Relocalizing Health with Dave Chase

TopHealth Media
  • 4.5 (15)
  • Medicine

While Washington argues and Wall Street profits, a quiet transformation is reshaping healthcare: one community at a time. Relocalizing Health takes you inside this movement with Dave Chase, founder of Health Rosetta, as he talks with the people leading healthcare's ground-up transformation. Their approach? Keep care local, rebuild trust, and redirect healthcare wasted spending into something that actually serves people. You'll hear real-world stories from employers, clinicians, and civic leaders who are designing health plans and ecosystems that work, and strengthening their local economies in the process. Featured guests include: - Public sector leaders who've redesigned employee health benefits to free up millions for essential services. - Physicians who've left corporate systems to practice relationship-based care. - Manufacturing executives using healthcare as a competitive advantage - not a cost burden. - Civic leaders helping communities reclaim control of their healthcare destiny. If you care about your community's future and want to see what's actually working in healthcare transformation, this show offers a clear-eyed look at proven models and how to implement them.

  1. Oct 23

    How Wisconsin School Districts Built Better Health Plans and Curbed Rising Healthcare Costs

    Welcome to Relocalizing Health. In this episode, Dave Chase sits down with Brian Adesso, Director of Business Services for the Menasha Joint School District and President of the Employer Healthcare Cooperative of Wisconsin (EHCW), to explore how a group of Wisconsin employers, including school districts and private companies, joined forces to fight skyrocketing healthcare costs. Together, they created a cooperative model that now covers over 23,000 people and has cut out-of-pocket expenses for employees by nearly half, all in one of the highest-priced hospital markets in the nation. Dave Chase and Brian Adesso discuss why traditional health plans were devastating school budgets, how pooling resources and ownership led to direct provider negotiations, and the powerful impact of local control. They share lessons learned from building trust, overcoming skepticism, and expanding the cooperative’s reach, along with stories about improved benefits that are making a difference for teachers, staff, and other public employees. Whether you’re a district administrator, a city manager, or a private sector employer feeling the squeeze of rising premiums, this episode breaks down practical steps and inspiration for taking ownership of healthcare in your community. Timestamps: 00:00 Healthcare cost challenges and solutions 06:13 Concerns about AI in healthcare 06:57 Coding intensity in healthcare 10:15 Change in provider-employer relationships 15:40 Challenges of switching insurance plans 16:36 Healthcare coverage for pregnancies 20:44 Discussing community-owned health plans 23:33 Community and ownership in cooperatives 28:09 Employer Healthcare Cooperative growth story 29:15 School district healthcare solutions Learn More: RosettaFest 2027 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/  Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

  2. Oct 8

    How Local Cooperatives Are Rebuilding Healthcare From the Ground Up

    Welcome back to Relocalizing Health with Dave Chase. In this episode, Dave explores how communities can reclaim control over their healthcare dollars, drawing inspiration from cooperative models both in American history and abroad. Only about 15.5 cents of every healthcare dollar actually reach clinicians, with much of the money leaving local communities. He shares stories of towns and employers across the U.S. building local, community-owned health plans, without waiting for Congress or federal policy. Learn how the cooperative spirit that powered rural electrification, credit unions, and European health systems can offer a blueprint for sustainable, grassroots healthcare transformation right in your county. If you’re a civic leader, employer, medical professional, or simply a concerned neighbor, this episode will show you practical steps your community can take to build a healthier, more resilient future, starting today. Timestamps: 00:00 Building the future of healthcare 05:34 European health system origins 09:25 Community health ownership models 11:09 Developing a Community Health Plan 16:06 Local healthcare cooperation and collaboration 17:34 Additional resources and book info Learn More: RosettaFest 2027 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/  Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

