Episode 4: Chris Deacon Pt.1

Healthcare is complicated, but is that complexity protecting employers and patients, or protecting the business models operating behind the scenes?

In this episode of Full Disclosure, Chris Estep and Andy Rodriguez sit down with Chris Deacon, healthcare attorney, founder of VerSan Consulting, former public health plan leader, author of The Great American Healthcare Heist, and a nationally recognized voice on healthcare transparency and reform.

Chris shares what she has learned from testifying before Congress, leading public health plans, reviewing audits and contracts, and working alongside employers, unions, policymakers, and healthcare purchasing coalitions.

The conversation explores why transparency must be the starting point for meaningful reform, what CAA 2026 could mean for fiduciary responsibility, and why employers must look beyond vendor labels to understand the actual functions, incentives, and financial relationships operating within their health plans.

They also discuss hidden transaction fees, carrier and PBM relationships, claims data restrictions, stop-loss arrangements, misleading guarantees, and the difference between the lowest price, the best value, and the lowest true net cost.

Most importantly, Chris explains what employers should be asking during the proposal and renewal process, which red flags should make them pause, and how the right broker, consultant, PBM, carrier, or healthcare partner should make the employer smarter not make them feel difficult for asking questions.

Because employers do not need to have every answer. But if they are responsible for the decision, they should be able to follow the money, understand the tradeoffs, and get clear answers.