Becker’s Payer Issues Podcast

In this episode, Kristie Spencer, Vice President of Provider Partnerships at Elevance Health, shares how the company is aligning incentives, leveraging digital tools, and using AI to simplify workflows. She explains how effective partnerships and actionable data are driving better outcomes, affordability, and sustainability in value-based care.

In this episode, Howard Brill, Senior Vice President of Population Health and Quality at Monroe Plan for Medical Care, shares insights on value based contracting, rising cost pressures, and the persistent gap between strategy and execution in population health. He also discusses the role of data integration, AI, and regulatory practices in shaping affordability, access, and health plan performance in 2026.

In this episode, Rob Hitchcock, President and Chief Executive Officer of Select Health, discusses how payer provider collaboration, cultural change, and proactive care models are reshaping health plan strategy amid rising cost pressures. He shares perspectives on regulatory headwinds, Medicaid and Medicare reform, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Sachin Jain, President and CEO of SCAN Group, discusses his Forbes op-ed outlining 10 leadership resolutions and argues that healthcare’s biggest challenge is a lack of resolve, not innovation. He shares why speaking plainly, rejecting performative change, and focusing on real patient impact are essential to rebuilding trust in the industry.

In this episode, Erin Henderson Moore, President and CEO of Fidelis Care of New Jersey, shares how the plan is navigating Medicaid uncertainty through integration, member engagement, and upstream investment in behavioral health, housing, and LTSS. She discusses why data sharing, outcome based accountability, and enabling people to age at home will shape the next decade of government sponsored care.

In this episode, Linda Hines, Virginia’s Medicaid Market President at Humana, shares how school based partnerships are improving access to youth behavioral health services, especially in rural communities. She discusses workforce development, measurable outcomes, and why listening to families, providers, and youth is critical to long term success.

Jack Hooper, CEO and co-founder of Take Command and former federal intelligence officer turned health benefits entrepreneur. He explains how ICHRA gives employers a defined contribution approach, boosts employee plan choice, and drove big cost savings for a county that switched. Discussion covers municipal adoption, interaction with ACA subsidies, and why insurers should pay attention.

Bethanie Stein, Segment President of Pharmacy at Humana and a trained pharmacist, shares her insights on GLP-1 coverage evolution. She highlights how employers are shifting to responsible, transparent coverage strategies. The discussion emphasizes CenterWell Pharmacy's consumer-first model focusing on transparency and clinical outcomes. Stein also addresses collaborations with manufacturers like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to reduce costs and improve access. Lastly, she advocates for robust adherence programs that lead to better health outcomes and fewer hospital visits.

In this episode, Dr. Alice Hm Chen, Executive Vice President and Chief Health Officer at Centene, discusses how the organization is improving maternal and child health outcomes across Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace populations. She shares insights on rural care challenges, evidence based interventions like midwifery and doulas, and how data and partnerships drive population health impact.

In this episode, Nick Gates, president of Priority Health, shares his leadership journey, the values shaping his approach, and how trust and community guide decision making. He also discusses digital transformation, multi state expansion, and priorities around affordability, access, and member experience.