  3. Sep 17

    When People Care, Communities Change

    Welcome back to Relocalizing Health. In this episode, host Dave Chase sits down with Charles Marohn, founder of Strong Towns and renowned author, to explore what it truly means for a town to be "strong." Drawing analogies from the built environment and decades of on-the-ground civic work, Chuck shares how robust communities rely not just on fiscal sustainability or infrastructure, but on engaged citizens who are empowered to solve problems collaboratively. Together, they dive into stories of transformation in places like Ashtabula County, Ohio, discuss the cultural and mindset shifts necessary for local change, and outline practical frameworks for making meaningful progress, one small step at a time. Whether you’re a civic leader, public sector employee, or just someone who cares deeply about your community's well-being, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to roll up your sleeves to co-create healthier, more resilient places. Timestamps: 00:00 Defining sustainable city development 04:41 Struggling Ohio school district finances 08:46 Using relatable examples for change 10:33 Engaging the local community 15:21 Rethinking public investment strategies 17:29 Businesslike approach to running cities 22:48 Implementing community development projects 26:16 Southcentral Foundation's healthcare transformation 29:49 City council meeting dynamics 30:32 Creating an equal meeting environment 36:40 Importance of community dialogue 38:02 Wrapping up healthcare insights Ashtabula story: Short version - https://relocalizinghealth.com/episode/case-study-the-poorest-county-in-ohio-kept-450-million-home-and-changed-everything Full Conversation with Bryce Heinbaugh - https://relocalizinghealth.com/episode/how-community-owned-health-plans-are-transforming-healthcare-and-boosting-local-economies Full Conversation with Dr. Brad Schneider, Maria Fowler, and Casey Billington - https://relocalizinghealth.com/episode/how-ashtabula-county-reclaimed-healthcare-direct-care-and-community-plans-beat-corporate-systems Learn More: RosettaFest 2027 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/  Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

  4. Sep 1

    How Transparent Imaging Savings Built Trust and Changed Public Sector Healthcare

    Welcome to another episode of Relocalizing Health. Today, we explore how something as simple as rethinking medical imaging can spark a transformation in employer-sponsored healthcare, creating real wins for employees, employers, and communities alike. Host Dave Chase is joined by Dr. Cristin A. Dickerson, a radiologist and founder of Green Imaging, whose innovative approach has brought bundled transparent pricing to imaging services in thousands of communities across America. Together, they discuss why imaging is often the first and most powerful step for organizations seeking to take control of their healthcare spending, breaking down the barriers that have long frustrated patients, from lengthy authorizations to surprise bills. You’ll hear real-world stories of school districts, cities, and counties that have saved millions, improved employee access to care, and even turned health plan savings into raises for their staff. Dr. Cristin A. Dickerson shares how building trust, local partnerships, and simple processes can empower even the most change-averse organizations to take meaningful action. If you’ve ever wondered how health plan innovation really happens or what it takes to move from frustration to affordable, accessible care, this episode is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 Decision-making in public health plans 05:26 Imaging as a crucial first step 06:56 Partnering with Imaging Centers 13:11 Barriers to accessing healthcare 15:49 Getting Brevard County's Approval 17:11 Improving radiology authorization process 22:45 Changing Health Plans Off-Cycle 25:31 Targeting healthcare decision-making 29:39 Hospital billing and negotiation challenges 31:57 Credit unions and hospital practices 36:22 Discussing the Health Reset Dividend 38:47 Affordable healthcare access benefits 41:18 Closing and sign-off Learn More: RosettaFest 2027 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/  Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

