This episode's explainer: What is Medicare Advantage? A timely topic given that United Health Group is being investigated by the DOJ for potential MA fraud, according to a recent WSJ report. Also on this episode: the measles outbreak in Texas.

Vinay and Jeremy discuss Aetna suing pharmaceutical companies, updates on avian flu and CDC communications, and healthcare predictions for 2025. Plus -- an all-important update on the escaped lab monkeys.

Please note that this episode includes information around CDC communication and avian flu that was accurate at the time of recording, but has since changed by the time of episode publication. We will address these inaccuracies openly in our next episode.

In this episode, Vinay and Jeremy talk to benefits and risk consultant Phil Harrison of Healthcare Reporting about the evolution of health plans and consumerism, transparency in benefits consulting, and the fiduciary responsibility of health plan consultants and sponsors. It's a fascinating discussion on the changing industry from the viewpoint of an experienced consultant and fiduciary; don't miss it!

In the first episode of 2025, Jeremy and Vinay interview Kartikay Kaushik, Business Analytics Manager with Planned Administrators, Inc. (PAI), a third-party administrator. Kartikay discusses his journey from dentistry to healthcare analytics, the importance of data transparency, and the insights analytics can bring to employers and other plan sponsors.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.