Encore! EP450: When Your Health Plan Is $9 Million in the Hole, Who Are You Going to Call? A CPA. And Tell Them to Bring Their Spreadsheets, With Marilyn Bartlett, CPA, CMA, CFM, CGMA

In this encore episode of 'Relentlessly Seeking Value,' host Stacey Richter revisits an inspiring conversation with Marilyn Bartlett, a CPA who transformed the State of Montana's employee health plan from a $9 million deficit to a $112 million surplus within three years. 

Known for her fiscal discipline and patient-first approach, Marilyn shares her strategic steps, from identifying waste in the system and securing quick wins to negotiating better deals with hospitals and ensuring long-term success. She emphasizes the importance of assembling a strong team, maintaining transparency, and staying focused on the ultimate goal of creating real health value. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to drive meaningful change in the healthcare industry.

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07:09 What gave Marilyn the confidence to fix Montana's state health plan?

08:35 Why Marilyn knew she would have enough power to make the changes needed in Montana's state health plan.

09:35 What Marilyn achieved in her time as the administrator of the Montana State Employee Health Plan.

11:03 What were the "quick wins" Marilyn was able to achieve when she first took over as administrator?

17:55 EP453 with Claire Brockbank, which covers RFP in detail.

18:12 How Marilyn structured her plan for the Montana State Employee Health Plan.

21:42 What's the key to setting yourself up for success when doing what Marilyn was able to achieve?

25:23 Why putting together your own team is so important.

28:20 EP397 with Paul Homes.

28:24 EP418 with Mark Cuban and Ferrin Williams, PharmD, MBA.

29:28 What happened when Marilyn left the Montana State Employee Health Plan?

31:28 Have the costs of the plan gone up since Marilyn's time working on it?