  5. Aug 11

    Neighborhoods as Patients

    Welcome to Relocalizing Health. In this episode, Dave Chase explores the powerful connection between neighborhood cohesion and health with guest Seth Kaplan, author of Fragile Neighborhoods. Over recent decades, American communities have suffered from declining local relationships, and with no meaningful incentive to make neighborhoods better, both public and private institutions have unintentionally worked in silos, often leaving health outcomes and the social fabric itself worse off. But there's a movement underway. Across the globe, from Singapore to the Netherlands, new models of healthcare have emerged, focused on empowering residents and rebuilding care around neighborhoods rather than institutions. Drawing on case studies and lessons from around the world, Seth Kaplan and Dave Chase discuss how shifting our mindset, restructuring incentives, and revitalizing neighborhood governance could radically improve health, reduce costs, and revive a sense of belonging. Join us as we explore what happens when the neighborhood, not just the individual, becomes the patient, and how each of us can spark change, starting right where we live. Timestamps: 00:00 Community-driven healthcare models 04:46 Exploring American social cohesion 07:55 Flaws in the American healthcare system 12:50 Yishun Health community engagement strategy 16:55 Creating community healthcare nodes 20:08 Fostering Health in Communities 22:55 Community and Charity Involvement 26:39 Growing small health plans into communities 31:50 Sovereignty and healthcare systems 33:07 Rural electrification and community action 36:31 Neighborhood-centered governance ideas 40:10 Neighborhood improvement incentives 45:01 Public sector's role in healthcare 47:02 Importance of social relationships 53:01 Rethinking and nurturing new ideas 54:39 Community-led healthcare initiatives Learn More: RosettaFest 2027 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/  Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

  6. Jul 30

    How Employer Cooperatives Are Fixing America's Healthcare Cost Crisis

    Welcome to Relocalizing Health, where we explore the transformative power of community-driven healthcare reforms. In today’s episode, guest Lee Lewis and host Dave Chase challenge long-held beliefs about healthcare being an uncontrollable cost and reveal how employers, by banding together in cooperatives, are not just cutting expenses but improving care quality and outcomes. Drawing inspiration from the historic rise of rural electric cooperatives, Dave Chase introduces us to the Health Transformation Alliance, a pioneering employer-owned cooperative reshaping health benefits for millions. Lee Lewis, Chief Strategy Officer of the Health Transformation Alliance (HTA), shares behind-the-scenes stories and actionable insights on how organizations can pool resources, break industry dogmas, and unleash innovations that empower individuals and whole communities. Tune in to hear inspiring case studies, practical strategies for change management, and a powerful call to action for every employer, community leader, and clinician ready to take back control of healthcare and make a real difference for the people they serve. Timestamps: 00:00 Building a healthcare co-op 03:39 Saving for Employee Nursing Stations 08:35 Misconceptions about saving on healthcare 10:25 Identifying motivated benefits team members 15:23 Highlighting hospital cost and risk issues 19:03 Collaborating with local employers 20:42 Scaling innovation with initial partnerships 26:03 Improving patient care navigation 29:39 Improving employee benefits and savings 31:55 Economic impact of technology in workplaces 34:40 Healthcare crisis and hero benefits leaders Learn More: RosettaFest 2027 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/  Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

  7. Jul 29 ·  Bonus

    What Advisors, Employers, and Community Leaders Will Actually Find in This Book

    This episode is for the person who has been following this series and wants to know what is actually inside Relocalizing Health before they read it, and what they will walk away able to do differently. Dave Chase addresses three specific audiences directly. For advisors: the book is a field manual for building fiduciary-grade plans that hold up under scrutiny. It covers the contractual language that separates a plan built to perform from one built to produce revenue for intermediaries, the data access requirements that give employers genuine visibility into how their money is being spent, and the selection and evaluation frameworks that let advisors build accountability into every vendor relationship. For employers: the book shows what it looks like when a health plan is treated as a line of business an organization is actually willing to manage. Not a cost center that absorbs annual increases and passes them to employees. A strategic asset that generates a real dividend and reinvests it in the workforce. For community leaders: the book makes the case that healthcare cost is an economic development problem with a documented solution. The communities that get this right do not just save money. They redirect those savings into schools, workforce development, housing, and the kinds of local investments that build durable economies. Dave also addresses the AI Catalyst section specifically: as artificial intelligence displaces workers at scale, the communities that have figured out how to generate and redirect healthcare savings will have the resources to invest in workforce transition. The ones that have not will face a compounding crisis. The book launches July 29. Every attendee at RosettaFest gets a copy. Key Takeaways: The book is written for three distinct audiences with three distinct entry points: advisors, employers, and community leadersFor advisors: fiduciary-grade plan building, contractual language, data access requirements, vendor evaluation frameworksFor employers: treating the health plan as a strategic asset that generates and reinvests a real dividend, not a cost center absorbing increasesFor community leaders: healthcare cost is an economic development problem with a documented solution and the communities that solve it build durable economiesThe AI Catalyst section: communities that redirect healthcare savings into workforce development will have resources for the transition that AI displacement is acceleratingThe Nautilus Health Institute has democratized the tools so this is no longer locked behind expensive consultants or proprietary frameworksThe book is a field manual, not a manifesto. The playbook exists. What is left is the will to use it.Resources Mentioned: Relocalizing Health by Dave Chase: pre-order on Amazon nowRosettaFest 2026: RosettaFest.orgHealth Rosetta: healthrosetta.orgNautilus Health Institute: open-source tools and frameworksLearn More: RosettaFest 2027 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/  Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

