Impact Healthcare Podcast

Welcome to Impact Healthcare, where we lead the charge in the health benefits industry with bold ideas and game-changing strategies! In our latest episode, join Lester J. Morales as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Chris Wolpert, CEO of Group Benefit Solutions (GBS) and a finalist for the 2024 Advisor of the Year. Dive into a story-driven conversation that unveils the journeys of two industry disruptors swimming upstream in the complex world of healthcare benefits!  Chris's journey started when he was a financial advisor, and he became even more determined to modernize healthcare after the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010. With GBS, Chris hopes to empower clients, eliminate out-of-pocket expenses, and guide employees to the best care possible. His decision to start from scratch, walking away from a lucrative business, was a bold move — an "all-in" bet on himself and his mission. His goal wasn't just to sell insurance; it was to educate and empower clients, to put them back at the center of the conversation.  Lester and Chris use storytelling techniques to provide insights into the complexities of healthcare benefits and the challenges employers face when navigating the healthcare landscape. They offer a unique perspective on the healthcare benefits sector, highlighting the importance of determination, innovation, and pursuing a better future for all.   We encourage you to share this episode with your colleagues and peers! Together, we can create a community of fighters striving to improve healthcare.   Ready to join the healthcare revolution? Subscribe now to the Impact Healthcare podcast on your favorite platform and be part of the change! 

Welcome to the Impact Healthcare Podcast, where we navigate the intricate landscapes of the healthcare industry. In today’s episode, join us as we embark on a journey with special guest Patrick Moore to unravel the complexities of fiduciary responsibility.   With Patrick’s expertise in corporate accountability and fiduciary obligations, we’ll dissect the tangled web of big insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers. Together, we’ll shine a light on the crucial role of fiduciary duty in safeguarding our financial well-being and healthcare choices.      Throughout our conversation, we’ll challenge the status quo and confront tough questions often overlooked. Delving deep into the intricacies of the Corporate Accountability Act, we’ll explore its implications for consumers and corporations alike, using real-world examples such as the controversies surrounding Johnson & Johnson.      But our exploration doesn’t end there. Are you unknowingly breaching your fiduciary responsibilities? Let’s find out. And how much do you truly understand about your pharmacy benefit manager? Patrick Moore’s insights will reveal the hidden costs lurking beneath the surface of your health insurance premiums, empowering you to take control of your financial future.      Yet, we can’t do it alone. We need your help to spread the word, share these insights with your colleagues and friends, and hold your advisors accountable.   The time for complacency is over—it’s time to take action. Tune in to Impact Healthcare Podcast and join us on this journey to better quality healthcare at a lower cost! 

Welcome to RosenHealth™, where innovation meets transformation in the healthcare industry.     In this episode, we delve into the pioneering strategies of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, led by visionary Harris Rosen, as they revolutionize healthcare solutions. Discover how RosenHealth™ is reshaping the landscape with groundbreaking approaches that prioritize associates' well-being while reducing costs. With no deductibles or co-insurance and comprehensive prescription coverage, associates experience unprecedented benefits that ensure their health and financial security.   Join in as insightful discussions with healthcare executives and HR decision-makers unveil the real-world impact of the Rosen model. Hear from leaders like Karen van Caulil, President and CEO of the Florida Alliance for Healthcare Value, and Dawn Koffarnus, Chief Health Systems, and Financial Officer for Second Harvest Food Bank Central Florida, as they share their journey of adopting the Rosen approach and witnessing remarkable results. From significant cost savings to heightened employee satisfaction, learn how organizations are reaping the rewards of a Rosen-like healthcare plan.     Whether you're a healthcare professional, business leader, or simply curious about the future of healthcare, RosenHealth™ is your guide to unlocking the potential of innovative healthcare solutions.     Subscribe now to RosenHealth™ and embark on a journey towards a healthier tomorrow. Don't miss out on the transformation – tune in and be inspired by the stories that redefine the future of healthcare, one organization at a time. 

