The TPA Problem-Solver - Madeline Smith of MADDRS Today's episode features Madeline, CEO and Founder of MADDRS. Madeline Smith is a passionate insurance professional with a diverse background in writing, teaching, coaching, and consulting, and a strong desire to improve differentiation and value in the self-funded plan industry. Madeline sees her role evolving to focus more on teaching, supporting, and consulting behind the scenes, rather than being at the forefront trying to sell and produce. She is a strong advocate for challenging the status quo and finding innovative ways to make a difference in the industry. She criticizes the tendency for some in the industry to cut corners and engage in practices that contradict their claims of being different and radical. Madeline is also the creator of the anthology book - "Whole Lotta $$$ in this MoFo", which is subtitled "An Employer's Guide to Navigating Legalized Larceny Within American Healthcare". I was fortunate to also to a contribute a chapter to this great book. Buy it here - https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Lotta-this-MoFo-Navigating-ebook/dp/B0BLDMZ3NF Join Spencer Smith and Madeline Smith on this episode of the  @SelfFunded  with Spencer podcast to learn more about her unique perspective and commitment to making a positive impact within her own lane. Listen on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=687c57dbe9cb4f39 Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286 Spencer Website - https://spencerharlansmith.com/ Spencer LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/ Madeline LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-smith-dba/ MADDRS LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/maddrs/ Chapters: 00:01:23 Embracing Unique Strengths: Differentiating MGUs and Carriers 00:04:16 Evaluating carrier relationships for successful partnerships 00:17:32 Improving Communication for TPAs 00:21:45 Mediating and problem-solving in the insurance industry 00:24:53 Misunderstood challenges faced by TPAs in healthcare 00:32:41 Selecting the Ideal TPA for Clients 00:37:06 Prioritizing projects based on shared values 00:40:16 Unveiling the Hidden Forces: A Raw Industry Perspective 00:44:31 Navigating Healthcare: A Comprehensive Guide 00:49:43 Navigating Careers: A Guidebook for Professionals 00:54:59 Driving positive change in the healthcare system

From Military Service to Employee Benefits - Two Veterans' Journey into Healthcare Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a daunting task for some veterans. However, with the right support and guidance, veterans can find fulfilling careers in various industries. One such industry is insurance consulting, which offers a unique blend of strategic thinking, problem-solving, and client management. In a recent episode of the podcast @SelfFunded with Spencer, hosted by Spencer Smith and featuring Cliff Favors and Winston Elliott, the topic of veterans transitioning to civilian careers in insurance consulting was explored in depth. Networking and Support: Key Factors for Success One of the key takeaways from the episode was the importance of networking and support for veterans transitioning to civilian life. Cliff Favors and Winston Elliott, both veterans themselves and employees at Lockton, emphasized the value of reaching out to others who have already made the transition. They highlighted the Houston veteran community as an excellent resource for connecting with like-minded individuals and gaining insights into different industries. The Rewards of the Benefits Industry Despite its reputation as a potentially dull field, the benefits industry, particularly insurance consulting, offers rewarding opportunities for veterans. Cliff Favors mentioned that the benefits industry is often misunderstood and under-appreciated. He emphasized that the industry plays a crucial role in solving people problems rather than just crunching numbers. By focusing on the human aspect of business, insurance consultants can make a positive impact on the lives of employees and their families. Lockton: A Trusted Partner in Insurance Consulting Lockton, a privately held insurance broker, stands out as a company that prioritizes its clients' interests. Winston Elliott highlighted the unique advantage of being privately held, as it allows Lockton to focus solely on serving its clients without external pressures from shareholders or private equity firms. The company's commitment to comprehensive support was evident in its approach to medical coding and identifying questionable claims. With a team of medical doctors and coding experts, Lockton goes beyond traditional insurance brokers, acting as trusted advisors to business owners and CFOs. The People Solutions Approach Lockton's people solutions approach sets it apart from other insurance brokers. Rather than simply offering cost-saving solutions, Lockton aims to be a trusted advisor to its clients. By addressing not only healthcare concerns but also broader business challenges such as retention, compensation, and leadership development, Lockton positions itself as a strategic partner in the growth and success of its clients' businesses. Tradeoffs and Challenges While transitioning to a civilian career in insurance consulting can be rewarding, it is not without its challenges. Spencer Smith, the podcast host, highlighted the need for consultants to be proficient in their subject matter. The complexity of the healthcare industry requires consultants to continuously update their knowledge and skills to provide the best solutions for their clients. Additionally, veterans transitioning to civilian life may face the challenge of translating their military experience into relevant skills for the insurance consulting field. However, with the right support and networking opportunities, these challenges can be overcome. In conclusion, veterans transitioning to civilian careers in insurance consulting have a unique set of skills and experiences that can be valuable in this field. By leveraging networking opportunities, seeking support from veteran communities, and aligning with companies like Lockton that prioritize client interests and comprehensive support, veterans can find fulfilling careers in insurance consulting.

