Strategic Contracting for Sustainable Growth and Exceptional Care
The Managed Care & Clinical Contracting Strategies Team is dedicated to supporting UTMB in achieving operational excellence, financial integrity, and sustainable growth. Our team is responsible for developing, negotiating, and managing contracts with health insurance plans, physician networks, and other healthcare providers. With expertise across a broad spectrum of focus areas, we serve UTMB as a group focused on navigating the complexities of today’s payor market.
Through strategic partnerships and value-based care initiatives, we help optimize reimbursement, improve patient access, and support long-term system growth. Our team collaborates closely with clinical, operational, and financial leaders to ensure that all agreements support UTMB's mission of providing exceptional care while navigating the complex and evolving healthcare landscape.
Our Areas of Expertise
Meet the Vice President
B.Kent Pickering, MA, JD, LLM
Vice President
Managed Care & Clinical Contracting Strategies
Kent Pickering serves as Vice President of Managed Care and Clinical Contracting Strategies at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. In this leadership role, Kent oversees managed care operations, population health operations, and strategic payer contracting. He champions system-wide collaboration across the UT Healthcare System to enhance payer leverage and deliver high-quality healthcare aligned with UTMB's mission.
Kent brings over two decades of executive experience in healthcare strategy, managed care, and value-based contracting. His expertise spans strategic planning, financial optimization, team leadership, and the development of innovative partnerships with commercial insurers, Medicare programs, and accountable care organizations. He has successfully managed contract portfolios exceeding $1 billion in value while consistently delivering significant cost savings and operational improvements.
Prior to joining UTMB, Kent held a leadership position at LHC Group, where he directed national payer strategy across post-acute care segments and led a 25+ member cross-functional team. At Cigna Medicare, he orchestrated Medicare Advantage Expansion strategies nationally, built provider networks in 20+ new markets, and negotiated high-value partnerships with major health systems.
His educational background includes a B.S. in Mathematics, M.A. in International Management Studies, J.D., and LL.M in Health Law, Policy, and Management.
Kent is recognized for his ability to build and lead high-performing teams, drive innovation in managed care contracting, and execute complex strategic initiatives that support healthcare organizations' growth and financial objectives while advancing quality patient care.