Unity Preferred Network Interview – Jarred Pierce

Jarred Pierce with Lance Armstrong on the left 

What inspired you to start this healthcare company?

I’ve been building networks in healthcare for over 20 years, so this industry has always been a deep passion of mine. Over time, I saw new companies and solutions enter the space that weren’t truly benefiting providers, consumers, or the system as a whole. Many legacy networks became complacent, and newer ones often prioritized profit over purpose. I felt a personal and ethical obligation to step in and build something better — something aligned with doing what’s right. My mission has been to create real, positive change in a system I believe is broken, and to lead by example in hopes that others will follow.

What is your vision for the future of healthcare?

My vision is a healthcare system built on transparency and fairness, one where doctors can focus on care instead of acting like collection agencies or feeling pressured to overbill just to get paid fairly. I want patients to access the care they need without financial fear — not having to choose between their health and basic needs like groceries or family essentials. Ultimately, it’s about creating a system where both providers and members are treated with respect and clarity.

What sets your leadership style apart in such a demanding industry?

What sets my leadership apart is that I’ve worked my way up from the ground level in this industry. I’ve been on the provider side, worked in claims and collections, and truly understand the challenges at every layer of the healthcare system, except being a clinician myself. That breadth of experience gives me perspective, empathy, and a deep respect for everyone involved. Unlike some leaders who’ve only seen one side of the industry or come in from outside without fully understanding it, I lead with both hands-on knowledge and a commitment to doing what’s right, not just what’s profitable.

What do you see as the biggest challenge in healthcare today?

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare today is the lack of transparency and access to clear, unbiased information. Consumers often don’t fully understand their coverage options, especially with so many non-traditional and innovative plans emerging alongside legacy insurance models. At the same time, we’re seeing increased consolidation — insurance carriers acquiring provider networks and even acting as brokers. This blurs the lines, creates potential conflicts of interest, and limits patient choice. When the same entity sells you insurance, treats you, and manages your claims, it can lead to a system that prioritizes profit over patient care. We need more independence, transparency, and clarity across the board — for consumers, providers, and the system to function fairly.

How is your company adapting to the rise of technology and innovation in healthcare?

We’re heavily investing in AI and cutting-edge technology to stay ahead. Our top IT experts lead development on tools like our repricing engine, while we’re also adopting innovative solutions to streamline claims processing and data analysis. By leveraging AI, we can better forecast client needs and deliver proactive, efficient service. Technology is a key priority and will continue to be a major focus for our growth and impact.

Where do you think the industry is headed in the next five to ten years?

I expect healthcare will see more consolidation and continued investment from private equity and venture capital, which unfortunately often drives greed in the industry. Despite that, we aim to lead by prioritizing fair, transparent reimbursements and negotiations, and by expanding provider access so members get the care they need. We’re also focusing heavily on behavioral health, a historically neglected area. We’ve partnered with trusted providers across mental health and substance abuse, working to raise awareness, educate health plans, and incentivize members to seek care. Early investment in behavioral health can prevent costly, catastrophic health issues down the line, benefiting both consumers and the system overall.

What makes your company different from others in the space?

Unlike most competitors who primarily focus on the payers, TPAs, health plans, or insurance carriers, we put a strong emphasis on the provider community. Providers never pay us a dollar, but without their trust and satisfaction, we wouldn’t have a network. Our leadership has deep, hands-on experience in medical billing and provider operations, which sets us apart from competitors who often come from outside the industry, driven mostly by profit. We build lower-cost, high-quality contracts without the usual noise and unfair discounting. Our approach is transparent and balanced, protecting both providers and clients. We never overbill, and we focus on fair reimbursements and sustainable growth, not just discounts or quick wins. This commitment to integrity and respect for all parties is what truly differentiates us.

How are you improving patient outcomes or the patient experience?

We improve patient outcomes by partnering with companies that track results and match members with providers based solely on the best quality care, not cost. For patient experience, we stand apart from competitors by having physical signed contracts with providers, ensuring transparency and eliminating surprise bills. Members simply pay their co-pay, their bills are covered, and they avoid the typical billing confusion and stress. Unlike others who rely on discounts without contracts and cause billing headaches, we provide a seamless, worry-free experience for both patients and providers.

How do you balance innovation with regulatory and ethical responsibilities?

We balance innovation with regulatory and ethical responsibilities by staying closely connected to our clients, providers, and employer groups, while rigorously following all relevant rules and regulations. Our approach builds on core, proven strategies developed over decades, but we continuously innovate to improve member experience and provider engagement. We customize networks to meet specific needs and partner with solutions that enhance our offerings, even if they don’t add to our profits, to stay ahead of the curve. Above all, we prioritize delivering a seamless, compliant experience with no surprises or legal risks for our members.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned as a leader in healthcare?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay open and constantly keep learning. I actively seek insights from people at all levels, whether they’re above, below, or simply more knowledgeable in certain areas. I surround myself with experts and listen to their ideas because no single solution fits every situation. The industry evolves, so being flexible and willing to pivot is key. I also value fresh perspectives from outside healthcare that can bring innovative ideas to the table.

How do you inspire your team to innovate in an industry that can be highly regulated?

We motivate our team not just with incentives and bonuses, but by encouraging growth and cross-department collaboration. Team members have opportunities to explore different roles and understand challenges across sales, provider recruitment, admin, and appeals. By bringing everyone to the table, we foster diverse ideas and solutions, helping us address problems early and build a stronger, more versatile company.

What role does diversity and inclusion play in your company’s culture and mission?

Diversity and inclusion are central to our culture and mission. We have a diverse team across genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds, reflecting the communities where we operate in Southern California, St. Louis, and Oklahoma. We’re committed to hiring the best talent, ensuring a fair and open hiring process that values skills and potential over any other factor. Our diverse workforce helps us better serve our clients and innovate as a company.

What upcoming initiatives are you most excited about?

We have several upcoming conferences across payer, provider, and workers’ comp sectors where I’ll be speaking and our team will be exhibiting and attending. In 2026, we’re focused on expanding our brand and presence at key events like Becker’s, SIIA, HCAA, and the U-powered Symposium. Unlike others who stay behind the scenes, we’re proud to be a visible leader in the PPO space — committed to transparency and improving the provider community, insurance world, and member experience, not just chasing profits.

If you could leave readers with one message about healthcare, what would it be?

My message is simple: always ask questions, from your provider, your plan, and your broker. Each has different incentives, so understanding their goals helps you make the best choices for you and your family. Don’t settle for the first answer; become an informed healthcare consumer. We spend time researching everything else, but our biggest investment — our health — often gets the least attention. Educate yourself to avoid overpaying or underinsuring before it’s too late.