In this episode of the podcast @SelfFunded with Spencer, hosted by Spencer Smith and featuring Paul Pruitt, the topic of addressing high medication costs in healthcare was discussed. The episode shed light on the challenges faced by individuals and employers due to the financial burden of expensive medications and explored potential solutions to alleviate this issue. Paul Pruitt, CGO of SHARx, shared his personal experience of spending $1.8M on annually on medication for his family. This staggering amount highlights the significant impact that high medication costs can have on individuals and their loved ones. SHARx aims to address this problem by offering a medication procurement optimization platform that simplifies the process of accessing expensive medications not covered by traditional health insurance. One of the key factors discussed in the episode is the importance of personalized healthcare. Pharmacogenomics, which involves studying how an individual's genetic makeup affects their response to medications, was highlighted as a potential solution. By understanding a patient's genetic profile, healthcare providers can optimize their treatment plans and avoid prescribing medications that may have negative effects or provide no benefit. This personalized approach can lead to better health outcomes and potentially reduce medication costs. However, implementing pharmacogenomics in healthcare comes with its own set of challenges. The episode emphasized the need for an appetite for this approach and ensuring that it doesn't compete against other priorities in the healthcare industry. Balancing the adoption of new tech and approaches with existing practices and systems is a tradeoff that needs to be considered. Another aspect discussed in the episode is the role of patient assistance programs (PAPs) in helping uninsured or underinsured individuals access free or discounted medications. PAPs provide financial assistance to eligible patients, making medications more affordable and accessible. Exploring alternative sources for medications, such as sourcing from countries like Canada where prices are more affordable, was also mentioned as a potential solution. The episode highlighted the challenges faced by employers in providing affordable healthcare benefits to their employees. The high cost of medication is a pressing issue that affects both employers and employees. Solutions like those offered by SHARx aim to alleviate this burden by providing medications at zero out-of-pocket cost and offering a more sustainable approach to healthcare coverage. The current healthcare system in the United States was also discussed as a contributing factor to high medication costs. The supply chain from manufacturers to wholesalers, pharmacies, and patients is often manipulated and broken, leading to inflated prices. The pay-to-play mentality and rebates between different players in the supply chain further complicate the issue. Patients rarely benefit from these rebates, and the cost savings are not passed on to them. In conclusion, addressing high medication costs in healthcare requires a multi-faceted approach. Personalized healthcare through pharmacogenomics, patient assistance programs, and exploring alternative medication sources are potential solutions. However, implementing these solutions comes with challenges and tradeoffs. Chapters: 00:01:23 The Potential of Pharmacogenomics in Healthcare 00:08:07 The Financial Strain of High Medication Expenses 00:10:04 Healthcare Solutions for Expensive Medications 00:18:23 Understanding Individual Healthcare Experiences 00:20:50 A Convenient Alternative for Affordable Medication 00:27:03 Accessing Free or Discounted Medications through PAPs 00:33:13 Affordable Medication Sourcing from Abroad 00:43:29 The Delicate Balance of Medication Cost 00:51:00 Timing and Players in Solution Deployment

Pharmacogenetics: Personalized Medicine for the Future In a this episode of the podcast "Self Funded" hosted by Spencer Smith, entrepreneur Nick Glimcher shared his journey from the world of commercial real estate to the healthcare industry. Glimcher's story highlights the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities in different industries. He emphasizes the link between powerlifting and entrepreneurship, both requiring consistent effort and commitment for success. One of the key challenges in the healthcare industry, as discussed in the episode, is the complex landscape of insurance companies and payment issues. These challenges can be daunting and hinder the delivery of quality care. However, Glimcher believes that precision medicine holds the key to overcoming these challenges and revolutionizing healthcare. Precision medicine is an innovative approach that provides detailed and targeted care based on an individual's genetic makeup. Glimcher explains that precision medicine is the future of healthcare, with pharmacogenetics playing a crucial role in personalizing treatment plans. Pharmacogenetics is the science of determining which drugs work for an individual and which do not. While the science has been commercially viable since 2010, its widespread