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

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.

In this episode, Sister Mary Haddad, President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association of the U.S., joins Scott Becker to discuss the potential impact of proposed Medicaid cuts, the broader implications for nonprofit healthcare providers, and the importance of protecting care for the vulnerable. She also shares insights on faith-based leadership and current legislative challenges.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Jill West, Chief Executive Officer of People Incorporated Mental Health Services. Jill shares how her organization is expanding access through community engagement, reducing stigma post-COVID, and tackling workforce shortages with bold initiatives like paid internships, career pathways, and training programs that empower the next generation of mental health professionals.

This episode features Alan Condon, Editor-in-Chief, and Laura Dyrda, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief at Becker’s Healthcare, discussing key issues shaping the healthcare landscape. They explore the potential impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill, hospital realignment strategies, and the growing influence of ASCs as health systems adapt to financial and care delivery pressures.

In this episode, Scott Becker highlights nine major healthcare developments, including widespread layoffs, a hospital closure in Pennsylvania, a major healthcare fraud takedown, and more.

Mark Rich, President and Member of the Board at Steward Health Care System, joins the podcast to share insights on how the organization is driving innovation in value-based care. He highlights the importance of enhancing patient engagement and advancing price transparency to improve the overall healthcare experience.

Maureen Frowenfeld, MPH, Chief of Staff to the EVP/CAO and Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at University of Maryland Faculty Physicians, joins the podcast to discuss key issues shaping today’s healthcare landscape. She shares her perspective on industry consolidation, the growing shortage of care providers, and the strategic initiatives addressing these challenges. Maureen also offers valuable advice for emerging leaders working to make an impact in an evolving healthcare environment.

In this episode, Rebekah Fincher, Chief Administrative Officer at Conway Regional Health System, shares her journey in healthcare leadership, the critical maternal care needs in Arkansas, and her passion for expanding graduate medical education to strengthen the state’s future physician workforce.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's Hospital Review 15th Annual Meeting features Dr. Christopher Douglas, Houston Market Chief Executive Officer, River Oaks Hospital & Clinics and East Houston Hospital & Clinics. Dr. Douglas shares insights on expanding mobile diagnostics, diversifying payer sources, and building a strong organizational culture through transparency, accessibility, and a people-first leadership approach.