Michelle Anderson, director and senior consulting actuary at Wakely, an 海角社区 Company, joins Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare to unpack the state of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. From the market鈥檚 volatile beginnings to today鈥檚 uncertainty around subsidies, Michelle shares how insurers, states, and consumers have adapted and what challenges lie ahead. We explore the forces shaping affordability, coverage options, and consumer behavior, as well as the critical policy decisions that could redefine the individual market in 2026 and beyond.
22 Results found.
What Should Quality in Healthcare Really Mean Today?
Quality is a word we all use in healthcare, but what does it truly mean for patients, clinicians, and systems striving to improve care? In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, Sarah Hudson Scholle, Principal at Leavitt Partners, an 海角社区 company, and a nationally recognized expert in healthcare quality unpacks how quality has been defined and measured over the years, why measurement sometimes gets in the way of improvement, and how digital interoperability will more accurately capture true drivers of quality. Sarah also shares why engaging patients in defining their goals and outcomes is essential to creating measures that reflect what really matters in people鈥檚 lives.
Ready or Not: Implementing Strategy Amid Massive Healthcare Disruption
Rebecca Nielsen and Alex Rich, co-leaders of 海角社区鈥檚 Strategy and Transformation practice, have been supporting healthcare strategies in an ever-changing environment defined by constant disruption from AI, shifting regulatory policies, and financial strain. With so much change in the air now, many strategic plans are outdated before they ever get implemented. In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, they expose the blind spots that sabotage even the most well-crafted strategies and offer a grounded look at what actually works when change is the only constant. They unpack the challenge of the 5-year strategic plan and the risk of trying to do everything at once, explaining why real-time information sharing may be your most overlooked leadership tool. If your organization is struggling to turn strategy into action, this is the clarity you鈥檝e been waiting for.
Medicaid At (Another) Crossroads: The Future of Public Healthcare Coverage
As Medicaid faces another set of policy shifts, this episode provides a look-back on the many twists and turns Medicaid has faced throughout the years. Jay Rosen, president and chairman of 海角社区, reflects on his work with states and health plans over the past four decades in their efforts to deliver services to vulnerable populations amidst shifting federal and state priorities, innovative delivery and payment models, and increased private sector involvement. With a sharp focus on policy, equity, and system transformation, Jay offers strategic insights for leaders across healthcare, government, and investment sectors.
What If Mental Health Checkups Were as Normal as Mammograms?
Monica Johnson, managing director at 海角社区, takes us through her compelling journey from frontline caregiver to national leader in behavioral health policy. In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, Monica reflects on the national rollout of the 988 crisis line as one of the most transformative shifts in creating a stigma-free behavioral health system of care that meets people where they are to support whatever crisis they may face. Monica shares personal stories and strategic insights that illuminate why policymakers must ensure these systems prioritize the local needs of patients and providers. We explore the future of crisis care, the enduring need for bold federal-state collaboration, and why it’s time to normalize mental health checkups.
Is Medicare Ready for the Next Era of Innovation?
Amy Bassano is a Managing Director at 海角社区 and a nationally recognized Medicare policy expert. In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, we unpack the complexities of Medicare innovation and examine where the program is headed next. Drawing on decades of experience鈥攊ncluding her leadership at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation鈥擜my breaks down what makes value-based care so complex, why scaling successful models is harder than it sounds, and how Medicare Advantage continues to reshape the healthcare landscape. She also discusses how financial incentives, regulatory constraints, and the urgent need for system-wide efficiency are shaping the next chapter of Medicare policy. This conversation offers practical insights for policymakers, providers, and advocates navigating the future of one of the nation鈥檚 most essential programs.聽
What Strategies Help Local Governments Stay Resilient Amid Health Policy Changes?
John Eller, managing principal at 海角社区, joins Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare to discuss the critical role of resilience in local health services. As communities navigate shifting federal policies, economic uncertainty, and natural disasters, John shares insights on how agencies can remain nimble, collaborative, and innovative. Drawing from his extensive experience in Medicaid transformation, behavioral health, and social services leadership, he highlights the power of community trust and cross-sector partnerships in maintaining stability during turbulent times.
Can Stable Housing Unlock Better Health Outcomes?
Maddy Shea is a public health leader and passionate advocate for housing as a critical component of community health. In this episode of Vital Viewpoints on Healthcare, she shares insights on how housing and healthcare sectors can break down silos to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Drawing from her experience at the CMS Office of Minority Health and her work with health plans, affordable housing organizations, and policymakers, Maddy explores the challenges and opportunities in aligning incentives, leveraging policy tools such as Medicaid waivers, and fostering public-private partnerships. Join us as we discuss innovative solutions to housing instability, aging in place, and how data connectivity can drive better care coordination.
Fraud, Waste and Abuse in Healthcare: Changing mindsets or changing reimbursement?
Jennifer Bridgeforth, associate principal at 海角社区, dives into the complexities of fraud, waste, and abuse in healthcare, examining the blurred lines between inefficient processes and intentional misconduct. The conversation explores how value-based care, provider education, and technology could pave the way for more efficient and patient-centered healthcare. Listen to discover insights on navigating these challenges in a shifting healthcare landscape.
How Can Technology Empower Human Connection in Healthcare?
Tom Cochran, partner at 720 Strategies, is a renowned expert in digital communication and healthcare public relations. Tom reflects on the broader impact of digital tools, acknowledging both their potential to connect us and their unintended consequences, such as cognitive overload and societal fragmentation. The conversation highlights practical strategies for navigating transitions in leadership鈥攚hether in politics or healthcare鈥攁nd emphasizes the importance of understanding, listening, and adapting communication strategies to fit the moment. Tom leaves us with a reminder of the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction in an increasingly digital world.
Has Medicare鈥檚 Drug Policy Struck the Right Balance Between Access and Cost?聽
Kevin Kirby, managing director at 海角社区, gives a closer look at the evolution of Medicare鈥檚 drug coverage and the policies that have transformed patient access and affordability. From Clinton era ideas, to the launch of the Medicare Modernization Act and then the Affordable Care Act, Kevin has advised clients as these significant milestones have shaped and reshaped Medicare鈥檚 drug benefits. He discusses the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act, raising important questions about sustainability and cost control. The episode will explore how these pivotal policies will impact access to treatment and the sustainability of Medicare in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.聽
Why Are Family Services Critical to Improving Children’s Health?
Uma Ahluwalia, managing principal at 海角社区, discusses the importance of keeping families at the center of children’s health and welfare services and highlights how government should provide services in support of the family unit. The conversation emphasizes that addressing family issues like poverty, trauma, and lack of resources is key to improving child welfare. She also explores the need for integrated services鈥攁cross health, behavioral health, education, and safety鈥攖o address the interconnected challenges families face. Uma shares why it鈥檚 so important to sustain the commitment to long-term transformation, proper funding, and enabling local governments to provide holistic, family-centered care.