usage has been limited due to applicability issues. To address this issue, Glimcher's company, Blue Genes, has developed a software tool called The Blue Genes Solution. This tool aims to make pharmacogenetic data actionable in clinical settings. By integrating with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and electronic medical records (EMRs), Blue Genes simplifies the interpretation of pharmacogenetic reports and provides instantaneous notifications to healthcare providers, ensuring that prescriptions are genetically efficacious. Cost mitigation in healthcare is a pressing issue that requires innovative solutions, such as precision medicine, and bipartisan support. Glimcher highlights the importance of government involvement in pushing for coverage determinations and legislation related to pharmacogenetics. He believes that there is bipartisan support for healthcare reform because humanity and caring are not political issues but fundamental aspects of being human. The episode also touches on the challenges faced by healthcare providers in adopting technology. Healthcare has been the last sector to embrace technological advancements, despite its critical role in keeping people alive and healthy. Glimcher emphasizes the need to make it easy for providers to integrate new technologies ethically, as they are motivated to provide the best care for their patients. In conclusion, the episode of "Self Funded" featuring Nick Glimcher sheds light on the intersection of entrepreneurship, healthcare challenges, and precision medicine innovations. Glimcher's entrepreneurial journey and insights highlight the importance of adaptability and consistent effort in achieving success. The challenges in the healthcare industry, particularly with insurance companies and payment issues, can be overcome through precision medicine and the integration of pharmacogenetic data. The efforts of companies like Blue Genes are aimed at improving clinical outcomes and mitigating the rising costs in healthcare. With bipartisan support and a focus on humanity and caring, the future of healthcare looks promising. Chapters: 00:01:22 Nick Glimcher's Journey of Adaptability and Opportunity 00:04:41 The Importance of Consistent Effort in Powerlifting 00:08:13 Insurance Payment Challenges in Healthcare 00:12:08 Pharmacogenetics: Personalized Medicine 00:18:00 Overcoming Limitations of Pharmacogenetic Testing 00:27:42 Genetic Makeup's Impact on Drug Effectiveness 00:32:07 Transforming Healthcare with Niche Data Analysis 00:46:02 Precision Medicine for Cost Mitigation in Healthcare

In this episode of the podcast "Self Funded with Spencer," host Spencer Smith sat down with CJ Brock, the CEO of Better Way Medical Group, to discuss a range of topics related to healthcare innovations and challenges. The conversation covered groundbreaking advancements in heart transplants, the shift of surgical procedures to office settings, and the obstacles faced by healthcare providers. One of the highlights of the episode was the opening discussion on the revolutionary heart box, a device that keeps the heart alive during transportation. CJ Brock described it as "science fiction to the max." This innovative technology has the potential to increase the success rate of heart transplants by almost 50%, expanding the donor pool and saving more lives, but also costs upwards of $1,000,000! Better Way Medical Group, founded by hand and wrist surgeons Dr. Chris Bates and Dr. Nathan Leslie, focuses on providing high-quality, low-cost surgical care in the office setting. This approach has not only improved patient care but also increased revenue. By leveraging advances in medicine and anesthesia, procedures can now be performed in a more convenient location, resulting in lower costs and reduced risks of complications. The podcast delved into the challenges associated with shifting procedures from surgery centers to physician offices. CJ Brock emphasized the importance of embracing change and innovation in healthcare. He highlighted the cost savings achieved through this shift and the positive impact it has had on both physicians and patients. By performing procedures in the office setting, physicians can see more patients, improve their quality of life, and ultimately make more money. The conversation also touched on the challenges faced by healthcare providers when dealing with payers in the industry. CJ Brock acknowledged that the goal is always to achieve zero revisions, complications, and infections, but he recognized that it is not always realistic. He emphasized the need to reserve surgery for patients who truly need it and explore non-invasive, non-surgical methods for treating underlying conditions. Throughout the episode, CJ Brock shared his personal journey from being a professional golfer to becoming a healthcare professional. His adaptability and determination were evident as he discussed the importance of problem-solving and embracing change on a daily basis. He quoted a mentor who said, "Life is messy. Change is messy. Organizations have to embrace messy." This mindset allows for incremental improvements and ultimately leads