Healthcare on the Rocks - Employee Benefits with a Twist

Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode of Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist, hosts Brittany Hardaway and Rachael Baumgartner sit down with Dr. Janet Young, Clinical Analytics Advisor at Springbuk, to unpack a growing challenge for employers: the rising costs of diabetes care. ‍Dr. Young shares that diabetes-related spending has surged by 38% over the past three years—far outpacing other chronic conditions. A major driver? The skyrocketing use of GLP-1 agonists, medications originally developed for diabetes but now widely used for weight loss. "More than 40% of members with type 2 diabetes filled a prescription for GLP-1s last year—double the rate from four years ago," she notes. While these medications offer powerful benefits, including improved glucose control and cardiovascular protection, their costs continue to climb, creating tough decisions for employer-sponsored health plans.As employers strategize for the future, Dr. Young emphasizes three key priorities: tracking diabetes trends, proactively addressing prediabetes, and ensuring equitable access to care.The conversation also explores the expanding role of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) beyond type 1 diabetes patients. These devices, which eliminate the need for fingersticks, are gaining traction among insulin-dependent type 2 diabetics and could have broader applications—potentially even helping prediabetic individuals prevent disease progression. Dr. Young also highlights the stark disparities in diabetes treatment based on social determinants of health (SDOH), with more vulnerable populations less likely to access newer medications and monitoring tools. Key TakeawaysDiabetes costs are rising fast – Diabetes spending jumped 38% over three years, driven largely by the rising use of GLP-1 agonists.GLP-1 medications are in high demand – More effective than older treatments and linked to weight loss, GLP-1s are now used by over 40% of type 2 diabetics.CGMs are expanding beyond insulin users – Real-time glucose tracking is gaining popularity and could play a role in prediabetes prevention.Social determinants of health matter – Diabetes rates double in high-vulnerability populations, yet these groups have less access to newer treatments.Employers should focus on three things – Monitor diabetes trends, tackle prediabetes early, and reduce treatment disparities.Stay in Touch!Connect with Janet Young on LinkedInGet the complete 2025 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and Rachael BaumgartnerHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Insights from Employee Health Trends 2025 with subject matter expert Nicole Belles, Sr. VP of Product at Springbuk.Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode of Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist, Rob Lehane, co-founder and CEO of LeapHealth, explores the financial and logistical challenges of specialty infusion therapies—a critical yet often misunderstood aspect of employee healthcare. Drawing on his extensive experience in healthcare and benefits innovation, Rob highlights how LeapHealth is transforming the landscape with a focus on cost-saving and patient-centered solutions.Rob explains that specialty infusion drugs account for a small percentage of employee use but drive disproportionately high healthcare costs. He shares, "Over half of the specialty drug spend comes from just 2% of employees using infusion therapies." LeapHealth addresses this imbalance by moving care from expensive hospital settings to patient homes, making treatments not only more cost-effective but also far more convenient. The episode unpacks LeapHealth's transparent pricing model, which eliminates drug markups and aligns care delivery with the needs of both employers and employees.Key Takeaways From the Episode Include:Specialty infusion drugs are a major cost driver, often due to inefficient care settings.LeapHealth's in-home infusion model provides a safer, more convenient alternative to hospital-based care.Transparent pricing eliminates unnecessary markups, saving employers significant costs.Employers can take actionable steps, like exploring site-of-care strategies and direct provider contracts, to better control infusion therapy expenses.Supporting employees with chronic conditions enhances productivity, satisfaction, and overall health outcomes.Stay in Touch!Connect with Rob Lehane on LinkedIn or Visit LeapHealthHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode, we break down the broad and powerful world of health analytics, aiming to show how data can improve healthcare outcomes while managing costs. Health analytics goes beyond simple record-keeping to integrate data from claims, biometric screenings, wearable devices, and more. A great analogy in the episode compares it to having a “super-powered health detective” on your team, with predictive analytics that can even foresee risks like diabetes or cardiovascular issues before they manifest. This proactive approach allows employers and advisors to target wellness programs effectively, shifting from reactive treatment to prevention.Key takeaways include:Cost Containment: By analyzing claims, employers can identify overspending patterns and address them without compromising care.Predictive Analytics: Using risk data, employers can preemptively support at-risk employees with targeted health programs, gym memberships, and more.Machine Learning and AI: These tools enhance analysis by uncovering patterns in vast data, providing insights that guide better decision-making.Privacy and Data Security: As this field grows, robust measures and transparency are essential to build trust and protect sensitive health information.Future of Personalized Care: The goal is individualized health plans and preventive healthcare, helping people “stay healthy, not just get healthy.”Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

