EP 549 Building A Better Provider Network - with Jarred Pierce

We talk with Jared Pierce about why many provider networks run on outdated contracts and why that breaks trust for providers, members, and plan sponsors. We dig into how Unity builds a primary, provider-aligned network for self-funded plans that protects access while still driving real savings. • Jared’s early start building PPO networks at 17 and how it shaped his view of the system • Why legacy PPO networks “live off old paper” and what that means for pricing and trust • How reference-based pricing can create confusion, appeals, and members turned away • What “RBP-level reimbursement with real contracts” looks like in practice • Using historical claims data and member nominations to build a customized network • Why clear, simpler contracts improve provider participation and reduce noise • Bootstrapping growth without private equity and staying independent longer • Where Unity is seeing adoption and what advisors should watch next • The future network model tied to member incentives and smarter plan design