to significant progress over time. The episode of "Self Funded" featuring CJ Brock and Better Way Medical Group shed light on the innovations and challenges in healthcare. It showcased the potential of groundbreaking technologies like the heart box and highlighted the benefits of shifting procedures to office settings. The conversation emphasized the importance of considering the impact on patients, physicians, and the healthcare system as a whole when making decisions about healthcare innovations. By embracing change and continuously seeking improvement, healthcare providers can deliver better care, reduce costs, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Listen now! Chapters: 00:00:51 The Revolutionary Heart Box: Expanding Donor Pool 00:07:42 Office-Based Surgery for Hand and Wrist Procedures 00:14:08 Transitioning from Golf to Healthcare: CJ's Journey 00:17:51 Innovative In-Office Hand and Wrist Surgery 00:28:33 Shifting Procedures to Physician Offices 00:33:31 Shift to Physician Offices for Cost Savings 00:39:09 Innovative Solutions for Payer Challenges 00:47:20 Minimally invasive needle treatment for elbow pain 00:52:27 Driving change and innovation in healthcare

Executive Medical Benefits with ArmadaCare - Rachel Rutherford This week's episode features Rachel Rutherford, Sales Director at ArmadCare, where she and host of @SelfFunded with Spencer - Spencer Smith, dive into the world of Executive Benefits. In today's competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for the success of any organization. Human Resources (HR) directors play a vital role in determining organizational benefits and tailoring them to individual needs. This episode explores the importance of HR in tailoring benefits and attracting top talent. One key concept highlighted in the episode is the "Zone of Genius." This refers to the intersection of an individual's natural skills and true passions, which leads to career fulfillment and success. By tailoring benefits to cater to the unique needs and aspirations of employees, HR can create an environment where individuals can thrive in their respective zones of genius. Enhanced benefits, such as ArmadaCare, a supplemental medical reimbursement plan, are discussed as a way to attract and retain top talent. ArmadaCare offers tax advantages, full insurance coverage, and compliance with the Affordable Care Act. While these enhanced benefits may raise questions of fairness to some, they are seen as a valuable tool for caring for key employees and ensuring their well-being. Rachel Rutherford emphasizes the importance of considering the impact on both the employer and the employees when making decisions about tailoring benefits. She highlights the significant cost of losing key talent and the subsequent expenses associated with replacing them. Retention tools, such as enhanced benefit packages, can save companies hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost productivity and knowledge. One interesting approach mentioned in the episode is the idea of incentivizing longevity with the employer. By offering different levels of benefits based on years of service, HR can encourage employees to stay with the company. This approach aligns with the goal of attracting and retaining top talent while also considering the financial implications for the organization. However, there are tradeoffs involved in balancing different factors when tailoring benefits. Rachel acknowledges that increasing benefit packages for recruitment and retention purposes can become expensive, especially when offering them to all employees. HR professionals need to understand the underlying needs and motivations of employers when they request richer plans or retention strategies. It is essential to learn the question behind the question and provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of the organization. In conclusion, the role of HR in tailoring benefits and attracting top talent is crucial for the success of organizations. By understanding the unique needs and aspirations of employees, HR professionals can create benefit packages that align with individual goals and foster career fulfillment. However, there are tradeoffs and challenges involved in balancing different factors, such as cost and fairness. HR professionals must consider the impact on both the employer and the employees when making decisions about benefits. Ultimately, by tailoring benefits and considering the evolving landscape of healthcare, organizations can attract and retain top talent, driving their success in the long run. Tune into the full episode now! Chapters: 00:02:46 Tailoring Benefits to Individual Employee Needs 00:08:38 Finding Fulfillment Through Skills and Passions 00:14:35 The Impact of ArmadaCare on Employee Loyalty 00:16:33 Supplemental Medical Reimbursement Plan for Employees 00:24:51 Tax Advantages for ArmadaCare 00:26:42 Executive Medical Benefits 00:31:58 Factors Considered in ArmadaCare Underwriting 00:42:22 The Crossroads of Healthcare's Uncertain Future

