Medicare Advantage Shakeup: UnitedHealth Struggles, Humana Holds Strong

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Matt Morton, Executive Director and Chief Information Security Officer, University of Chicago. He shares how his team is securing AI tools like Phoenix AI to support clinical research, discusses the cybersecurity staffing and resource challenges faced by academic medical centers, and emphasizes the importance of adaptability in leading through rapid technological change.

Kelly Macken-Marble, Chief Executive Officer at Osceola Medical Center, discusses the ongoing growth and progress within the ambulatory care space. She highlights efforts to improve access to care, particularly within the mental health sector, and the importance of addressing patient needs in a more community-centered way. Macken-Marble also shares her vision for future partnerships that will help expand services and enhance healthcare delivery across the region.

In this episode, Kurt Strudwick, System AVP of Operations for the Cardiovascular Service Line at Virtua Health, shares how emotional intelligence, structural clarity, and community-centered innovation are transforming cardiovascular care. He discusses expanding access to advanced services, building team trust, and leading with a mission-driven mindset in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

In this episode, Andrew Molosky, President and CEO of Chapters Health and Chairman of the Board at SECUR, shares how embracing change, investing in workforce culture, and aligning growth with mission have fueled organizational success. He highlights the importance of decisive leadership, humility, and preparing for the future with a clear sense of purpose.

In this episode, Peter D. Banko, President and CEO of Baystate Health, reflects on the leadership lessons he’s drawn from family farming, the power of anticipatory thinking, and the importance of community-centered healthcare. He also shares a memorable moment managing national media attention and discusses how CEOs can drive both long-term impact and local trust.

In this episode, Dr. Maria Ryan, former hospital CEO and now CEO of Standard USA LLC, shares a bold vision for reforming healthcare by addressing preventable costs and integrating health education into schools. She discusses the financial impact of unnecessary regulations, chronic disease, and premature births while outlining her plan to build a healthier, more informed generation.

In this episode, Erwin Estigarribia, CEO, and Dr. Felice Shieh, Chief Business Officer of Headlamp Health, explore how AI and multimodal data are revolutionizing mental health treatment. They discuss the shift toward proactive, precision-based care and the importance of responsible AI use in improving outcomes and reducing trial-and-error approaches.This episode is sponsored by Headlamp Health.

In this episode, Albert Wright Jr., President and CEO of WVU Health System, shares how bold decision-making, culture-driven leadership, and a strong mission focus have helped transform a five-hospital rural network into a $7 billion health system. He reflects on the importance of empowering staff, improving payer-provider alignment, and proving that great healthcare is possible in rural America.

Michelle Heritage, Executive Director of the American Brain Foundation, discusses critical funding initiatives and efforts to advance brain health research. She highlights how the Big Beautiful Bill could impact the future of scientific discovery, particularly expressing concern for its effects on healthcare access in rural communities and among at-risk populations. Heritage emphasizes the importance of sustained investment in neuroscience and equitable research support.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker’s Healthcare, joins Scott Becker to break down the latest payer market trends. They explore Humana’s improved earnings outlook and strategic pullbacks, contrasted with UnitedHealth’s rising costs, leadership turnover, and major challenges across multiple business lines.