Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Rethinking Employer Health Plans for Affordability with Jeff Bak
Mar 2, 2026
Jeff Bak, President and CEO of Imagine360, champions alternative employer health plan models and reference-based pricing to make group care more affordable. He discusses narrowing networks and building provider trust. He explains dual-option plans, guaranteed savings through integrated services, and correcting broker misconceptions about RBP.
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Predictable Payments Strengthen Provider Trust
- Predictable, timely reimbursement builds strong provider relationships.
- Imagine360 uses a formulaic pay approach, timely payment, and high member cost-sharing compliance to reduce billing friction and disputes.
Narrow Networks Lower Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
- Narrowing network choice can lower costs while keeping high-quality sites of care.
- Jeff Bak compares broad PPOs to expensive Range Rovers and advocates reducing access points so lower-income employees can afford coverage and lower entry costs.
Introduce Dual Option Plans To Drive Adoption
- Offer alternative, lower-cost plan options rather than forcing a full replacement.
- Use dual-option designs so employees can choose a lower-cost Imagine360-style plan at open enrollment with some tradeoffs in choice.