Impact Healthcare Podcast

Welcome to the Impact Healthcare Podcast, where we're revolutionizing the health benefits industry with innovative ideas and game-changing strategies! In our latest episode, host Lester J. Morales has an inspiring conversation with Ray Kober, CEO of Benefixa. If you're tired of hearing the same old promises and ready for some authentic, game-changing insights, this episode is for you!  Ray starts with a heartfelt introduction, emphasizing his dedication to putting people first. At Benefixa, it's all about balancing the needs of employers and employees, ensuring that healthcare isn't just a revenue-driving machine, but a service that truly benefits everyone involved. He shares the story behind their logo – a simple yet powerful symbol of an individual raising their hand, representing employers and employees in their quest for better healthcare solutions.   Growing up in the '70s and '80s, Ray draws inspiration from iconic underdog stories like Rocky. He resonates with the idea of competing against all odds and standing up for the little guy, a theme that drives his relentless pursuit of fairness in the healthcare industry. His disdain for a system that exploits the vulnerable fuels his mission to help organizations see that they don't have to settle for the status quo – there are better ways to achieve their goals.   Lester and Ray explore the complex relationship between insurance carriers and PBMs, revealing the financial incentives driving healthcare costs. They discuss the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) and how it inadvertently encourages higher healthcare spending, benefiting insurance companies at the expense of employers and employees. Ray's insights provide a fresh perspective on why healthcare expenses continue to rise and what can be done to reverse this trend.   Throughout the episode, Ray's authenticity and passion shine through. He challenges listeners to rethink their approach to healthcare, urging them to take control and seek better solutions. Whether you're a CEO, CFO, or HR leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice to help you navigate the complex world of healthcare benefits.   Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of the Impact Healthcare Podcast and join Lester and Ray as they disrupt the status quo, challenge the biggest myths in healthcare, and inspire you to take bold steps towards a more sustainable, cost-effective future. 

Welcome to Impact Healthcare, the podcast that's all about shaking things up in the health benefits world with exciting ideas and strategies! In this episode, Lester J. Morales reconnects with Ben Conner, a trailblazer from Conner Insurance. Ben isn't just making his second appearance on the show; he's bringing a wealth of knowledge and a compelling story that spans decades and generations. Ben's journey with Conner Insurance, a third-generation family business based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is simply remarkable. Celebrating 75 years of service, Conner Insurance is a stalwart in employee benefits, commercial insurance, and personal insurance. Ben, who has been with the company for 18 years, leads with passion and a competitive spirit that traces back to his days on the basketball court, where his determination and innovative thinking set him apart. In this episode, Ben shares what fires him up about the insurance industry and his role as a change agent. He reflects on the underdog mindset that drives him to help frontline workers navigate a healthcare system that often feels like it's working against them. This drive has led Conner Insurance to not just talk the talk but walk the walk! Whether you're a broker, employer, or HR leader, this conversation promises to challenge the status quo and inspire you to take bold steps towards better healthcare solutions. Subscribe now to the Impact Healthcare Podcast and get ready to be informed, inspired, and empowered to make a difference!

Welcome to the Impact Healthcare Podcast, where we're shaking up the health benefits industry with fresh ideas and groundbreaking strategies! In our latest episode, our fantastic host, Lester J. Morales, chats with Peter Rowe, President at Arcwood, a relationship-based firm known for its custom employee benefits, human capital, and retirement plans. During this game-changing episode, Peter shares his incredible journey and the philosophy that drives Arcwood's success. With a deep understanding of the industry, Peter dives into how Arcwood tailors its services to align with a company's strategic goals, industry demands, and competitive landscape. He emphasizes building strong client relationships and creating unique solutions that address individual challenges. Tune in to hear Peter's passion for personalized service and his dedication to transforming how companies approach employee benefits. This episode offers valuable insights, engaging stories, and practical advice for brokers, employers, HR leaders, and anyone interested in the future of employee benefits. Whether you're eager to enhance your company's benefits strategy or just curious about the exciting changes in the industry, this episode promises to provide an enlightening and inspiring conversation. Subscribe to the Impact Healthcare Podcast and get ready to be informed, inspired, and empowered to make a difference!

Welcome to Impact Healthcare, where we are committed to making a significant impact on the health benefits industry with our innovative ideas and game-changing strategies! In this episode, Lester J. Morales sits down with Anthony Masotto, GM and Executive Vice President of Drexi, for an enlightening discussion. Anthony shares his fascinating journey from being a professional hockey player to making a significant impact in the healthcare industry. With his background in pharmacy consulting and stop-loss, Anthony brings a fresh perspective to Drexi, a mid-market PBM based in Phoenix, Arizona. Drexi is on a mission to lower drug costs and provide genuine value by working closely with consultants and plan sponsors. During the episode, Anthony reveals the inner workings of the PBM industry, uncovering the hidden practices of major players. He explains how contract manipulation can affect drug pricing and stresses the importance of transparency and fiduciary responsibility in today's healthcare landscape. Anthony also highlights how Drexi operates differently, focusing on fixed costs and delivering real savings for their clients. Tune in to hear Anthony's passion for transparency and his commitment to improving the industry. This episode offers valuable information, engaging stories, and insightful discussions. Whether you're a broker, employer, HR leader, or simply curious about the healthcare system, this episode promises to provide an eye-opening conversation that challenges the status quo and inspires action. Subscribe now to the Impact Healthcare Podcast and get ready to be informed, inspired, and empowered to make a difference!

