In this first episode of a special two-part series, Bright Spots in Healthcare host Eric Glazer sits down with Rich Scarfo, President of HLTH, to explore how one of the most influential healthcare events in the world continues to evolve.

With HLTH 2025 taking place this October 19–22 in Las Vegas, Rich reveals what’s new this year—from immersive zones on AI and diagnostics, to physician and nurse engagement programs, to the expanded startup pavilions and Investor Connect opportunities. He also shares a blueprint for payers, providers, pharma, and innovators on how to get the most value out of their time at HLTH, including can’t-miss sessions, networking strategies, and hidden gems across the show floor.

Whether you’re a health plan executive, provider leader, startup founder, or healthcare innovator, this episode offers a practical guide to navigating HLTH 2025 and turning conversations into action.

Stay tuned for Part Two, where the discussion shifts to how HLTH serves as a growth engine for solution providers.

Resources:

Take a look at what’s in store at HLTH 2025 - https://hlth.com/events/usa

Attend HLTH using discount code H25_BSV for $250 off the General Attendee ticket - https://hlth.com/events/usa/register/

Partner with Bright Spots Ventures:
If you are interested in speaking with the Bright Spots Ventures team to brainstorm how we can help you grow your business via content and relationships, email hkrish@brightspotsventures.com

About Bright Spots Ventures:

Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation.

We help healthcare leaders discover what’s working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the “bright spots” in healthcare, proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.

In this episode of Bright Spots in Healthcare, we explore The Next Frontier in Self-Funded Benefits. Don Antonucci, CEO of Providence Health Plan and Ali Diab, CEO of Collective Health share how their new partnership is reshaping the employer-sponsored benefits landscape.

The conversation dives into:

• Why aligning provider and member needs is essential for a truly seamless healthcare experience

• How transparency and simplicity can unlock smarter healthcare decisions

• The role of innovation and technology in reducing complexity for both employers and employees

• How strategic partnerships can accelerate growth and deliver more affordable, high-quality care

This discussion offers practical insights for health plans, employers, and healthcare leaders looking to design benefits that drive satisfaction, savings, and long-term success.

Panelist Bios:
https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/events/the-next-frontier-in-self-funded-benefits-inside-providence-health-plans-new-partnership-with-collective-health/

Resources & References

• Start with Why by Simon Sinek (Book) - https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/
  
  

• How Great Leaders Inspire Action – TED Talk by Simon Sinek - https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action
  
  

• Healthcare Models to Explore:

• • Kaiser Permanente (U.S.) – cited as effective at integrating coverage and care into one user experience

  • Israel – highlighted as having a national health service with user-friendly, electronic front doors for care and transparency in costs

  • Japan – also noted for its efficient, transparent national health service with easy access and clear financial responsibility for patients
    
    

Partner with Bright Spots Ventures:
If you are interested in speaking with the Bright Spots Ventures team to brainstorm how we can help you grow your business via content and relationships, email hkrish@brightspotsventures.com

About Bright Spots Ventures:

Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation.

We help healthcare leaders discover what’s working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the “bright spots” in healthcare, proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.

In this Bright Spots in Healthcare episode, host Eric Glazer brings together an all-star panel of leaders who are reshaping the future of Medicaid and social care.

Our guests include:

• Laurie Stradley, CEO, Impact Health

• Lori Andrade, EVP, Health Equity Alliance of Long Island (HEALI)

• Joneigh Khaldun, MD, President & CEO, Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB)

• Evan Jones, Chief Strategy Officer, Vircho

Together, they explore:

• How community-based organizations (CBOs) are evolving into trusted healthcare partners

• Practical strategies for bridging healthcare and social care at scale

• The role of technology, data, and community health workers in building sustainable Medicaid networks

• Real-world success stories—from disaster recovery in North Carolina to integrated care models in New York and beyond

You’ll hear how leaders are overcoming compliance, billing, and operational challenges while keeping people, not just systems, at the center of care.

If you’re looking for bright spots you can replicate to drive innovation, equity, and efficiency in Medicaid, this episode is packed with lessons and inspiration.

Panelist Bios:
https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/events/doubling-down-on-medicaid-innovation-in-a-post-obbb-world/

Download the Episode Guide:
Get key takeaways and expert highlights to help you apply lessons from the episode. https://www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Episode-Guide_Doubling-Down-on-Medicaid-Innovation.pdf

Resources:

2025 HRSN Innovations Learning Lab Conference, Oct. 23-24, 2025, Asheville NC

Guided by Impact Health and the WNC Health Policy Initiative, participants will navigate hands-on workshops, build teams through peer networking, and discover practical paths to success beyond Medicaid—all while connecting with trailblazing experts from across the country. Learn more and register here - https://ihorg.jotform.com/251884444887979

Check out PHAB’s new podcast In Service of Health with Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, which explores what it really takes to build healthier communities. Learn more and subscribe here - https://in-service-of-health.podcastpage.io/

Thank you to our Episode Partner, Vircho:

Vircho partners with health plans, Government, and Community Care Hubs to connect healthcare with the social needs that impact health. Their tools make it easier to deliver community-based services efficiently and improve outcomes for the people we all serve.

To learn more, visit https://vircho.com/

Schedule a meeting with Evan Jones, Chief Strategy Officer, Vircho:
To dive deeper into how social care networks are optimizing capacity and outcomes, schedule a meeting with Evan Jones. Reach out to hkrish@brightspotsventures.com to schedule the meeting.

About Bright Spots Ventures:

Bright Spots Ventures is a healthcare strategy and engagement company that creates content, communities, and connections to accelerate innovation.

We help healthcare leaders discover what’s working, and how to scale it. By bringing together health plan, hospital, and solution leaders, we facilitate the exchange of ideas that lead to measurable impact. Through our podcast, executive councils, private events, and go-to-market strategy work, we surface and amplify the “bright spots” in healthcare, proven innovations others can learn from and replicate. At our core, we exist to create trusted relationships that make real progress possible. Visit our website at www.brightspotsinhealthcare.com.