Join Dave Chase, co-founder of Health Rosetta, as he discusses the innovative approach behind Health Rosetta's mission to redirect wasted healthcare funds towards social determinants of health. Explore their transformation of health plans into catalysts for well-being and wealth, tackling issues of debt and bankruptcy. Discover how transparency, accountability, and community-owned health plans can reshape the healthcare industry for the better.

In this episode, we are excited to have Stephanie Koch, an experienced Director of Human Resources and Senior HR Business Partner, join us for an insightful conversation. Stephanie shares her journey over the past few years, where she played a pivotal role in understanding and transforming employee health benefit plans. Notably, at Hendry Marine and in her previous roles, Stephanie was instrumental in transitioning employee health plans to a self-funded model. This move generated over $5 million in savings to the company's bottom line.   Stephanie is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience. In this episode, she discusses the benefits of self-funded health plans for both companies and employees. Her insights into navigating the intricacies of HR, from mentoring to negotiating, make this episode a must-listen for HR professionals and executives alike.

Impact Healthcare showcases innovative, solutions-oriented trailblazers working to make healthcare more affordable for American workers. Employers and benefits advisers need to know Lester J. Morales’ guest, Chris Labrecque, Chief Customer Officer at Paytient. Paytient serves as a cutting-edge company addressing a struggle so many functionally uninsured Americans face: the “pain to pay.” 1 in 10 adults endures significant medical debt, which causes 67% of personal bankruptcies. As a result, 80% of Americans have skipped or delayed healthcare due to unaffordability in the last year. For five years running, Paytient has enjoyed a 90+ Net Promoter Score (customer satisfaction metric) by alleviating patients’ “pain to pay” through interest-free, no-fee credit cards that spread out-of-pocket healthcare expenses out over up to 36 months without a credit check. Don’t miss this hope-inspiring episode — subscribe now to stay on the cutting edge of healthcare affordability solutions and the problem-solvers making healthcare accessible to all Americans. Time Stamps: 08:53 What too many brokers miss along the career journey 14:06 Why high-deductible plans fail 17:15 How the Paytient card works with an HSA 18:17 How employees get and use their Paytient card 19:23 How employers provide employees Paytient access 22:15 How Paytient benefits hospitals and health systems 24:15 Chris’ message for advisers 25:55 How Paytient retains employees 28:45 Chris’ message for employers 30:40 Real-life impact of Paytient Stay connected with cutting-edge health benefits strategies by joining the Impact Healthcare text community at 813.537.6992.

Lester J. Morales interviews Attorney Julie S. Selesnick, Senior Counsel at Berger Montague. With a passion for justice amongst the imbalance of power between health insurers and American healthcare consumers, Julie serves as a member of the firm's Employee Benefits & ERISA practice group.  Don't miss this opportunity to learn: 3 myths that hamper employers' success as fiduciaries of their health plans  The top 3 action items for employers to jumpstart their fiduciary compliance How to eradicate gag clauses  Julie's top recommendations for employers, advisers, and American healthcare consumers You'll want to share this priceless podcast with your colleagues — be sure to subscribe! Time Stamps: 05:03 Myth 1 07:24 Myth 2 10:00 Myth 3 13:37 No. 1 Employer Action Item to jumpstart your fiduciary compliance 14:49 No. 2 Employer action item to jumpstart your fiduciary compliance 15;18 No. 3 Employer action item to jumpstart your fiduciary compliance 16:17 Julie explains the claims data access lawsuit filed against Anthem 18:04 The skinny on gag clauses 30:43 Julie’s #1 recommendation to employers 36:59 Julie’s #1 recommendation to advisers 41:14 Julie’s #1 recommendation to healthcare consumers Stay connected with cutting-edge health benefits strategies by joining the Impact Healthcare text community at 813.537.6992.

