How Maryland Is Testing a Different Way to Pay for Health Care with Dr. Meena Seshamani

What happens when a practicing surgeon, health economist, and federal policymaker brings all those perspectives into one leadership role? In this episode, Dr. Meena Seshamani, Secretary of Health for Maryland, discusses how her journey across clinical care, health system leadership, and public service has shaped her approach to health care transformation. She reflects on leading Medicare during a time of major change, including expanding support for caregivers and community health, improving prescription drug affordability, and advancing drug price negotiation. Dr. Seshamani also explains how Maryland’s unique global budget model is helping shift hospital incentives toward keeping people healthy, and why states now have an even more important role in navigating public health uncertainty. Throughout the conversation, she shares how practical problem-solving, cross-sector collaboration, and optimism continue to guide her work. Tune in to hear how policy, practice, and purpose can come together to build a more effective and people-centered health care system. Resources: Connect with and follow Dr. Meena Seshamani on LinkedIn. Learn more about the Maryland Department of Health here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices