnout as a Family Doctor11:34 Challenges in Primary Care Access14:04 Pharmacy System Challenges and Closures20:10 Barriers to Healthcare Access23:22 Transition to Direct Primary Care26:39 Rapid Orthopedic Access Service30:35 Delayed Doctor Appointment Crisis34:10 Revolutionizing Healthcare Access & Savings36:31 Advocating Self-Insurance for All Employers40:48 Healthcare's Role in Retention & Recruitment43:26 Direct Primary Care Revolution46:37 Rethink Healthcare Deserts51:26 Community-Oriented Business Models Discussed54:08 Flexible Healthcare Model Success57:12 Gratitude for Healthcare ProfessionalsLearn More: RosettaFest 2025 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to Relocalizing Health, the podcast where we dive into how local communities can reclaim their healthcare dollars and shape healthier, more vibrant futures. In this episode, host Dave Chase sits down with the ever-insightful Esther Dyson - investor, writer, and founder of the 10-year Wellville project, for a deep conversation about what it really takes to create lasting health at the community level.Kicking things off, Esther challenges us with a provocative comparison: we do a better job maintaining our cars than our own bodies. She and Dave explore why the true challenge in healthcare isn’t just about lowering costs, but making healthcare itself less necessary through prevention and social connection.Esther shares the inside story of Wellville, reflecting on lessons learned from working far beyond the “tech fix” mindset and instead focusing on trust, social fabric, and local leadership. They discuss the importance of making “new mistakes,” the pitfalls of short-term thinking in both healthcare and corporate America, and how employers can - and do - become powerful agents for community well-being.Together, Esther and Dave dig into everything from the power of data and the need for long-term investment, to the complicated dance between local action and national systems. Listen in for practical wisdom, hard-earned insights, and a dose of optimism about ways we can rebuild a healthier society from the ground up.Timestamps:00:00 "Reclaiming Healthcare Dollars Locally"06:10 "Health X Prize Proposal"09:32 Building Trust: A Decade's Insight11:47 Collaborative Catalyst Metaphor14:37 Preventive Healthcare Innovation17:22 "Short-Term Focus Hurts Healthcare"21:07 Transforming Community Through Health Initiatives23:48 "Restoring Humanity in a Gig Economy"28:55 Employer Healthcare Data Challenges33:26 Healthcare Economy Dynamics34:19 "Relocalizing Health Gratitude"Learn More: RosettaFest 2025 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome back to Relocalizing Health, the podcast uncovering how communities can take back healthcare from profit-driven systems and put people first. In today’s episode, host Dave Chase sits down with Dr. Rushika Fernandopulle, co-founder of Iora Health and current co-founder of Liza Health, to discuss the next frontier in primary care innovation. With heartfelt stories from the frontlines, Dr. Fernandopulle exposes the perils of fragmented, transactional medicine, where patients are overwhelmed with prescriptions and disconnected from real human care. Together, they explore how redesigning primary care - focused on relationships, not transactions - can restore the American dream for everyday people, improve outcomes, and even lower costs.Dr. Fernandopulle shares how Iora Health’s pioneering model brought humanity back to healthcare, using health coaches, technology, and a payment approach that actually rewards better health. You’ll hear compelling examples, from helping a socially isolated patient navigate her city to slashing unnecessary medications for complex patients that highlight just how transformative relationship-based care can be.Tune in for a compelling conversation on the power of independent primary care, the role of technology (including AI), and how communities can push for the changes needed to make healthcare work for everyone. Whether you’re a clinician, an employer, or invested in your local healthcare system, this episode is packed with actionable insights and hope for a better future in healthcare.Timestamps:00:00 Exceptional Family-Centric Healthcare Model05:23 "Meds Roulette: A Risky Routine"09:43 Patient Accountability Partnership Model12:33 Seniors' Isolation Addressed by Community Care16:20 Building Iora Health: Custom EHR Development19:00 Specialists Outnumber Primary Doctors in the US23:07 Rethinking Healthcare Systems25:39 AI in Healthcare Revenue Management28:54 "Payment Model Shifts in Healthcare"32:05 Prioritizing Care Over Profit35:01 Population Management in Healthcare Practices38:47 Reducing Healthcare Costs Benefits All42:21 "Restoring Humanity to Healthcare"43:43 "Business Diversity at Rosetta Fest"Learn More: RosettaFest 2025 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome back to another episode of Relocalizing Health! Today, host Dave Chase dives deep into the opportunities and challenges AI brings to healthcare, joined by digital health pioneer Dr. Jay Parkinson. Together, they explore a future where technology and community-driven care intersect, asking the big questions about how AI can support, rather than replace, the vital human relationships at the core of medicine.Jay shares stories from his unique journey, from being one of the first iPhone-enabled physicians making house calls, to innovating virtual primary care with Sherpa, and now leading Automate Clinic, where he’s working to train AI models to think more like doctors. As