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Julia is an associate editor for The American Journal of Managed Care® (AJMC®) and joined AJMC® in 2022. She produces written and video content covering multiple disease states, and assists in the screening process for manuscripts submitted to AJMC®.

She has a BA in English language and literature from Rutgers University. You can connect with Julia on 

Videos

Communicating to patients that they need to come to their annual checkup is important for eye doctors to convey to help treat their patients, says Ariana Levin, MD.

Strong Patient–Doctor Communication Improves Glaucoma Care: Ariana Levin, MD

 in 2023, where she produces content covering multiple disease states.

She has a BA in journalism from Seton Hall University. You can connect with Brooke on 

Articles

These findings suggest the mental health burden in nonmelanoma skin cancer reflects broader social and clinical factors rather than disease-specific effects.

Mental Health Distress in Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Largely Driven by Sociodemographic, Comorbid Factors

She has a BA in journalism & media studies and Spanish from Rutgers University. You can connect with Rose on 

Tildrakizumab at 100-mg and 200-mg doses showed long-term effectiveness for managing psoriasis in challenging areas in a real-world study. 

Tildrakizumab Shows Long-Term Psoriasis Control for Hard-to-Treat Areas

Vutrisiran significantly reduces mortality and cardiovascular events in older patients with ATTR-CM, enhancing quality of life and functional capacity.

Vutrisiran Improves Survival, Cardiovascular Outcomes Across Age Groups in ATTR-CM

The American Journal of Managed Care provides insights into the latest news and research in managed care across multimedia platforms.

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) speaks with Laxmi Patel, chief strategy officer at Savista, about how the proposed federal Budget Reconciliation Act could 

, rural hospital dependence, or provider tax funding could face the most immediate disruptions and what payers can do to prepare.

, this conversation explores how coverage loss, 

, and administrative burdens may evolve if these reforms move forward—and what proactive, 

Listen above or on one of these podcast services:

Laxmi Patel of Savista discusses how the Budget Reconciliation Act could widen Medicaid coverage gaps and strain hospitals across states.

How Medicaid Reforms Could Deepen State Coverage Gaps

Precision medicine has long shaped cancer care by tailoring treatment to the molecular profile of a patient’s tumor. But Sadie Dobrozsi, MD, medical director for genetic testing and oncology imaging at Evolent, says predictive genomics goes deeper, integrating a patient’s genetic makeup, family history, environment, and overall health to guide both risk reduction and treatment decisions.

Dobrozsi explains how predictive genomics 

 individuals with inherited mutations, such as 

, that increase cancer risk. This enables personalized risk-reduction strategies, ranging from enhanced screening, like breast MRI, to preventive surgery. While payer coverage for germline testing and screening has improved, coverage for more invasive interventions still varies.

Predictive genomics also shapes treatment planning, not only identifying which therapies may work but also who might avoid unnecessary toxicity. Genomic signatures in tumors can determine the need for chemotherapy in early-stage breast cancer or guide the use of targeted agents like PARP inhibitors in 

An emerging area, pharmacogenomics, may further refine treatment by revealing how individuals metabolize drugs, helping avoid ineffective dosing or severe adverse effects. However, Dobrozsi explains the field faces barriers, including data overload, ancestry bias in genetic databases, and inconsistent insurance reimbursement, especially for newer tools like circulating tumor DNA tests.

Evolent plays a key role by aligning clinical evidence with payer policy. Dobrozsi says her team evaluates test quality and relevance, helping health plans streamline access to the most clinically meaningful diagnostics.

As predictive genomics evolves, the goal is clear: “right-sizing” cancer therapy for each individual, using evidence to improve outcomes while minimizing harm.

Sadie Dobrozsi, MD, of Evolent, discusses how predictive genomics is pushing cancer care into a new era of personalization

Navigating Risk, Treatment, and Reimbursement in Precision Oncology: Sadie Dobrozsi, MD 

 speaks with Julia Lucaci, PharmD, MS, the senior director of global health economics and outcomes research at Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), an international medical technology company.

, "Should Payers Incentivize Pharmacies to Blister-Package Chronic Medications?", argues that payers should consider offering higher reimbursement rates and/or preferred network status to pharmacies that dispense chronic medications in blister packs to enhance medication adherence and patient outcomes.

During the conversation, Lucaci explores the widespread impact of medication nonadherence, the benefits and underutilization of blister packaging in the US, and strategies that could support broader adoption to improve chronic disease management and lower overall health care costs.

Julia Lucaci, PharmD, MS, of Becton, Dickinson and Company, discusses the benefits of blister packaging for chronic medications, advocating for payer incentives to boost medication adherence and improve health outcomes.

Blister Packs May Help Solve Medication Adherence Challenges and Lower Health Care Costs

On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we are speaking with Jai N. Patel, PharmD, the associate director of shared resources management at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center.

