Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Capital Hill, Payers, & the Future of Reimbursement in Healthcare
Feb 25, 2026
Patrick Velliky, Chief External Affairs Officer at HaloMD with a decade in healthcare advocacy and policy experience. He discusses Capitol Hill testimony and insurer consolidation. He explores payer-provider disconnects and reforms around the No Surprises Act. He explains how providers can navigate reimbursement and administrative burdens while staying independent.
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Insurer Consolidation Is Shaping Capitol Hill Scrutiny
- Congressional hearings highlight insurer consolidation into pharmacies, PBMs, and physician practices as a core concern about market power and affordability.
- Patrick Velliky notes Chairmen and committees are probing whether insurers' growing role in delivery is desirable for the system's future.
Payer Claims About IDR Volume Are Misleading
- Payers are pushing a debunked narrative that the No Surprises Act IDR system was meant for only ~17,000 disputes to justify reform.
- Velliky calls that talking point outdated and sees it as deflection from accountability and system fixes.
Providers Should Engage Directly In Policy Advocacy
- Get involved in advocacy because provider voices carry credibility with policymakers and can influence outcomes.
- Velliky urges physician and hospital leaders to overcome reluctance and contribute firsthand perspectives to policy debates.