they sift through possibilities and pitfalls, Dave and Jay unpack what truly makes care excellent, which elements must remain human, and how AI might transform both the daily experiences of clinicians and the health journeys of patients.They also tackle AI’s role in addressing the broader determinants of health, beyond pills and procedures, into the realms of social connection and community resources. With insights for both clinicians embracing change and everyday people eager to understand what’s ahead, this episode is a candid, forward-thinking look at the evolution of healthcare.So, whether you’re a healthcare professional, policymaker, or simply curious about the future of medicine, this conversation is designed to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions, and inspire the kind of creative thinking that just might change the system for the better. Let’s get started.Timestamps:00:00 "Transforming Healthcare with Technology"04:21 Revolutionizing Telehealth: Consistent Doctor Access07:12 Optimizing Healthcare with AI11:13 AI in Holistic Healthcare Solutions13:23 Health vs. Medical: A Future Perspective18:56 AI Enhancing Health Conversations20:55 Rising Risk in Healthcare Analytics24:14 Focus on Basic Primary Care27:32 Curiosity Transforms HealthcareLearn More: RosettaFest 2025 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to another episode of Relocalizing Health! In today’s conversation, host Dave Chase sits down with Dr. Eric Bricker, a renowned internal medicine physician, board member for a leading direct primary care organization, and the mastermind behind those wildly popular whiteboard healthcare explainers online.Together, Dave and Dr. Bricker dive into the heart of America’s healthcare challenges: from deeply misaligned financial incentives to the separation of health and social care funding streams. You’ll hear candid stories and sharp insights from Dr. Bricker’s career working with millions across the country, and learn why fixing payment models could be the key to unlocking better primary care.The episode also unpacks the crucial role of local leadership, using real-world examples like the transformation in McAllen, Texas, and how direct primary care models are gaining traction among public employers. Dr. Bricker doesn’t just cut through the theoretical; he brings a dash of humor, some tough truths about medical training and system inertia, and inspiration for anyone striving to build healthier communities.Whether you're a health plan wonk, a city leader, or just itching to see change, this episode will leave you with a fresh perspective and a few memorable quotes. Tune in to hear why, when it comes to transforming health systems, enthusiasm, persistence, and community leadership matter just as much as bright ideas.Timestamps:00:00 "Navigating U.S. Healthcare Insights"07:53 "Fixing U.S. Healthcare Flaws"12:59 Healthcare Politics and Resource Allocation18:27 Doctors Face Unexpected Social Work25:26 Primary Care Requires More Time31:04 Social Isolation to Social Prescription33:55 Scaling Direct Primary Care Practices42:11 "Influential Historians: The Durants"47:40 "Independent Thinkers Drive Health Innovation"51:53 Finding Your Purpose and Calling56:09 Localized Ecosystem Growth Explained01:01:17 Engaging Conversations at Rosetta FestLearn More: RosettaFest 2025 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

Welcome to another episode of Relocalizing Health, where we dive into the critical and often complicated world of healthcare reform at the local and state level. In this episode, host Dave Chase sits down with two trailblazing leaders in public sector health: Marilyn Bartlett, renowned for her transformative work on Montana’s state health plan and a member of Fortune’s 50 World Greatest Leaders, and Chris Deacon, an experienced former Deputy Attorney General of New Jersey with firsthand knowledge of negotiating healthcare on behalf of state employees.Together, they unpack the real-life impact of skyrocketing healthcare costs on state budgets, infrastructure, and, most importantly, the everyday lives of public employees. The conversation moves beyond numbers, exploring how unions became unexpected allies in the fight for health plan reform- and why educating and engaging stakeholders is the cornerstone of lasting change. From the power of transparent data to the importance of local advocacy and creative legislative wins, Marilyn and Chris share practical, actionable lessons for mayors, school boards, and anyone interested in bending the cost curve without cutting benefits.Tune in as we shine a light on how shifting the status quo can restore trust, save millions, and lead to better care for all - plus, get a preview of their hands-on workshops at Rosetta Fest, where they’ll pull back the curtain on hospital finances, contract red flags, and more. If you care about healthier communities and smarter spending, this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:00 Genius Thrives in Adversity03:50 State Employee Health Plan Challenges08:46 Economic Development 3.0 Podcast Insights10:55 Unified Approach to Health Benefits14:21 Effective Data Use in Decision-Making18:55 Federal Health Policy Movement Signals22:18 Montana Pharmacists' Legislative Victory23:25 Surprise Policy Gains for Advocates29:14 Touching Union Meeting Reflections30:41 Praising Marilyn and Chris's Impact33:04 Grateful for Fun Contract WorkLearn More: RosettaFest 2025 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/ Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/