Lester J. Morales talks with Dean Jargo, the chief executive officer of Fair Market Health, about how employers can make healthcare more affordable and accessible.   Get a glimpse behind the scenes as Dean, a former CFO advising Fair Market Health, became its CEO after a personal experience with the marketplace platform transformed his drive and determination to bring affordable healthcare to the masses.   Learn from the experts: Three common self-funded healthcare models employers utilize to manage their health benefits.  Two things Dean wishes he had known earlier in his career The common misconception about cost vs. quality in healthcare How and why incentives pay off big Why big box carriers don’t work harder to make healthcare affordable Affordable and accessible healthcare hinges on the cost vs. quality relationship — buying healthcare isn’t like buying a luxury car. Higher prices don’t equate to better care, and the undercurrent of misaligned incentives can crush forward progress if left unaddressed.  This episode of Impact Healthcare covers all the bases to get your company on the road to higher-quality care for a much lower price.   Time Stamps: 8:59 Fair Market Health: Who are they, and what do they do? 10:43 The 3 health benefits models 15:35 Two things Dean wishes he had known earlier in his career 19:15 The turning point in Dean’s career story 26:00 The common misconception about cost vs. quality in healthcare 27:05 How Fair Market Health pairs patients with providers 35:10 Why incentives matter 37:29 How $0 copays and $0 deductibles pay off big 40:29 Why claims savings don’t mean the doctor gets paid less 42:47 Why don’t the big box carriers work harder to make healthcare affordable? 49:15 How are savings different between urban and rural populations? 50:48 Where you can find the most savings 54:39 What can employers do to take the best next step? Connect with Dean at dean@fairmarkethealth.com www.fairmarkethealth.com Reminder! Stay connected with cutting-edge health benefits strategies by joining the Impact Healthcare text community at 813.537.6992.

Description: One in 3 Americans has pre-diabetes, and over 80% don’t know it. Left unaddressed diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure. The cost of care is exorbitant, but it can be reigned in through capitated disease management.  Far too many patients wade through life with undetected kidney disease that ultimately demands dialysis seemingly overnight. And as patients advance through the disease stages, the claims just get pricier.  These costly cases raise premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for the affected member and the entire insured population at that organization. Employers can avoid unnecessary spending on chronic kidney disease by up to 80% through capitated disease management that often avoids or delays dialysis altogether. Find out today how personalized, capitated disease management detects the smoke so plan members’ wellness doesn’t burst into flames.  Listen as Lester J. Morales talks with Kimberlee Langford, the Vice President of Clinical Services for Specialty Care Management, to hear how employers and brokers prevent diabetes from igniting the fuse that leads to costly dialysis treatment.  Show Notes: 5:37 Impacting a life saves a significant amount of money. 6:33 Why dialysis is a preventable disease. 10:07 How preventable disease sneaks up on workers. 12:37 Cost of care goes up 57% as patients advance in disease stage. 16:39 How to improve member participation rates to 50-75%. 24:43 The proof is in the pudding: Case #1  26:18 Personal service is life-changing: Case #2 28:21 How to save up to 80% on dialysis claims with a capitated disease management program. 32:26 How to address misaligned incentives in disease management.  36:58 Be a superhero: Case #3 38:51 Nurses have a huge impact on patient outcomes: Case #4 Reminder! Stay connected with cutting-edge health benefits strategies by joining the Impact Healthcare text community at 813.537.6992.

In this episode, Lester J. Morales talks to Aaron Witwer, President of BenEngage, about health equity and how it impacts different communities. We'll discuss ways to innovate, address healthcare disparities, and explore ways to create a more equitable healthcare system.     Show Notes:   Aaron Witwer talks about his background and how he got involved in healthcare (5:00)   Lester and Aaron talk about how we can start a conversation with an employer about health equity to create a change (12:00)   The importance of education impacts different communities. (20:00)   Lester asks Aaron what the keywords and actions are to create health equity (26:00)   Aaron talks about what we need to do to get health equity and address disparities. (29:00)