When Health Freezes Over

In this episode of the When Health Freezes Over Podcast, Host Omar Haq in conversation with Guest Chris Dallas-Feeney, University Lecturer at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Adjunct Professor of Security Studies and Defence Analysis at Norwich University, Managing Director at New Frontier Advisors and Executive Advisor at ZS Associates in its Health Plan and Provider practice, explores the evolving role of health insurance companies in today’s healthcare ecosystem. The conversation dives into whether health plans still provide meaningful value, the challenges of value-based care, and why systemic issues like short-term incentives and lack of collaboration continue to hinder progress. The discussion also touches on structural inefficiencies, the failure to address social determinants of health (SDOH), and the future of healthcare strategy in a rapidly changing economic and policy landscape.

Chris Dallas-Feeney is a seasoned healthcare strategist with a distinguished career spanning public accounting, consulting, and executive leadership. He has held senior roles at firms such as KPMG and Booz Allen Hamilton and brings deep expertise in corporate strategy, healthcare systems, and risk management. With a PhD in political science, Chris combines analytical rigor with real-world experience to tackle complex industry challenges.

Expect to Learn

- Why health insurance companies are facing an identity crisis in 2025

- The real reasons value-based care has struggled for decades

- How misaligned incentives and short-term thinking distort healthcare outcomes

- The untapped potential of social determinants of health (SDOH)

- What the future role of insurers could look like in a more collaborative system

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[00:00:00] – Teaser

[00:01:19] – Podcast Introduction & Guest Welcome

[00:06:46] – Chris’s Career Journey

[00:12:01] – Are Health Insurance Companies Still Relevant?

[00:16:45] – Market Pressures & Declining Confidence in Health Plans

[00:19:25] – Breakdown in Payer-Provider Relationships

[00:24:34] – The Reality of Value-Based Care (VBC)

[00:29:28] – Structural Challenges in Risk-Sharing Models

[00:37:48] – Analytics Overload vs. Real Impact

[00:45:29] – Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

[00:47:24] – The “Wrong Pocket” Problem & Short-Term Incentives

[00:56:00] – Financial Pressures & Industry Instability

[00:59:52] – Future of Health Plans & Strategic Opportunities

[01:02:43] – Closing Thoughts & Key Takeaways

Follow Guest Chris Dallas-Feeney:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-dallas-feeney-phd-a6b43a1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.dallasfeeney/

Company LinkedIn:

ZS Associates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zs-associates/

Company Websites:

ZS Associates: https://www.zs.com/

Company Instagram:

ZS Associates: https://www.instagram.com/zscareers/

Follow Host Omar Haq:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-haq1/

Company Website: https://www.mushincg.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mushincgllc

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uberactuary

Follow Us On:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7CR1wzokjtVdyyWHLziUJQ/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bRobaBZlM3IbCJ5334PJV?si=41aa6416371e4bc2

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/pk/podcast/when-health-freezes-over/id1887501951

They promised efficiency. They promised integration. They promised the data would light the way. But out in the arena... the fire is going out. Welcome to the breaking point. Welcome to When Health Freezes.

This podcast is about the cold, hard truth of the 4-trillion-dollar healthcare machine. We are moving past the polished PowerPoints and the tired buzzwords to look at why the gears are grinding to a halt.

In every episode, we bring in the veterans—the men and women in the arena who have taken the hits and cleared the path. No ego. No politics. Just the data and the raw truth.

If you’re ready to see the full picture and understand the risks no one else is talking about, join us. Follow "When Health Freezes Over" right now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. Clear the path. Take the hits. Find the truth. Let’s find out what happens... When Health Freezes Over.