Today, we're diving into the world of affordable and accessible healthcare benefits for hourly employees. Meet Hooray Health, a game-changer in the industry that aims to bridge the gap between basic healthcare needs and major medical insurance. With their innovative approach and data-driven insights, Hooray Health is revolutionizing the way we think about healthcare. So, let's jump right in and explore their journey! The Birth of a Vision: Shane Foss, the CEO and founder of Hooray Health. They recognized the lack of transparency and affordability in urgent care services and saw an opportunity to make a difference. Inspired by the success of their urgent care model and its similarities to direct primary care, they decided to create a bundled or flat rate system for urgent care visits. Overcoming Challenges and Building a Network: To make his vision a reality, Shane gathered urgent care doctors for a roundtable discussion. By identifying common issues and pain points, they developed a contract that was met with enthusiasm by the doctors. This contract offered a $25 copay with no balance bill, eliminating the dreaded surprise medical bills that plague so many. Building a network of providers in major metro areas was no easy task, but Hooray Health persevered. Within six months, they established contracts with over 50% of urgent cares in the United States, covering 85% of the population within 10 miles of a contracted provider. Talk about accessibility! Scaling Up and Success: After their initial success, Hooray Health expanded nationally within two years. Today, they boast a high retention rate and have not lost a client in four years. Siemens Energy, a client for five years, is a testament to the trust and satisfaction their services provide. Understanding the Limitations: It's important to note that Hooray Health is not major medical insurance. Instead, it serves as a valuable alternative for those who don't have insurance or need additional coverage. While they cover basic healthcare needs, they do have limitations for catastrophic events. However, they can sit underneath a subsidy on the exchange for individuals who weren't offered an employer-sponsored health plan. Innovation and Collaboration for a Better Future: Hooray Health's success story goes beyond providing affordable and accessible healthcare benefits. Spencer and Shane emphasize the need for improved access, transparency, and collaboration between the government and the industry. They believe that by working together, we can address the current issues plaguing the healthcare system and pave the way for a brighter future. Conclusion: Hooray Health's journey is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in the healthcare industry. By focusing on affordability, accessibility, and meaningful benefits, they are filling the gap for hourly employees who deserve quality healthcare without breaking the bank. With their mobile app, provider network, and commitment to doing the right thing for their members, Hooray Health is paving the way for a future where healthcare is truly accessible to all. So, let's raise a cheer for Hooray Health and their mission to revolutionize healthcare! Together, we can build a system that prioritizes the well-being of every individual, regardless of their employment status or income level. Here's to a healthier and happier future for all! Chapters: 00:00:00 Hooray Health: Affordable and Accessible Healthcare 00:05:39 Opportunity in Urgent Care 00:11:55 Scaling a Direct Primary Care Model 00:18:07 Success in Implementation and Client Management 00:24:53 High Deductible Pregnancy Coverage 00:31:04 Affordable Alternative to Major Medical Insurance 00:37:22 Expanding Access to Affordable Healthcare 00:44:00 The Future of Healthcare

Welcome to Episode 112 of Self-Funded with SPencer, featuring Landon Fielding of Brite! Navigating the world of employee benefits can often feel like an overwhelming and confusing task. From understanding different plans to making informed decisions, employees are often left feeling lost and uninformed. This is where Brite Benefits comes in. Co-Founded by Landon Fielding, a seasoned benefits consultant, Brite Benefits is a revolutionary benefits education platform designed to simplify the complex world of employee benefits. Catering to the Broker's Book of Business: One of the standout features of Brite Benefits is its software specifically catered to the broker's book of business. Whether you are a small company with just two employees or a large enterprise with 156,000 employees, Brite Benefits can handle benefits education for companies of all sizes. This flexibility ensures that every employee receives the necessary information to make informed decisions about their benefits. Integrations and Decision Tools: Brite Benefits goes beyond just providing education. It offers integrations for ACA plans, making it easy to import standardized plans and rate sheets. Additionally, its decision tools can handle robust RBP style programs, ensuring that employees have access to the most suitable options for their specific needs. This data-driven approach helps brokers drive their benefit strategies effectively. Empowering Brokers and HR Teams: Brite Benefits aims to empower brokers and