Voices of Self Funding

In this preview episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Tom Testa sits down with ClarityCare AI co-founders Hermine Tranie and Alex Andrei to discuss their groundbreaking Executive Forum 2026 session: “How to Actually Use AI: A Hands-On Mini-Hackathon for Self-Insured Leaders.” Unlike typical conference talks, this immersive 90-minute workshop invites attendees to roll up their sleeves and build with AI in real time. Hermine and Alex preview what to expect from the hackathon format, share how AI is already reshaping prior auth and utilization management, and explain why TPAs and self-funded employers need to stop talking about AI – and start using it. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get practical with AI at Executive Forum 2026. Register now and secure your seat in the Ballroom.

In this special episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Tom Testa sits down with Executive Forum 2026 keynote speaker Mike Abrashoff, former Commander of the USS Benfold and best-selling author of It’s Your Ship. Hear how Abrashoff turned the Navy’s lowest-performing ship into the top-ranked vessel in just one year – without changing a single crew member. In this quick preview, Mike shares lessons on leadership, culture, and accountability that apply far beyond the military and offers a taste of the powerful message he’ll bring to San Antonio this February. Catch the keynote session live at Executive Forum 2026 — register today to reserve your seat and join the industry’s most important conversations. 

In this special preview episode of Voices of Self Funding, co-host Tom Testa sits down with Ron Peck, Chief Legal Officer at The Phia Group, to discuss his highly anticipated session at Executive Forum 2026: “Fiduciary Gotchas and the Company You Keep.” From revenue-sharing arrangements to PBM contracts and vendor disclosures, Ron shares what TPAs need to know now as courts and regulators sharpen their focus on fiduciary responsibilities. With plaintiff attorneys getting more creative and DOL audits on the rise, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to protect their business and stay compliant. Catch the full session live at Executive Forum 2026 — register today to reserve your seat and join the industry’s most important conversations. 

In this episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Tom Testa speaks with MIT-trained AI researcher and ClarityCare AI co-founder Hermine Tranie about how artificial intelligence is delivering measurable wins in utilization management (UM) and prior authorization (PA). Hermine explains how AI agents convert unstructured records into structured insights, drive real-time approvals at the point of care, and free up nurses for higher-value tasks – boosting accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. As a preview to her interactive “AI Mini-Hackathon” session at HCAA’s 2026 Executive Forum, Hermine shares a practical roadmap for adoption and what TPAs and self-funded employers can do today to start seeing ROI. Click here to register.

Lee Lewis, Chief Strategy Officer at the Health Transformation Alliance and host of the Broken Benefits podcast, shares valuable insights into reshaping employer healthcare strategies. He introduces the 'ABC' framework—Advanced Primary Care, Behavioral Health, and Centers of Excellence—as a game-changer for self-funded employers. They discuss the rise of direct primary care, innovative mental health therapies like TMS and ketamine, and how tiered networks can drive better outcomes at lower costs. Practical tips for TPAs to enhance their offerings round out this informative conversation.

In this episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Ramesh Kumar welcomes Arun Santhebennur, Co-founder and CEO of Voicegain, to explore how voice AI is reshaping healthcare operations for TPAs, payers, and health plans. They tackle the tough truth that 95% of AI pilots fail, unpacking why — from hype and skill gaps to the “build vs. buy” dilemma and change management challenges. More importantly, they share where AI is already succeeding: automating claims status calls, streamlining utilization management, and making complex health plan information accessible to members. Listeners will hear a roadmap for launching successful AI pilots — starting with proven use cases, aligning incentives, and using AI to augment (not replace) people. It’s a forward-looking conversation on turning AI from a risky experiment into a real value driver. This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, visit HCAA.org.

Join Jim Farley, a seasoned TPA owner with over 40 years in the industry, and Jeff Walter, a tech-savvy TPA executive from PBA, as they unveil their strategic merger. They discuss how this collaboration enhances customer experience while ensuring TPA independence against larger firms. Dive into their approach to streamlining operations with EOS practices, in-house IT, and innovative member solutions like Direct Primary Care and nurse navigators. Their insights reveal a dynamic shift in how TPAs can deliver superior services and maintain strong relationships.

Jeffrey Bloom, a healthcare and employee benefits expert with over 25 years in the field, shares insights on Direct Primary Care (DPC) and its impact on self-funded employers. He discusses significant cost savings, with a 12-18% reduction in healthcare spending in the first year. The DPC model transforms access, allowing members to get appointments within 24-48 hours. Bloom emphasizes improved member satisfaction and productivity through a capitated payment structure, reframing primary care as a strategic tool for enhanced employee well-being.

In this episode of Voices of Self Funding, host Ramesh welcomes Dr. Michael Fenster — better known as “Chef Dr. Mike” — interventional cardiologist, classically trained chef, and leading voice in the field of culinary medicine. Chef Dr. Mike will be familiar to many of our listeners as the keynote speaker at HCAA’s 2025 Executive Forum. Together, they dive into what it means to move beyond basic nutrition advice toward a truly holistic food-health experience — where timing, setting, social connection, and emotional well-being are all part of the recipe. They explore how employers can build healthier ecosystems for their workforce, and why investing in food as medicine could offer meaningful returns when it comes to preventing chronic disease. It’s a rich and energizing conversation that rethinks the role of food in well-being, as well as the role self-funded employers can play in making it work. This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, visit HCAA.org.

In an eye-opening discussion, Marjorie Morrison, a psychotherapist and entrepreneur, delves into the nuances of mental health support for self-funded employers. She debunks the one-size-fits-all myth, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches. Marjorie shares how evidence-based practices are reshaping tech-enabled mental health care. She argues that self-funded employers hold the key to creating flexible mental health structures, framing mental health as a crucial business priority. Tune in for insights that can drive meaningful change in today’s benefit landscape.