Payer Negotiation

Helping health systems navigate high-stakes payer negotiations.

We continue to be at the center of the biggest healthcare fights.

Payer negotiations increasingly play out far beyond the negotiating table—among patients, employers, policymakers, local media and the communities health systems serve. We help health systems navigate that broader environment, combining communications, public affairs, media relations and stakeholder engagement to support negotiations that can have significant implications for reimbursement, reputation and patient access.

Working alongside managed care, communications, legal, government relations and executive teams, we help identify the audiences, issues and pressure points that can shape a negotiation and build strategies to reach them. Whether the goal is preparing for a potential dispute, explaining complex issues to patients and the public, engaging key stakeholders or responding to developments, we help health systems communicate clearly and protect trust at critical moments.

What We Do

A clear communications strategy helps leadership teams stay aligned, anticipate potential pressure points and adapt as negotiations evolve. Messaging is built to support the broader business objective while remaining credible with patients, employees and external stakeholders.

Different audiences need different levels of information at different moments. Thoughtful communications with leadership, physicians, employees, patients, employers, policymakers and other stakeholders help maintain trust and reduce confusion throughout the negotiation.

SKDK’s in-house Content Studio provides award-winning creative services to Fortune 100 companies, nonprofits, advocacy groups and political campaigns at all levels of government. We know the right format to tell your story and make sure the creative is optimized for each channel.

As deadlines approach or new issues emerge, negotiations can shift quickly. Real-time counsel and rapid-response support help leadership teams manage risk, assess developments, respond and maintain a consistent approach under pressure.

Case Studies