, "Medical Policy Determinations for Pharmacogenetic Tests Among US Health Plans," uncovered significant differences in coverage decisions for pharmacogenetic tests across major US health insurers and laboratory benefit managers. Pharmacogenetic testing examines how an individual's genetic makeup impacts drug response.

In our discussion, Patel shares what motivated this research, key takeaways from his findings, and steps needed to improve consistency in evidence evaluation and pharmacogenetic test coverage.

On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with the author of a study published in the February 2025 issue of The American Journal of Managed Care® to uncover significant differences in coverage decisions for pharmacogenetic tests across major US health insurers.

Varied Access: The Pharmacogenetic Testing Coverage Divide

 is part of the Frameworks for Advancing Health Equity series from the 

, setting the stage for a deep dive into program initiatives across the US dedicated to mitigating health care disparities by closing the accessibility gap.

Elizabeth Warner, MD, FACS, MHCDS, chief medical officer of Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan (CDPHP), delves into the Wellness Way initiative—a collaborative effort between CDPHP and the largest independent physician practice in the region, Community Care Physicians (CCP). The new health care facility was designed to improve access to comprehensive outpatient care and address social determinants of health for a diverse patient population.

Warner discusses how the center's focus on patient experience, community partnerships, and integration of physical and mental health care services sets it apart from traditional hospital-based care.

The Wellness Way facility was designed to improve access to comprehensive outpatient care and address social determinants of health for a diverse patient population.

Frameworks for Advancing Health Equity: Wellness Way

This episode is another installment of the 

, which highlights innovative programs developed in the health care space that are striving to address the health inequities and disparities that exist within the US health care system.

Melissa Clarke, MD, CMQ, the chief health equity officer at 

, explains the company's commitment to "Health Equity by Design" and how it ensures a personalized and intentional approach for all its members, regardless of race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and geographic or financial access.

Frameworks for Advancing Health Equity episodes:

Melissa Clarke, MD, CMQ, the chief health equity officer at Elevance Health, explains "Health Equity by Design" and how Elevance Health is committed to ensuring a personalized and intentional approach for all its members.

Frameworks for Advancing Health Equity: Health Equity by Design

Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute's (FCS') Nathan Walcker, CEO, discusses some key strategic practices and initiatives in providing high quality community-based oncology care he has implemented at FCS.

®’s Institute for Value-Based Medicine® event held in Tampa, Florida, on August 10, 2023.

Listen above or through one of these podcast services:

Nathan Walcker, CEO at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS), highlights some of the recent partnerships and initiatives at FCS to improve community-based oncology care from a value-based perspective. 

Nathan Walcker Discusses Value-Based Oncology Care Initiatives at FCS

Initially starting in 2011 as a ministry that offered food, clothing, and other services to community members in Pittsburgh, the Neighborhood Resilience Project, led by Reverend Paul Abernathy, has since gained national attention for its work on promoting health and resiliency in trauma-affected communities, which face disparities in access and accessibility of care, and medical mistrust.


On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with Reverend Abernathy on the challenges presented in managing these underserved communities, how his community partnernership with UPMC Health Plan assists his organization’s mission, and advice he would give to other community stakeholders in pursuing health equity.

On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with Reverend Paul Abernathy, CEO of the Neighborhood Resilience Project and board member of UPMC for You, who discusses his experiences in promoting health and resiliency in trauma-affected communities, as well as challenges related to access and accessibility of care and medical mistrust.

Promoting Health Equity and Resiliency in Trauma-Affected Communities

Even before the pandemic began in 2020, the number of health care organizations appointing chief health equity officers had started to grow. Is this a role for 1 person only or do initiatives to tackle health care disparities and other issues begin at a higher level? And how can change really be accomplished so there is a measurable effect on health outcomes?

In this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with Sachin Jain, MD, MBA, who joined SCAN Group and Health Plan 2 years ago as president and CEO. He discusses an effort, recently described in an article in 

, about how SCAN made 10% of senior managers’ annual bonuses dependent on how well the gap in medication adherence among diverse populations was reduced.

The former CareMore executive shares why executives at the top of organizations need to champion and lead initiatives to reduce health care disparities and do more than “virtue signaling” on health equity issues.

Listen to the interview above or through one of these podcast services:

In this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with Sachin Jain, MD, MBA, SCAN Group and Health Plan's president and CEO, about how the organization made 10% of senior managers’ annual bonuses dependent on how well the gap in medication adherence among diverse populations was reduced.

Reducing Health Care Disparities Starts at the Top, Says Dr Sachin Jain

America’s children and teenagers are facing a mental health crisis of epidemic proportions. More than 1 in 3 high school students had worsening mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and nearly half felt persistently sad or hopeless, according to 

Moreover, not everyone is affected to the same degree. Female students, as well as those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ), report higher levels of mental distress and suicide-related behaviors.