Welcome to Impact Healthcare, where we are committed to significantly impacting the health benefits industry with our innovative ideas and game-changing strategies! In this episode, our host, Lester J. Morales, sits down with Zac Hart, a dynamic force at Hodge, Hart & Schleifer (HHS), who has turned his 20+ years in the insurance business into a journey of innovation and success. Zac shares his compelling story of following in his family's footsteps, from his early days of cold-calling for life insurance to becoming a trusted advisor for businesses across the spectrum. During the episode, you'll learn how Zac's firm navigates the complex landscape of risk management and employee benefits while staying fiercely independent amidst industry consolidation. In this engaging and insightful episode, you'll hear Zac's perspective on the evolving conversations around health benefits and risk management and how his firm brings value to clients by addressing their unique needs. Whether you're an industry insider or just curious about the world of insurance, this episode will inspire and inform you. Tune in to the Impact Healthcare Podcast to learn how passion and doing things differently can transform the insurance and healthcare industry!

Welcome to Impact Healthcare, the podcast that's all about shaking things up in the health benefits world with exciting ideas and strategies! In this episode, our host, Lester Morales, is joined by Braden Monaco, a seasoned expert from Blue Horizon Benefits, to dive into the world of self-funding solutions! Braden shares valuable insights into how self-funding can transform how businesses handle their healthcare benefits. Together, they explore the ins-and-outs of self-funding, discussing its benefits, potential challenges, and the positive impact it can have on employers and employees.  Braden breaks down the core principles behind self-funding, showing how it empowers companies to manage their healthcare costs, tailor plans to suit their employees better, and save money. He also shares real-world examples of how businesses have successfully used self-funding to improve their healthcare offerings while staying financially responsible. Lester and Braden also tackle common misconceptions and challenges about self-funding, offering practical solutions and advice to overcome these obstacles.  Together, they emphasize the importance of partnerships in the self-funding landscape and how working with experienced benefits consultants like Blue Horizon Benefits can ensure a smooth and successful transition! Whether you're new to self-funding or looking to enhance your current strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of healthcare benefits and maximize your business's potential through self-funding. Subscribe to the Impact Healthcare Podcast and join us to gain a deeper understanding of this innovative approach and take your healthcare strategy to the next level!

Welcome to the Impact Healthcare Podcast, where we're revolutionizing the health benefits industry with innovative ideas and game-changing strategies! In our latest episode, host Lester J. Morales has an inspiring conversation with Diana Miller, a benefits advisor at Conor Insurance and a proud Latina trailblazer in Dubuque, Iowa. Diana's story is a journey of remarkable resilience and triumph. From the bustling streets of Bogota to the heart of the Midwest, she navigates a path paved with determination and success. Raised in an all-girls school in Colombia by American nuns, Diana's education opened doors to unexpected opportunities in the United States. Her experience embodies the spirit of perseverance and the power of diversity. Lester and Diana explore the unique challenges and triumphs of being a Latina in the insurance industry. They delve into diversity and representation, emphasizing why these elements are crucial today. Diana's passion for transforming the benefits landscape shines through as she discusses her commitment to transparency and ethical practices. Their candid conversation covers the intricacies of negotiating renewals, and the ethical dilemmas advisors often face. Diana provides an insider's look into the hidden dynamics between carriers, brokers, and employers, highlighting the industry's pressing need for honesty and integrity. This groundbreaking episode of Impact Healthcare is not just informative; it's motivating and story-driven, challenging you to rethink the status quo and positively impact the world of healthcare benefits. Tune in, get inspired, and join us in transforming the industry!

Welcome to Impact Healthcare, where we are committed to making a significant impact on the health benefits industry with our innovative ideas and game-changing strategies. In this insightful episode, hosted by Lester J. Morales, CEO of Next Impact and Transparent Health Benefits, we'll explore the mindset that's needed to drive change in health benefits and its impact on our lives.  Lester shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind this podcast. Having lost both parents to cancer and witnessed the financial hardships they faced despite having health insurance, he's motivated to transform the healthcare landscape.   We understand that navigating the healthcare system can be challenging and overwhelming, especially when you're trying to balance your health needs with your financial resources. That's why Lester challenges the status quo by questioning the high compensation of insurance company CEOs, while everyday families struggle to afford healthcare. He likens the current system to giving out participation trophies, where everyone gets rewarded regardless of performance.  Health insurance isn't broken; it's designed to prioritize profits over people. Lester calls for demanding more, changing the system, and aligning incentives to improve outcomes. He urges employers, advisors, and anyone touched by the healthcare system to change their mindset, take control of their healthcare future, and stop waiting for someone else to fix things.   If this episode resonates with you, we encourage you to share it widely. Together, we can create a community of fighters striving to improve healthcare. Don't forget to subscribe to the Impact Healthcare podcast on your favorite platform to join the movement! 

Welcome to Impact Healthcare, the podcast that aims to revolutionize the health benefits industry with innovative ideas and strategies! In this episode, we are joined by Amanda Banner, from People's First Insurance, who brings a glimmer of hope to her clients in an era where healthcare costs can seem daunting. Our host, Lester J. Morales, delves into Amanda's journey from burnout to enlightenment in the insurance industry.   For over two decades, Amanda has been navigating the complexities of insurance. It wasn't until she met Lester that she discovered a new path that saved money and improved client benefits, instead of raising deductibles to save costs.   During the podcast, Amanda and Lester debunk the myths surrounding self-funding, proving that it can be beneficial for companies of all sizes. Amanda's approach emphasizes the importance of education and transparency, guiding employers away from fear of change and towards a more secure future.   Using personal anecdotes and real-world examples, Amanda provides a glimpse of hope and possibility, encouraging listeners to reconsider their approach to healthcare benefits.   Join us for this episode of Impact Healthcare and be part of the movement towards better health benefits!