Innovation & Insights
A leader's perspective on people-first vision for healthcare
02 January 2026
Providence Health Plan (PHP) President and CEO Don Antonucci recently joined The CEO Show to talk about the state of healthcare in America, what is driving rising costs, and the leadership principles guiding PHP through a rapidly changing environment.
Over the course of the conversation, Don offered an honest assessment of today’s healthcare system and a clear vision for what must change to make care more affordable, accessible, and human-centered.
The question: “Why do healthcare costs keep rising?”
With more than 30 years in the health plan industry, Don shared a candid perspective on why healthcare costs continue to increase. While inflation, utilization, and the growing availability of innovative – but expensive – medications all play a role, the challenge runs deeper.
The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other developed nation, yet outcomes don’t reflect that. Structural issues within the system, including payment models and cost-shifting across Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial markets, have created pressures that aren't sustainable.
Don emphasized that while coverage has expanded over time, affordability remains a critical concern – especially as policy changes could significantly impact access to health insurance for many families.
The desire: Reimagining healthcare around affordability and caregiver support
For Don, affordability sits at the center of healthcare transformation, but it cannot be addressed in isolation. Access, quality, and experience must advance together.
A key part of that equation is supporting doctors and nurses. Burnout among caregivers continues to rise, and Don believes better patient and member experiences start with ensuring caregivers can work at the top of their license, with fewer administrative burdens and more time focused on people.
He also highlighted the importance of moving away from fee-for-service models toward more coordinated, value-focused care that prioritizes outcomes over volume.
The plan: Technology as an enabler, not a replacement
Don sees technology and artificial intelligence as powerful tools to improve healthcare when used thoughtfully. AI is already reducing administrative workload, freeing clinicians from hours of documentation and allowing more meaningful patient interactions. By scaling technologies that improve efficiency, reduce friction, and simplify the experience, healthcare organizations can make progress on affordability while also improving access and quality.
At the same time, Don stressed that technology should never replace the human connection at the heart of healthcare. Instead, it should support and strengthen it. During the interview, Don reflected on the Providence promise – know me, care for me, ease my way – and how it guides decisions across Providence Health Plan.
What resonates most, he shared, is the simplicity and clarity of the promise. It’s not just a statement on the wall, but a shared purpose that shapes how caregivers serve members, providers, brokers, and communities.
By continually asking whether actions move the organization closer to knowing, caring for, and easing the way for people, Providence Health Plan keeps its mission grounded in real-world impact.
The takeaway: Leadership lessons from the long run
Don also drew parallels between leadership and marathon running – a discipline he took up later in life. Training for and completing marathons taught him the importance of pacing, adaptability, and resilience.
In leadership, especially during challenging times for healthcare, speed alone isn’t enough. Progress requires steady focus, the ability to adjust to changing conditions, and the discipline to take things one step at a time.
He outlined five leadership principles that guide his approach today:
1. A clear vision
2. The right talent
3. Strong, consistent communication
4. A systems-level perspective
5. And intentional use of time, reflected in how leaders manage their calendars
When asked what keeps him up at night, Don returned to healthcare affordability and the responsibility leaders have to stay focused on what truly moves the needle. Saying no to distractions, he noted, is just as important as saying yes to the right opportunities.
Looking ahead, his vision for healthcare is both pragmatic and hopeful: care that is personal, affordable, accessible, and supported by technology that enhances – rather than replaces – human connection.
At its core, Don believes healthcare should deliver what any of us would want for ourselves and our families: timely care, clear options, and an experience that feels supportive, not overwhelming.
