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

In this episode, Scott Becker highlights nine key stories shaping healthcare today, from the escalating physician shortage crisis to unionization trends, major M&A updates, and financial pressures driving hospital layoffs.

Join Becker's Healthcare's Lukas Voss as he sits down with Dr. Chris Gallagher, CEO of Access Telecare, for a live discussion recorded on-site at Becker's 15th Annual Meeting. Dr. Gallagher shares insights on the latest trends in telehealth adoption, how telemedicine is transforming care for vulnerable populations, and the financial benefits for hospitals embracing virtual care. Don’t miss this forward-looking conversation on the future of healthcare.This episode is sponsored by Access Telecare.

In this episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast, Lukas Voss sits down with Becky Kahn, Chief Client Officer at Ingenovis Health, to discuss how healthcare organizations can navigate today’s workforce challenges with greater flexibility, innovation, and tech-enabled solutions. Becky shares the latest talent trends, the benefits of customized staffing strategies, and how Ingenovis' recent data analysis partnerships are helping health systems build more sustainable teams.This episode is sponsored by Ingenovis Health.

In this episode, Vikas Sabnani, Co-Founder & CEO of Marit Health, joins Scott Becker to share how his startup is empowering clinicians through compensation transparency. He discusses Merit’s rapid growth, its mission to support physician career success, and how it aims to solve workforce challenges across healthcare systems.

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.