  8. Jul 28 ·  Bonus

    The Employers Who Cracked the Code, And Why Their Stories Are in the Book

    This episode walks through the Rosie Award winners and the case studies that make up the appendix of Relocalizing Health — the documented proof that the model described in this book is not theoretical. Dave Chase walks through what the Rosie Awards actually represent: employers and public sector organizations evaluated on real Plan Grader scores and real reinvestment of savings through the Health Rosetta Dividend. The awards are not given for good intentions. They are given for results, for documented outcomes that show up in the numbers. The episode covers the kinds of results that have earned organizations a place in the appendix and on the Rosie Award stage: school districts that saved millions and kept teachers in classrooms, municipalities that redirected healthcare savings into community infrastructure, employers that eliminated deductibles and copays while reducing total cost, and health systems that demonstrated what direct contracting with employers actually looks like in practice. Dave is direct about why these stories matter: because the standard objection to everything in this book is that it sounds good in theory but would never work at scale or in a normal organization. The appendix is the answer to that objection. These are normal organizations. They are not wealthy. They are not in major metropolitan areas. Many of them are in the same kinds of communities that have been told this is too hard, too risky, or too far outside the status quo to be worth trying. The book launches July 29 at RosettaFest in Nashville. Every attendee gets a copy. Key Takeaways: The Rosie Awards evaluate real Plan Grader scores and real reinvestment of the Health Rosetta Dividend, not good intentionsThe appendix of Relocalizing Health is built from Rosie Award case studies, documented proof that the model works in normal organizationsThe organizations in the appendix are not wealthy, not in major metros, and not operating with special advantages. They are the answer to the objection that this would never work at scale.Results documented across Rosie Award winners include eliminating deductibles and copays, saving millions while keeping public sector budgets intact, and building direct contracting relationships with providersThe people behind these results are at RosettaFest 2026 in Nashville, ready to share everything they builtResources Mentioned: Relocalizing Health by Dave Chase: pre-order on Amazon nowRosettaFest 2026: RosettaFest.orgHealth Rosetta Plan Grader: healthrosetta.orgRosie Award winners PDF: available at RosettaFest.orgLearn More: RosettaFest 2027 - https://rosettafest.org/ Health Rosetta - http://healthrosetta.org/ Nautilus - https://www.nautilushealth.org/ Kynexions - https://kynexions.com/  Dave Chase - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasedave/ Podcast Website - https://relocalizinghealth.com/

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While Washington argues and Wall Street profits, a quiet transformation is reshaping healthcare: one community at a time. Relocalizing Health takes you inside this movement with Dave Chase, founder of Health Rosetta, as he talks with the people leading healthcare's ground-up transformation. Their approach? Keep care local, rebuild trust, and redirect healthcare wasted spending into something that actually serves people. You'll hear real-world stories from employers, clinicians, and civic leaders who are designing health plans and ecosystems that work, and strengthening their local economies in the process. Featured guests include: - Public sector leaders who've redesigned employee health benefits to free up millions for essential services. - Physicians who've left corporate systems to practice relationship-based care. - Manufacturing executives using healthcare as a competitive advantage - not a cost burden. - Civic leaders helping communities reclaim control of their healthcare destiny. If you care about your community's future and want to see what's actually working in healthcare transformation, this show offers a clear-eyed look at proven models and how to implement them.

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