The shutdown continues and premiums rise

Looking into 2026

What will healthcare look like in 2026—and how will it impact physicians and patients? This episode reveals the strategies insurance giants and policymakers are deploying, and what it means for your practice and community. Ron Howrigon and Matthew Handley discuss Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, and why the payers are going to push on provider groups to take pay cuts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net [https://www.flatlining.net?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The hidden cost of denials

In this episode of Inside Healthcare, Matthew Handley and Ron Howrigon delve into the complexities of healthcare costs and insurance denials. They discuss the financial incentives that drive insurance companies to deny claims and Ron's recent appearance on ‪CBS Sunday Morning‬ .Listen: Matthew and Ron talk to Dr. Dan Hurley about his cancer diagnosis and subsequent insurance denials Watch: Why do insurance companies deny prior authorizations? Ron Howrigon explains on CBS Sunday Morning This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net [https://www.flatlining.net?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

What exactly are those ACA subsidies?

On this episode of Inside Healthcare, Ron Howrigon and Matthew Handley discuss the Affordable Care Act subsidies that were at the heart of the record long government shutdown. What do they do? Who are they for? And is it really “free” healthcare? All questions Ron and Matthew answer. Plus they take a look at a reform plan from Oscar Health CEO Mark Bertolini. LIVE stock prices: Oscar Health - $OSCR Listen wherever you get your podcast or watch us on Substack and YouTube [http://youtube.com/@fulcrumstrategies]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net [https://www.flatlining.net?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The shutdown continues and premiums rise

Join Ron Howrigon and Matthew Handley as they break down the latest in healthcare costs during the ongoing government shutdown. In this episode, they explore four GOP-backed compromise solutions and what they mean for consumers, while analyzing why fully insured plan premiums are projected to rise by 11%. Stay informed on healthcare trends, policy updates, and practical insights for navigating rising insurance costs. Articles mentioned in this program: US Health Insurers Face Rising Uncertainty from ACA Subsidy Expiration - Fitch Ratings [https://www.fitchratings.com/research/insurance/us-health-insurers-face-rising-uncertainty-from-aca-subsidy-expiration-30-10-2025] 4 GOP ideas for an Obamacare subsidies compromise - POLITICO [https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/14/republicans-democrats-shutdown-obamacare-subsidies-00606480] How much and why premiums are going up for small businesses in 2026 - Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker [https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/how-much-and-why-premiums-are-going-up-for-small-businesses-in-2026/#Distribution%20of%20proposed%202026%20rate%20changes%20among%20318%20ACA-compliant%20small%20group%20insurers] Listen wherever you get your podcast or watch us on Substack and YouTube [http://youtube.com/@fulcrumstrategies]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net [https://www.flatlining.net?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

What the government shutdown means for your practice

The US Senate could not agree on a budget and as a result, the government has entered a partial shutdown. We’ll talk about what healthcare spending will continue and what problems may arise at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Plus: What are those Affordable Care Act subsidies that Democrats are so concerned about? Listen wherever you get your podcast or watch us on Substack and YouTube [http://youtube.com/@fulcrumstrategies]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.flatlining.net [https://www.flatlining.net?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]