Expanding Access to Affordable Dental Care with Cigna Healthcare and Paytient

On this episode, Mark Grippi, AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio Market President joins the podcast to discuss opening dialogue with members to improve care, the role of health risk assessments, and overcoming digital fatigue in healthcare.

This episode features Robert Trager, Owner of Dentists for Airport Employees, as he discusses the rising costs of running a private practice and the challenges posed by insurance in today’s dental landscape. He also shares his excitement about the role of AI in dentistry and how it’s shaping the future of patient care.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Todd Currier, CASC, CPA, FACMPE, CEO/Administrator at Bend Surgery Center. He discusses the rapid evolution of the ASC industry, the impact of AI and robotics on operations, and the importance of leadership engagement and advocacy to sustain growth and quality care.

This episode features Dr. Richard Celko, Chief Dental Officer at UPMC Health Plan who discusses challenges with access to dental care in rural areas, strategies for addressing community needs, and insights on current events shaping the dental industry.

This episode features Heather Tamborino, CFO at EmblemHealth, who discusses the company’s $2 million investment in food security across New York City. She shares how EmblemHealth’s neighborhood care centers are addressing food insecurity, connecting social and medical care, and redefining health equity as both a mission and a strategic imperative.

This episode features Dave Raccagni, Vice President of Innovation, Market Insights, and Communications at Cigna Healthcare. He discusses Cigna’s partnership with Paytient to expand flexible, no-interest dental payment options for 13 million members, how the program improves preventive and critical care access, and its potential to drive long-term health and cost savings across broader areas of care.

In this episode, Molly Gamble, Vice President of Editorial at Becker’s Healthcare, shares insights from recent conversations with health system CEOs. She discusses why regionalization remains difficult in practice, how hospital and service line closures are being reframed, and why access to care continues to be a top concern as organizations plan for the financial and operational pressures of 2026 and beyond.

On this episode, Shelby Brown, Chief Administrative Officer of Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, joins the podcast to discuss strategic planning for rural hospitals and the unique operations of a critical access hospital. She shares updates on the current status of rural healthcare facilities and the challenges and opportunities they face in providing care to their communities.

This episode recorded live at Becker’s 31st Annual The Business and Operations of ASCs features Carrie Marut, Administrator, Mentor Surgery Center. She shares insights on patient-driven ASC growth, the benefits of EHR adoption, and the importance of collaboration with hospitals and vendors to improve efficiency and patient experience.

This episode features Richard Greene, President of Clever Care Health Plan, discussing how the organization is growing through a unique model that combines Eastern and Western medicine, invests in culturally tailored community centers, and builds sustainable relationships with providers and members across California.