Recently passed Medicaid cuts are estimated to increase the number of uninsured by over 10 million. That number climbs to over 16 million when you factor in the upcoming expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits that enable hardworking Americans to afford to purchase their own health insurance from the exchanges.

Hospitals serve every patient who walks through their doors, regardless of their insurance or lack-thereof. These cuts will impact their ability to keep the lights on and reduce patients’ access to care – all of which has damaging effects on the surrounding community. 

On today’s episode, Donald Baker, Regional President for Ardent Health’s Texas Region, takes us inside the UT Health East Texas hospital system. Donald explains just how damaging recently passed health care cuts, and the possible elimination of the enhanced premium tax credits, could be not just on patient care, but on the health and economic wellbeing of the entire East Texas community. 

Guest Bio: 

Regional President, Ardent Health’s – Texas Region (Lone Star)

Donald Baker serves as Regional President for Ardent Health’s Texas Region, known as the Lone Star Region. In this role, he oversees strategy development and operations for hospitals and health services in comprehensive delivery networks across Amarillo, Harker Heights, and East Texas, driving strategic growth, clinical excellence, and community-focused care.

Previously, Mr. Baker served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for UT Health East Texas, where he led a comprehensive network that included nine hospitals, an academic medical center, regional rehabilitation facilities, freestanding emergency centers, more than 90 physician clinics, and a full continuum of outpatient and in-home healthcare services. Under his leadership, the system operated the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and maintained a robust emergency transport network with over 65 ambulances and four helicopters, serving a 40-county region with nearly 8,000 employees.

Before joining UT Health East Texas in 2020, Mr. Baker spent more than two decades with Hillcrest HealthCare System in Oklahoma, including 10 years as Market CFO. There, he supported seven hospitals, over 95 clinic locations, and 7,000 employees. His expertise spans managed care contracting, FP&A, financial operations, and executive leadership at large academic medical centers.

Mr. Baker currently serves on the Texas Hospital Association Board of Directors, the HOSPAC Board, and the Tyler Economic Development Council Board of Directors. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Langston University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).