This episode explores the concept of health intelligence, unpacking its complexities and showing how it differs from health analytics. Health intelligence, unlike mere analytics, isn't just about gathering data but is about turning that data into actionable insights that drive change. A memorable comparison likens health intelligence to a detective piecing together clues: “It's not just about crunching numbers; it's about uncovering the story behind them to improve lives.” For employer benefits leaders and advisors, understanding health intelligence means moving from reactive healthcare strategies to proactive, data-driven interventions tailored to specific workplace needs.Key takeaways include:Defining Health Intelligence: It's more than data collection—it's the skill of applying knowledge to improve health outcomes.Analytics vs. Intelligence: Analytics provides data; intelligence interprets it to inform meaningful strategies.Real-time Data & Forecasting: Essential features for platforms include real-time insights and forecasting to predict and prevent issues before they arise.Tailored Interventions: Using data to create targeted health programs, like wellness initiatives or gym partnerships, that cater to unique workforce needs.Empowering Proactive Health Management: Health intelligence supports not only addressing existing health issues but also anticipating and mitigating future ones.Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode of Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist, hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman talk with Elan Adler, co-founder and CEO of OneImaging, and Melinda Raymond, Senior VP of Sales. The discussion revolves around OneImaging's innovative approach to reducing healthcare costs through optimized radiology services. Elan and Melinda share their journey in the radiology space, from the inefficiencies they witnessed firsthand to the creation of OneImaging. Elan's early career exposed him to numerous pain points, like patients being unprepared for imaging due to lack of digital tools. This inspired him to start a company aimed at making radiology more accessible, affordable, and efficient for both patients and employers.The conversation touches on how OneImaging saves employers significant amounts on imaging costs while improving the employee experience. Melinda highlights the importance of seamless integration within existing health plans, stating that OneImaging's approach results in a hassle-free process for both employers and employees. One key success metric they share is that OneImaging has saved some employers up to 82% on imaging costs. The episode wraps up with insights into how AI and digital tools will continue to reshape the healthcare landscape in the coming years.Key Takeaways:OneImaging aims to make radiology more accessible, affordable, and efficient.The company focuses on integrating into existing health plans without requiring extra apps or steps for employees.OneImaging can save employers 60-80% on imaging costs, equating to millions in savings.They've built a network of over 4,000 accredited centers across 48 states, ensuring fast access to quality imaging.The future of healthcare will likely see more consolidation, AI integration, and a shift toward quantifiable ROI.Stay in Touch!Connect with Elan Adler and Melinda Raymond on LinkedInVisit OneImagingLearn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," Dr. Nora Lansen, Chief Medical Officer at Elektra Health, discusses an often overlooked but crucial aspect of women's health: menopause. Dr. Lansen, a board-certified family physician with extensive experience in women's health, sheds light on the complexities of menopause and its impact on women in the workplace. Dr. Lansen explains that menopause is not just a moment in time, but a journey spanning 20 to 25 years of a person's life, including perimenopause and post-menopause. The conversation reveals staggering statistics from Elektra's workplace survey, such as "one in three women reported that menopause negatively impacts their work performance" and "20 percent of women have left or considered leaving a job because of menopause symptoms."Dr. Lansen describes how Elektra Health is working to "smash the menopause taboo" by providing comprehensive, virtual care for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. The episode explores various ways employers can support their menopausal workforce, from hosting educational events to offering Elektra's services as a covered benefit. Key takeaways from the episode include:Menopause is a long-term journey, not just a single moment, affecting women for 20-25 yearsCommon menopausal symptoms like brain fog and memory issues can significantly impact work performanceMany women feel unsupported by their employers during menopauseEmployers can benefit from supporting menopausal employees, who are often at the prime of their careersAddressing menopause care can help prevent other health issues that become more prevalent during midlifeStay in Touch!Connect with Nora Lansen on LinkedInVisit Elektra Health Learn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode, guests Tommy Axford and Dr. Natalya Gertsik from Private Health Management (PHM), talk about clinical trials and cancer care. They discuss why employers struggle with cancer-related costs and how clinical trials can be both medically beneficial and cost-effective. The conversation centers on the unique challenges cancer presents as a complex set of diseases rather than a single condition with standard solutions. Dr. Gertsik highlights a story about "Peter," who was given three months to live but achieved complete remission through a clinical trial identified by PHM. As Peter recounts, "It has now been a dozen years that I have been in remission from what was an original death sentence."The discussion