The podcast episodes discuss the importance of population health management in contrast to the current profit-driven model of Medicare Advantage plans. Dr. Don Berwick, a former CMS administrator, strongly criticizes the Medicare Advantage program for costing more than traditional Medicare due to overpayments and profits for insurance companies, rather than improving quality as originally intended. He calls for decisive action to rein in abuses and redirect funds to enhance traditional Medicare and healthcare initiatives, which aligns with the goals of population health management.

In the other episode, Dr. Wesley Burks, CEO of UNC Health, advocates for a 'health-based care' approach focused on holistic patient well-being over traditional 'value-based care' models. He highlights the challenges with the fragmented U.S. healthcare system but shares successful patient-first models at UNC Health through partnerships with local payers. This emphasis on prioritizing the patient and healthcare workforce is also a key aspect of population health management.

Both episodes touch on the importance of population health management and the need for a shift away from the current profit-driven healthcare system towards a more coordinated, outcome-focused approach.