HR teams by providing them with the necessary tools to drive their benefit strategies. The platform offers feedback from employee surveys, allowing brokers to identify solutions and make informed decisions. By involving spouses in the benefits process, Brite Benefits improves communication and understanding, leading to better decision-making. Driving Engagement and Participation: One of the biggest challenges in the benefits industry is low participation and engagement. Brite Benefits addresses this issue by providing an engaging and user-friendly platform. Users can access Brite Benefits through a magic link, eliminating the need to download apps or provide user information. The platform offers an overview of available benefits and provides embedded decision tools to recommend suitable options. By simplifying the benefits selection process, Brite Benefits encourages users to engage and make informed decisions. Conclusion: Brite Benefits is revolutionizing the traditional benefits guide experience by providing a digital platform that is easy to access, navigate, and understand. By offering integrations, decision tools, and ongoing communication, Brite Benefits ensures that employees have the necessary information to make informed decisions about their benefits. The platform's focus on education and empowerment benefits both brokers and employees, leading to cost savings and increased engagement. With Brite Benefits, the confusing world of employee benefits becomes simplified, empowering employees to make the best choices for their health and well-being. So, why not embrace the power of Brite Benefits and transform your employee benefits experience today? Chapters: 00:00:00 Benefits education platform 00:05:27 Career in Insurance and Benefits Consulting 00:11:18 Revolutionizing Employee Benefits 00:17:18 Challenges in the Benefits Broker Market 00:22:53 Starting a Healthcare Software Company 00:28:54 Brite Benefits: Revolutionizing Benefit Guides 00:34:31 Driving Participation in Benefits 00:40:24 Benefits education and software suite 00:46:40 The Future of the Insurance Industry Links:  @SelfFunded  Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFunded Website - https://britebenefits.com/ Brite Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/getbritehr/ Landon LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/landon-fielding-970808b4/

Generic Drugs at Cost with ZERO Markup - ScriptCo In this episode of our podcast, host Spencer Smith welcomes Zach Zeller, the founders of Scriptco. They are on a mission to disrupt the traditional healthcare system by offering transparent medication pricing and emphasizing the importance of affordable generics. Join us as we explore their journey, the benefits of Scriptco, and the potential for change in the healthcare industry. Unveiling the Dark Underbelly of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs): Zach Zeller discovered a startling truth about pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their impact on consumers and pharmacies. He realized that copays were significantly higher than the actual cost of drugs, leading he and his co-founder to believe there was an opportunity to disrupt the marketplace. With this newfound knowledge, they spun off their three pharmacies and founded Scriptco in September 2019. Scriptco's Unique Business Model: Unlike traditional pharmacy services, Scriptco's business model focuses on monetizing the service, not the medication itself. Consumers can become members of Scriptco for $140 a year and quote their medications to see potential savings. On the business-to-business side, Scriptco charges $3 per member per month or $10 per utilizing member per month. Transparency and Seamless User Experience: Scriptco aims to provide transparency by disclosing the actual cost of drugs, determined by what they bought it for. They work with one manufacturer and 30 wholesalers, ensuring their inventory updates the quote tool in real time. This means that Scriptco's pricing is reflected in real time for partners utilizing their data, such as EMR companies and other platforms. By handling all fulfillment under one roof, Scriptco ensures a seamless user experience. The Power of Generics and Cost Savings: Scriptco differentiates itself from traditional PBMs by focusing solely on the fulfillment side of the pharmacy business. By utilizing Scriptco alongside generic medications, total spend on generics can be reduced by 25% to 30%. This is a significant cost-saving potential, especially considering that generics make up 92% of the market. Many low-cost medications have hidden costs built into their pricing due to PBM contracts, copay requirements, and retail pharmacy margins. Scriptco aims to eliminate these hidden costs and provide affordable options. The Ethical Obligation and Potential for Change: Spencer Smith and Zach Zeller feel an ethical obligation to shed light on Scriptco and its cost-saving potential. They believe that more people should be aware of the pricing issues in the healthcare system. With Scriptco, they have already saved one CEO $417 per life per year after all expenses. The