Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Episode Summary: Brett Bingham, Chief Network Development Officer, Banner Plans and Networks Date: February 8, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of the Becker’s Healthcare Podcast features Scott King in conversation with Brett Bingham, Chief Network Development Officer at Banner Plans and Networks. The discussion centers on the evolving relationships between health plans and providers, the challenges facing payers and providers amid industry-wide cost and workforce pressures, the slow march toward effective value-based care, and the leadership attributes needed in today’s healthcare landscape. Brett shares his perspective on aligning incentives, investing in long-term transformation, and the crucial role of transparency and collaboration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Brett Bingham’s Background & Career Path

• [01:05] Brett describes his career trajectory, highlighting his time at Banner as “a fun ride,” with earlier roles at Yuma’s rural health system, UNC Health, and the Durham VA Medical Center. He appreciates working in a nonprofit integrated delivery system focused on connecting healthcare’s moving parts.

Changing Provider-Payer Relationships

• [01:58] Brett notes a shift from adversarial interactions toward more collaborative relationships due to mutual cost and workforce pressures.

  • Quote [02:00]: “Trust is something that’s really important right now as we’re all facing these pressures, and building that trust with providers is certainly critical.” – Brett Bingham

• The conversation is moving away from simple fee-for-service disputes toward addressing access, staffing, and other pressing operational challenges.

Collaboration as a Key to Progress

• [02:59] Both sides—payers and providers—are increasingly “coming together in more creative and innovative ways.”
  • Quote [03:01]: “Those that are focused on the collaboration are those that are really going to win in the long run.” – Brett Bingham

Gaps Between Strategy and Execution in Payer Organizations

• [03:27] Strategy is advancing faster than infrastructure within health plans, with most organizations having a value-based care blueprint but lacking the necessary data, contract terms, or operational support to make real progress.

Reshaping Health Plans: The Role of Payment Methodologies & Technology

• [03:59] While AI is a major talking point, Brett believes the priority should be different payment models that incentivize outcomes—not just compliance.
  • Quote [04:02]: “The biggest challenge is that with value-based care...reports and shared savings can be two years away. Getting leading indicator payments on annual wellness visits, care gap closures... not just clicking the button, but actually treating patients.” – Brett Bingham

Regulatory Changes for Affordability & Access

• [04:46] Brett advocates for greater consumer engagement in healthcare, emphasizing that outcomes improve when individuals are meaningfully involved in their care. The regulatory and industry focus, he suggests, needs to move beyond box-checking.

Leveraging Emerging Tech for Patient Engagement

• [05:31] Emerging technologies are crucial for streamlining patient and member experiences. Banner is investing heavily in this area, though Brett cautions that “moving large organizations forward can take time and effort.”

Margin Pressures and Investment Patience

• [06:07] Rising expenses are universal, and Brett highlights the value of organizational agility and the importance of letting strategic investments play out before pivoting.
  • Quote [06:32]: “Banner’s been really true to its course, and that’s been a great thing because it allows us to remain committed...without floundering when we see a hiccup or challenge.” – Brett Bingham

Long-Term Investments for Payers

• [07:06] Integration of care delivery and improved data connectivity at the point of care are cited as essential long-term investments. Success will come from deep partnerships—through vehicles like CINs (Clinically Integrated Networks), ACOs (Accountable Care Organizations), MSOs (Management Services Organizations), and advanced primary care models.

Leadership Evolution in Healthcare

• [07:58] Brett identifies transparency, collaboration, and a people-first mindset as the most important leadership qualities today.
  • Quote [08:05]: “If you burn your relationships for some kind of a quick win, those never recover...Just being transparent and straightforward with the challenges that we all face, and then being willing to kind of hear the voices of lots of different individuals...that’s how you navigate.” – Brett Bingham

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Collaboration Over Adversity:
  “Our relationships with providers are really more moving more into a shared interest and aligned incentives aspect...” – Brett [01:58]
• Infrastructure Lag:
  “Strategy is very much so outpacing the infrastructure across the industry.” – Brett [03:29]
• Outcomes-Focused Payment:
  “It’s not just clicking the button, but actually treating patients for the conditions they have...” – Brett [04:16]
• Patience in Investment:
  “Organizations that can really focus on their agility and rely on the time...are really important.” – Brett [06:16]
• Leadership Wisdom:
  “As we continue to kind of work together and focus on our greatest asset, our people, then we’re going to be able to get through it.” – Brett [08:29]

Important Timestamps

• [01:05] – Brett’s career background
• [01:58] – Evolution of provider-payer relationships
• [02:59] – Rising collaboration amid industry pressure
• [03:27] – Strategy vs. operations gap
• [03:59] – Impactful investments: AI, payment methodologies
• [04:46] – Policy change wish: Engage the consumer
• [05:31] – Embracing emerging tech for patient experience
• [06:07] – Main margin pressures and response strategy
• [07:06] – Need for patience and long-term thinking in payer investments
• [07:58] – Leadership evolution and key attributes

Tone and Conclusion

Brett’s tone is pragmatic, thoughtful, and candid—emphasizing long-term thinking, genuine collaboration, and the critical importance of relationships and people in the healthcare system. This episode is particularly valuable for healthcare leaders interested in payer-provider dynamics, operationalizing value-based care, and building resilient, people-centered organizations.