Beyond Benefits

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Silverman to explore the evolving world of “enhanced” benefits and why every employee offering deserves attention, not just medical plans. We dive into recent class action lawsuits, compensation strategies, and how technology and transparency are reshaping the industry. Eric also shares how he builds relationships through social media, his passion for cars and sports, and one of his favorite books, which inspires his approach to thoughtful generosity.

In this episode Josh discusses the growing number of innovative solutions and strategies flooding the benefits and health care markets, as well as the external forces that are currently reshaping our industry. We also dig into the importance of networking and in-person events, reminisce about Josh's time as BenefitsPRO Advisor of the Year and preview the upcoming BenefitsPRO Broker Expo in Chicago. As always, we close out with a fun discussion about what he does to relax and refresh and a few things you might now know about a city that feels like a small town: Amarillo, Texas.

In this episode, we chat with Chris Deacon, Founder of VerSan Consulting, former New Jersey Deputy Attorney General, and author of “The Great American Healthcare Heist." Chris discusses her transition into the benefits world, going from being New Jersey’s deputy attorney general to running the New Jersey’s state health benefits program, to starting her own consulting firm that focuses on spreading awareness about health care issues. We also touch on her book, “The Great American Healthcare Heist” which aims to make readers question the financial motivations behind health care institutions. Finally, we look at the current state and the future outlook of the health care and benefits world. We finish the conversation with some great suggestions about where we should visit if we ever make it across the pond.  

In this episode, we talk to Deb Ault, better known as Nurse Deb, the president of AIMM. We discuss her dedication to change, both as a nurse and as a pioneer of disruption in the health care and benefits space. We also chat about the challenges of employers' and employees' slow acceptance of change, as well as the realities of working in a broken system. One of the biggest challenges Nurse Deb shares is that many employers are not yet upset enough with the status quo to demand something different: "Until people are pissed off, they're not going to change." But, don't worry, we also get to know Nurse Deb on a personal level. We chat about how she spends her free time, her most recent vacation, and some secret treasures in Columbus, Ohio!

In this episode, we talk with Melissa Burkhart, founder and president of Futuro Solido USA. We discuss her work in the benefits translation space and discuss why creating establishing trust and creating connections with employees matters now, more than ever. She also offers lots of great tips and ideas about benefits communication as we head into open enrollment season! We also discuss her new partnership with NABIP and her work with the Coalition for Inclusion in Benefits and Insurance. And yes, as always, we go down a few rabbit trails, including the hidden connection between middle schoolers, grammar and anchovies, some liberal arts bonding, and a little rant about the vastly underrated food scene in Denver.    

Join Jason Beutler, CEO of RoboSource and AI expert, alongside Daniel Fuller, a sales leader with a background in benefits advising. They dive into the transformative power of AI in benefits and healthcare, discussing how automation can alleviate manual tasks and enhance job roles. Insights include practical advice for benefits advisors, the importance of aligning AI use with business goals, and reframing fears about job loss into opportunities for growth. Plus, a sprinkle of fun topics like running, beach volleyball, and local culinary gems!

In this episode, we dive into the exciting (you read that right!) world of compliance, with Jennifer Spiegel Berman, compliance maven and chief legal officer at Lumelight. One of Jen’s superpowers is her ability to make complex and complicated topics compelling, urgent and understandable. During our conversation, she shares some of her secrets and explains why this skillset is going to become increasingly vital for benefits advisors in the coming years, as compliance becomes an ever more important differentiator during conversations with employers.

Our latest conversation is with Clint Flanagan, a board-certified physician, direct-primary care pioneer, entrepreneur, and the founder and CMO of Nextera Healthcare. Dr. Flanagan has been around DPC since its earliest days and he has some fascinating insights about the incredible transformation that it has undergone over the years. We also delve into the more recent “localvore” movement, its relationship with DPC and current health care trends, and we also discuss why describing DPC as “innovative” isn’t entirely accurate.

Health Rosetta co-founder and CEO, Dave Chase, shares how he draws inspiration from historical social movements and revolutions, explains why a relatively small spark can create a cultural wildfire, and details his quest to find and gather a community of advisors and employers who have “cracked the code.”

Listen in for a wide-ranging discussion with Uche Enemchukwu, benefits attorney, strategy consultant, and CEO of Nelu Diversified Solutions, a global employee benefits consulting, certification, and technology provider. Uche offers her insights into the current state of the industry, the trends she’s watching around plan design and utilization, as well as how industry leaders can — and should — use their influence and spending power to push true innovation in the industry. And as always, we also dive into some fun topics, including the joys of being a PBS nerd, some killer Chicago food recommendations, and yes, plenty of book recommendations!