On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we speak with Amrita Rai, the clinical director of the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), a managed Medicaid health care plan in Southern California. IEHP is partnering with Molina Healthcare, County Behavioral Health, the education departments in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and some local school districts and charter schools to implement the Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program, a 3-year state program to expand prevention and early intervention behavioral health services.

This episode discusses why the program is needed, the goals of the program, and some of the reasons why children and adolescents are struggling. 

We also discuss 988, an upgrade to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number coming July 16, 2022. The number will connect individuals with trained counselors, and, if needed, send specially trained responders with the aim of reducing armed law enforcement interventions.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available by calling the the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free number, which is 988 beginning on July 16, 2022—or call the existing number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255)—to reach your local certified crisis center.

Listen to an excerpt of the interview above or through one of these podcast services:

Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP)

On this episode of Managed Care Cast, we find out about efforts by a managed Medicaid health care plan in Southern California to bring prevention and intervention mental health services to schools in response to a worsening crisis among America's children and adolescents.

Improving the Mental Health of Children Through School-Based Prevention, Intervention Services

There is a shift happening in mental health care, with real-world data and holistic evaluations improving patient outcomes and reducing disparities.

RWD Is Transforming Mental Health, Neurology Managed Care: Mitzi Wasik, PharmD

The most-viewed content focused on the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the Most Favored Nation drug policy, and other changes under the Trump administration.

Pharma Leaders Stress Policy, Value-Based Care, and Collaboration as Key to Improving Drug Access

How strategic partnerships in oncology can enhance patient care by addressing diverse needs through collaboration.

Partnerships in Oncology Care Can “Span Everything”

Experts discuss the evolving dynamics between payers and providers in oncology, emphasizing value-based care, data transparency, and collaborative reform opportunities.

Optimizing Oncology Outcomes Through Aligned Payer-Provider Strategies

IVBM interview with Adam Brufsky, MD, PhD

Postpandemic Breast Cancer Screening Rates Explained: Adam Brufsky, MD, PhD

 event, “Driving the Future of Cancer Care,” held on November 13, Adam Brufsky, MD, PhD, addresses how the COVID-19 pandemic affected 

 screening rates across Pittsburgh, as well as that the overall impact was less severe than many had anticipated on a national level. He also highlights certain patient populations facing the greatest risk of delayed or inconsistent screening for breast cancer and that they also face a higher risk of more advanced-stage diagnosis.

Brufsky is a professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and moderated the discussion “Gaps and Unmet Needs in the Journey of Patients With Breast Cancer.”

This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity; captions were auto-generated.

How have breast cancer screening rates evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic, and what populations remain at greatest risk for delayed or inconsistent screening?

I think, at least in the Pittsburgh area, we did a really good job. I think there may have been a small drop in the number of people who were screened. They didn't want to come in or they delayed their screening during the pandemic because they were afraid, or, more often, I think that the facility itself was a little bit concerned about the spread of coronavirus, so they kind of really closed things down a bit. So, people delayed their screening. I think some people actually even canceled; a couple did. And for a while, probably over the last 3 to 5 years, we've seen a few people come in with a little bit more advanced disease than we thought they would have. It hasn't been as much as I think everybody thought it was, but it was still something that you could see.

I think the populations now that really remain most at risk are really low-income populations. I think low socioeconomic status—people who are working several jobs to make ends meet. They don't have time to get a mammogram, to get screened. Those are probably the biggest ones, I would say. There are some cultural ones, too. I mean, there are certain cultural ethnic groups that may be more distrustful of the medical establishment and don't really want to get a mammogram, I think, or any other kind of cancer screening. Those are probably the ones, at least to me, that are the ones that are at most risk, I think, for more advanced disease because they’re not getting screened.

Where do the biggest gaps exist in genomic testing access and utilization?

By genomic testing you probably mean the assays, like MammaPrint and Oncotype, things like that. I think some of it is they are fairly widespread among medical oncologists. I think they're becoming more and more widespread among surgeons. In fact, what's happening is that surgeons are ordering them earlier and earlier in the disease course, and it's not necessarily what the medical oncologist wants. In other words, for example, a surgeon may want a MammaPrint and order it because MammaPrint can let you know what the rate of pathologic complete response is to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Oncotype really can't. So, they'll order it, but then the medical oncologist really wants an Oncotype because they’re just more familiar with it, so they're going to want that.

There's always this kind of like… I've gone to many areas of the country to try to defuse some of these arguments between the medical oncologist and surgeon, and that, in itself, can be somewhat of a barrier to someone wanting to order the test.

Adam Brufsky, MD, PhD, addresses how the COVID-19 pandemic affected breast cancer screening rates across Pittsburgh.

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