The Economics of Change: Building a Smarter, Fairer Healthcare System with Loren Adler

Policy shifts, market pressures, and rising healthcare costs are redefining what it means to lead in U.S. healthcare. In this episode of The Leadership Lab podcast, Asbel Montes sits down with Loren Adler, healthcare economist at the Brookings Institution, to explore how evidence-based policy, innovative financing strategies, and pragmatic leadership can shape a more resilient and equitable healthcare system. From legislative updates to market dynamics, Loren shares insights into the risks and opportunities facing healthcare finance executives, policymakers, and operational leaders today. Asbel and Loren unpack how to balance cost containment with access, adopt reforms that truly serve patients and providers, and navigate the tensions of consolidation, coverage cliffs, and insurance market shifts. They discuss how data-driven decision-making, competitive strategies, and thoughtful policy innovation can protect patients, strengthen risk pools, and foster systemic improvements. You'll learn: How coverage cliffs and expiring subsidies could impact millions of Americans The promise and pitfalls of Health Savings Accounts, premium tax credits, and market-based reforms Why consolidation drives costs without improving outcomes—and what leaders can do Key lessons from the No Surprises Act and ongoing gaps in patient protection How Medicaid and Medicare Advantage changes affect coverage, funding, and operations Strategies for mitigating fraud, administrative errors, and risk in insurance programs Evidence-based approaches to balancing cost, access, and innovation If you're a healthcare executive, finance leader, or policy strategist, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and provide a roadmap for leading organizations that thrive amid uncertainty, innovate with purpose, and prioritize both efficiency and patient-centered care. 🔔 Subscribe to The Leadership Lab with Asbel Montes and join the conversation about what's next for healthcare leadership.   Links: Asbel Montes LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/asbel-montes-31027634 Asbel Montes Book (In Plain Sight): https://asbelmontes.com/store/ Asbel Montes Website: https://asbelmontes.com/    Loren Adler LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/loren-adler-73a97519  Loren Adler X - https://x.com/LorenAdler  Loren Adler Instagram - http://instagram.com/lorendadler/    Solutions Group Services: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/solutionsgroupservices  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/solution_sgroup/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/solutionsgroupservices  Website -  ​​https://www.solutionsgroup.com/