In this episode, we chat with Chris Deacon, Founder of VerSan Consulting, former New Jersey Deputy Attorney General, and author of “The Great American Healthcare Heist."
Chris discusses her transition into the benefits world, going from being New Jersey’s deputy attorney general to running the New Jersey’s state health benefits program, to starting her own consulting firm that focuses on spreading awareness about health care issues. She quickly developed a passion for the benefits space, driven by a willingness to ask hard questions and a "tomorrow's not promised" mentality, prioritizing making the next right decision based on fiduciary principles over political expediency.
We also touch on her book, “The Great American Healthcare Heist” which aims to make readers question the financial motivations behind health care institutions. Chris notes the abundance of shocking stories, citing the egregious case of Steward Healthcare's CEO allegedly stealing millions for private jets and yachts, but stresses this behavior is widespread. Chris emphasizes the positive impact of being a fiduciary as an opportunity, not just a legal risk.
Finally, we look at the current state and the future outlook of the health care and benefits world. She expects a dogfight from the entrenched systems to prevent transparency, but believes that when information becomes public "at scale," it will lead to more direct contracts and a cascade of positive effects.
We finish the conversation with some great suggestions about where we should visit if we ever make it across the pond.
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