Self-Funded

In installment 2 of my coverage of the True Captive Summit, I sit down with Adam Berkowitz of Simpara, and his client Lance Young, of Shine Solar. In this mini-episode, we discuss Lance's experience working in Human Resources and how his partnership with Simpara inspired Shine Solar to transition from fully-insured to self-funded. Shine Solar went from experiencing annual costs increases with no ability to counteract this trend, to lowering their cost multiple years in a row, while simultaneously improving their benefits for their employees! I LOVE client testimonials, so thank you so much to Lance and Adam in sharing their success story!

Episode 38 of Self-Funded with Spencer features Jorge Arzate, CEO and Founder of MAKINA BENEFITS. Jorge joined me on the show to discuss the role of a boutique-style independent TPA and his passion for helping small employers take control of their healthcare spend. We had conversations about discipline as an entrepreneur, focusing on growth over just setting goals, and even kicked the chat off with our mutual upbringing on #heavymetal.

I recently took the Self-Funded w/ Spencer Podcast on the road to Oklahoma City where I covered the Future of Business and Benefits Conference, Hosted by True Captive Insurance and Presented by Valenz.  In this mini-episode, I sat down with the CEO of True Captive, David Vorhees, to discuss the goals for the conference and what the audience should expect in terms of quality content.

Dan is the US Head of Sales, Middle Market for Meritain Health. He has an extensive career in Employee Benefits, especially in Self-Funding, and received his CEBS designation through an affiliation with the Wharton School.   In particular, this episode focuses on the advanced role of a TPA for self-funded groups, and how they can serve as an open architecture solution for employers to customize their health plan and better control the cost of care. Dan is also an avid fitness enthusiast, participating in triathlons as well as competitive rowing, and this passion for his own personal health coincides perfectly with his career.

One of the most neglected parts of our healthcare system in the last few years has been the lack of availability in virtual mental/behavioral health support for employees.   In this episode, Mike Kohl of Vida Health joined me to discuss whole person healthcare, which includes a heavy emphasis on getting members of an employer sponsored health plan access to mental health support as quickly as possible.   Mike is a great person, with an awesome story, and I hope you find this information valuable.

Erik Templin is Executive Vice President at Brown & Brown.   He is one of the most knowledgeable people in our industry, and the person responsible for introducing me to the concept of self-funding.   He's also an outstanding strategist, salesman, and family man, and has been a mentor for me as I go through my own career journey in this industry.  

Allison is the Founder of Altiqe Consulting, a boutique employee benefits consulting firm out of San Antonio, Texas.   Allison is easily one of the most innovative EB consultants I know, and also a podcast host herself, with her show called "Raising the Bar with Allison De Paoli".  https://raisingthebar.live/

Chris Fisher is the Founder of BenefitsAlly and the creator of the 3x3x3 podcast series.   Chris has alway had a finger on the pulse of what’s new and innovative in the insurance space, and he’s one of the most connected people I know in employee benefits.   We discuss everything from new benefit solutions, carrier group school, Vonlane luxury bus travel,  and Chris’ COVID hair!

Megan Chiarello and Andy Neary join me in the studio to discuss how to maximize your efforts on LinkedIn.   If you are a salesperson, an entrepreneur, a marketing specialist, and insurance broker, or just someone that wants to grow your network of prospects and clients, this special episode of the podcast is for you!   Make sure you follow all of us on LinkedIn for more great content!   Megan Chiarello - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganchiarello/  Andy Neary - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyneary/  Spencer Smith - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/

Chetara Brisbon is the Director of Growth for Nice Healthcare.   Chetara flew all the way in from South Carolina to share her story, as well as her company’s value proposition.   In the show we talk family, her pursuit of a PhD, in-home healthcare visits, virtual primary care services, and so much more.