Insurer Shake-Up: Small Plans Surge, Big Players Struggle with Jakob Emerson

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief at Becker’s Healthcare, shares insights into growing financial strain on hospitals nationwide, from delayed Medicaid payments in 10 states, to the collapse of the OHSU-Legacy Health merger, and new cost-cutting mandates targeting high-cost hospitals in California.

This episode features Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at Becker's Healthcare, as she recaps key takeaways from Becker’s 15th Annual Meeting. Laura highlights how health systems are embracing innovation, AI, and strategic partnerships to navigate financial pressures, workforce challenges, and evolving care delivery models.

This episode, recorded live at the Becker’s Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting, features Dr. Todd Schaffer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sanford Health Bismarck. Dr. Schaffer shares how Sanford is tackling rural healthcare access, workforce shortages, and operational efficiency, while emphasizing the importance of local leadership, innovation, and leading with empathy.

In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Associate News Director at Becker’s Healthcare, joins Scott Becker to discuss surprising Q1 trends in the insurance market, including the rise of niche health plans and challenges facing major players like UnitedHealth and Aetna. They also dive into a DOJ lawsuit against major insurers over alleged Medicare Advantage kickback schemes.

In this episode, Jennifer June, an expert from VMG Health, shares insights on what it takes to successfully scale a medical spa business. From evaluating operational readiness to avoiding common pitfalls, they break down strategic growth steps every provider should consider.This episode is sponsored by VMG Health.

In this episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, Jakob Emerson speaks with Danny Brywczynski, Chief Operating Officer of ScionHealth, about how long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) are helping patients recover more fully after a hospital stay. Danny explains the key differences between LTACHs, skilled nursing facilities, and inpatient rehab facilities, and shares how ScionHealth’s model leads to lower readmission rates and better outcomes. Tune in to hear why specialty hospitals are a critical part of the care continuum and how hospital leaders can learn more about optimizing patient transitions.This episode is sponsored by ScionHealth.

In this episode, Josselin Castillo, Principal of Federal Government Relations at NFIB, joins Scott Becker to discuss the alarming state of the small group health insurance market, why it's rapidly deteriorating, and what policy changes could help small business owners regain access to affordable employee coverage.

In this episode, Scott Becker shares eight timely healthcare updates, including Medicaid challenges in Texas, CRNA policy shifts in West Virginia, Cleveland Clinic’s innovation milestones, and more.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Nick Olson, EVP, Chief Financial Officer at Sanford Health. Nick shares key leadership lessons, major merger milestones, and how Sanford is using technology to enhance financial performance, workforce engagement, and patient care across rural communities.

In this episode, Karen Love, president of Cook Children’s Health Plan, joins Jakob Emerson to discuss Texas' Medicaid contract shakeup, why her organization is challenging the state’s decision to exclude children’s hospital-affiliated plans, and the legislative and legal efforts underway to protect coverage for 125,000 children in North Texas.