potential for significant cost savings and a more transparent healthcare system is within reach. Conclusion: In this podcast episode, we explored the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare and pharmacy industry with Spencer Smith and Zach Zeller, the founders of Scriptco. Their mission to disrupt the traditional healthcare system by offering transparent medication pricing and focusing on affordable generics is commendable. Scriptco's unique business model, emphasis on transparency, and seamless user experience set them apart from traditional PBMs. By utilizing Scriptco alongside generic medications, significant cost savings are possible. It's time to bring transparency and affordability to the forefront of the healthcare system, and Scriptco is leading the way. Chapters: 00:00:00 Zach Zeller: From Track Star to Medical Sales 00:05:24 Transitioning into Retail Pharmacy 00:11:25 Scriptco: Transparent Medication Pricing 00:17:09 The Untapped Potential of Generic Medications 00:22:55 Challenges of Robotic Drug Fulfillment 00:28:53 Scriptco: Member Experience 00:34:26 Scriptco: Direct-to-Consumer Pharmacy Model 00:40:24 Challenges in Working with PBMs 00:46:18 The future of healthcare

From Tragedy to Triumph: The Journey of Writing 'Wounds' In this week's episode of the podcast "Self Funded" with Spencer, hosted by Spencer Smith, performance coach Ryan Miller shares his unique coaching approach that combines psychology, self-perception, and personal branding. Ryan's coaching journey began with a focus on sales, but it quickly evolved to encompass a deeper understanding of human behavior and the importance of self-perception in achieving success. Ryan believes that influence, relationship building, and understanding oneself are crucial for success. His coaching aims to help individuals uncover their potential and overcome self-destructive behaviors. He emphasizes the importance of personal branding and authenticity in achieving both professional and personal fulfillment. One of the key aspects of his coaching approach is his focus on psychology and human behavior. He believes that understanding how individuals see themselves and their true potential is essential for unlocking their success. Ryan states, "My coaching today is about seeing inside of other people what they can't see inside of themselves, bringing those things to the surface, and then helping them leverage those tools to go get whatever they want." This coaching approach goes beyond traditional sales techniques and methodologies. While he acknowledges the importance of process and execution, he believes that human behavior and self-perception are the driving forces behind success. He explains, "Sales is a fraction of a percent of what I do to help people be successful as it relates to generating revenue or achieving a goal. Human behavior and psychology, rooted in how we see ourselves and who we really are, is what drives us to be able to execute, to achieve, to be successful." In his upcoming memoir, 'Wounds', Miller shares his personal experiences and challenges, including surviving the Vegas mass shooting in 2017. He believes that healing past wounds and understanding one's own story is crucial for personal growth and success. He says, "I had all these unhealed wounds in my life... all of these were just compounding on top of each other, and they were creating a version of me that I didn't love." Personal branding is another important aspect of Miller's coaching approach. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-discovery in building a unique personal brand. He explains, "There is no worse position in life to be than living as somebody other than yourself." He believes that understanding one's true identity and communicating it effectively is essential for standing out in a competitive market. However, Miller acknowledges that balancing different factors in coaching can be challenging. He states, "But what does that do? That hinders your ability to uniquely identify yourself in a market. And so therefore, the customers that you're trying to pursue don't see you as any different than anybody else." In conclusion, Ryan Miller's coaching approach combines psychology, self-perception, and personal branding to help individuals uncover their potential and achieve success. By understanding human behavior, healing past wounds, and embracing authenticity, he believes that individuals can overcome self-destructive behaviors and achieve both professional and personal fulfillment. Links: Buy Wounds - https://woundsbook.com/ Ryan's Website - https://ryanjamesmiller.com/ Ryan's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjmsalespro/ Spencer's Linked - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/ Timestamps: (00:01:52) Unleashing Potential Through Coaching (00:04:15) The Power of Books in Personal Growth (00:07:13) Uncovering the driving forces behind success (00:11:06) Transformative journey of writing a memoir (00:16:27) The Journey of 'Wounds': From Tragedy to Triumph (00:19:10) From Vegas Shooting Survivor to Personal Branding (00:32:49) Embracing Authenticity for Personal Branding Success