In this episode, Bethanie Stein, PharmD, Segment President of Pharmacy at Humana, discusses how employers are approaching GLP-1 coverage and why partnerships with manufacturers like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk matter now. She shares how CenterWell Pharmacy is using transparency, clinical oversight, and adherence focused models to expand access while managing costs.

In this episode, Dr. Alice Hm Chen, Executive Vice President and Chief Health Officer at Centene, discusses how the organization is improving maternal and child health outcomes across Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace populations. She shares insights on rural care challenges, evidence based interventions like midwifery and doulas, and how data and partnerships drive population health impact.

In this episode, Nick Gates, president of Priority Health, shares his leadership journey, the values shaping his approach, and how trust and community guide decision making. He also discusses digital transformation, multi state expansion, and priorities around affordability, access, and member experience.

In this episode, Heather Tamborino, Chief Financial Officer at EmblemHealth, discusses how payer provider collaboration, thoughtful use of AI, and data integration can improve outcomes while easing administrative burden. She also shares how rising pharmacy costs, PBM strategy, and transparency initiatives are shaping financial priorities for 2026.

In this episode, Jay Nakashima, President of eHealth Exchange, discusses how modern data standards and trusted networks are transforming payer provider information sharing, reducing reliance on fax and manual processes. He also shares where inefficiencies persist, how interoperability can lower administrative costs, and what policy changes could improve affordability and access.

In this episode, Howard Weiss, Vice President of Government Affairs at EmblemHealth, discusses how payer provider collaboration, community based programs, and value focused partnerships can improve affordability and outcomes. He also shares how consumer pressure, regulatory scrutiny, and responsible use of AI are shaping health plan strategy and margins in 2026.

In this episode, Chris Gay, CEO and Co-Founder of Evry Health, joins Jakob Emerson to discuss how technology, scale, and business model alignment can dramatically reduce prior authorization friction. He shares why Evry Health’s approach delivers faster decisions, lower denial rates, and a better patient and provider experience, and what the industry needs to change next.

In this episode, Ellen Sexton, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at Blue Shield of California, discusses the impact of major policy changes on Medicaid and commercial markets, how her team is preparing for uncertainty, and the strategies needed to support members, stabilize employer coverage, and advance innovation across California's health care landscape.

In this episode, Dr. Cynthia Brown, Medical Director and Clinical Lead for Women’s Health at Elevance Health, discusses Elevance Health’s expansion of doula services into select employer health plans, highlighting how doula support improves outcomes, reduces disparities, strengthens the care experience, and creates long-term value for mothers and babies.

In this episode, Steve Levin, CEO of Quest Analytics®, shares how health plans can prepare for 2026 as regulations evolve and market expectations shift. He unpacks what current network trends are signaling for plan strategy, why provider data accuracy and operational efficiency are becoming key competitive differentiators, and how leaders can adopt technology and AI in practical ways that drive real, measurable value.

This episodeis sponsored by Quest Analytics®.