Jakob Emerson on Payer Industry Turmoil and the Fallout from Medicaid Cuts

Chris Gay, CEO of Evry Health, joins the podcast to discuss how his organization is enhancing the patient experience and advancing population health. He explores how innovative technology is being used to address persistent challenges in the payer space and improve health outcomes. Gay also shares insights into building a more efficient, patient-centered healthcare system through digital transformation.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Tammy Smittle, Group CEO at SCA Health. Tammy shares insights on rising case acuity in ASCs, the importance of workplace culture in staffing, and how partnerships with health systems are shaping the future of orthopedic and spine care.

Dr. Nigam Shah, Chief Data Scientist at Stanford Health Care, joins the podcast to explore the intersection of data science and healthcare innovation. He shares insights into ongoing research initiatives like the Green Button Project, discusses the technical challenges faced in deploying data solutions at scale, and outlines the key components of his work within Health IT. Dr. Shah highlights the potential of data to drive smarter, evidence-based clinical decision-making across systems.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Kourtney Witten, Area Vice President Network Managing Partner Wisconsin, Advocate Health. Witten discusses how her organization is leveraging data, technology, and relationship-based care to reduce costs, close care gaps, and deliver high-quality, patient-centered outcomes across diverse populations.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 3rd Annual Spring Payer Issues Roundtable features Doug Henry, Enterprise Medical Director of Behavioral Health, Highmark Health. Dr. Henry shares how Highmark is improving access, outcomes, and satisfaction through strategic partnerships, data-driven innovation, and value-based care models that prioritize mental health as a pillar of total health.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Shooa Mohammadi, Practice Manager at Northwest Suburban Pain Associates. Shooa shares insights on rising insurance influence, the growth of regenerative medicine, and strategies for workforce retention—all while emphasizing the importance of timely, patient-centered care.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Dr. Ekta Vyas, Chief Human Resources Officer, Keck Medicine of USC. Dr. Vyas shares insights on leading a system-wide HR transformation, launching a centralized business center, and preparing the healthcare workforce for a more digital, inclusive, and resilient future.

This episode recorded live at the Becker’s 22nd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference features Dr. Brett Shore, President & CEO at Shore Orthopedics. He discusses the shift of orthopedic procedures to outpatient settings, strategic payer partnerships, and the evolving importance of anesthesia care and Medicare considerations in ASC operations.

Dr. Tait Shanafelt, Chief Wellness Officer at Stanford Medicine, shares his expertise on tackling physician burnout and creating a healthier work environment for clinicians. He discusses effective strategies for reducing burnout, developing comprehensive well-being initiatives, and improving the overall professional experience in healthcare. Dr. Shanafelt offers a forward-thinking perspective on fostering resilience and sustainability within the medical workforce.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker’s, unpacks the political and financial ripple effects of the GOP reconciliation bill. He also shares insights into major concerns for payers like Centene and UnitedHealthcare, looming Medicaid and ACA enrollment losses, and the long-term implications for healthcare access, hospitals, and insurers alike.