This episode is in collaboration with MIT Sloan Healthcare and BioInnovations Conference, an event that brings the healthcare ecosystem together. In this episode, I sat with JR Clark, whose story is a testament to adaptability and recognizing opportunities for growth and change, from consulting to addressing the crucial issue of access and healthcare affordability. We discussed the imperative of addressing financial toxicity and ensuring equitable access to care. JR underscores the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including health insurers, employers, and technology innovators, in advancing solutions to mitigate barriers to healthcare. He emphasizes the pivotal role of leadership in achieving those goals by promoting compassion, empathy, and inclusivity within healthcare organizations, ultimately striving for better patient outcomes and societal well-being. "People shouldn't have to make different decisions based upon whether or not they can pay for care" MEET OUR GUEST JR Clark Senior Vice President at Paytient. J.R. Clark is the Senior Vice President of Health Plan Product and Strategy at Paytient Technologies, where he partners with thoughtful employers, insurers, and health systems to help people better access and afford healthcare. J.R. is a former Director and Actuary of Anthem (Elevance), where he was known for his public exchange marketplace strategies and creation of alternative products in the Individual and Small Employer segments. Prior to that, he was an actuarial consultant with Watson Wyatt Worldwide (now known as Willis Towers Watson). He began his career as a nuclear engineer with Florida Power and Light in Juno Beach, Florida, where he developed optimization strategies for spent nuclear fuel. J.R. obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering and completed graduate coursework in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is an Associate of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. J.R. resides in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife, son, daughter, and cat.