explores barriers to clinical trial access, including the vast number of trials available and various patient, provider, and institutional challenges. With specialty oncology medications averaging $65,000, clinical trials sponsored by pharmaceutical companies can offer significant cost savings for employers. Dr. Gertsik, "Most of the benefits employers are putting in place work for 95 percent of their population, but they don't work as well for the sickest and most expensive 5%."Key Takeaways:Cancer's complexity requires sophisticated solutions beyond traditional benefitsClinical trials can provide cutting-edge treatments while reducing employer costsMajor access barriers include provider time constraints and complex qualification criteriaSolutions need to focus on the 5% of employees who represent the highest healthcare costsEmployers need partners who can address all cancer types comprehensivelyStay in Touch!Connect with Tommy Axford and Dr. Natalya Gertsik on LinkedInVisit Private Health Management (PHM)Download PHM's report on clinical trials and cancer Learn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this insightful episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," Lauren Gums, Executive Vice President of Clinic Services at Transcarent, shares her expertise on the rapidly evolving world of telehealth and virtual care. With over 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, Lauren offers valuable perspectives on how these technologies are reshaping consumer expectations and transforming healthcare delivery. Throughout the episode, Lauren highlights the growing importance of convenience and accessibility in modern healthcare, noting that "90 percent of the U.S. population [has] smartphones, and of those smartphone users, 96 percent prefer text." She explains how telehealth platforms like Transcarent are meeting these expectations by providing "urgency and accuracy" in care delivery.The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the sustainability of virtual care models, the revolutionary role of AI in healthcare, and crucial factors employers should consider when evaluating telehealth programs. Lauren also addresses the critical issues of data security and privacy in virtual care solutions, emphasizing their importance in maintaining trust and compliance.Key takeaways from the episode include:Telehealth usage has stabilized at about 38 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels, indicating a lasting shift in healthcare delivery preferences.AI is playing a pivotal role in enhancing personalization, improving diagnostic accuracy, and streamlining care delivery in telehealth.When assessing virtual care programs, employers should focus on employee engagement, health outcomes, and overall satisfaction.Robust security measures, including HIPAA compliance and AI governance programs, are essential for protecting member data in virtual care platforms.Virtual care platforms are seen as complementary to traditional healthcare, with Lauren advocating for "an integrated hybrid approach to delivering care."Stay in Touch!Connect with Lauren Gums on LinkedInVisit Transcarent Learn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Way back in Season 1 of our Healthcare on the Rocks podcast, we talked with Josh Reimer, the Director of Channel Partnerships at Included Health, about many of the challenges of today's healthcare system.  Since then, Included Health has joined the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace, which enables Springbuk clients to see how they can improve care outcomes for members with complex specialty conditions. With the help of Included Health, employers with high-cost claimants can lower costs, provide better outcomes, and improve the satisfaction of their members. Listen, or perhaps re-listen, to this encore episode while Josh describes how Included Health leverages its data science and clinical expertise, along with a network of 4,000 leading nationwide experts, for a review of a diagnosis or treatment plan recommendation.  I hope you enjoy this special encore episode.Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman sit down with Dr. Michael Rees, a kidney transplant surgeon and the founder and CEO of Rejuvenate Kidney Transplant Solutions. Dr. Rees shares his journey into transplant surgery, driven by a desire for innovation and high success rates. He explains the current state of kidney disease treatment in the U.S., highlighting the limitations of dialysis and the superiority of kidney transplants. Dr. Rees paints a stark picture of the risks associated with kidney failure, stating, "Getting a diagnosis of kidney failure is a much worse diagnosis what your chances are of surviving for 5 years than is breast cancer."The conversation takes an interesting turn as Dr. Rees discusses the barriers to kidney transplantation, including risk aversion in the medical community and financial obstacles for patients. He emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of transplants compared to long-term dialysis, noting that a transplant could save payers "three quarters of a million dollars" over three years. Dr. Rees also shares his frustration with the lack of awareness among healthcare payers about these cost savings, saying, "Payers tend to think that transplant's really expensive." He concludes by highlighting how Rejuvenate Kidney Transplant Solutions is working to educate employers and improve access to transplants.Key takeaways:Kidney transplants are safer and more cost-effective than long-term dialysisMore than 80% of kidney failure patients in the U.S. die on dialysis without receiving a transplantThere's a need for better education among healthcare payers about the benefits of kidney transplantsInnovative solutions, such as covering travel expenses for living donors, could increase transplant ratesRejuvenate Kidney Transplant Solutions aims to improve access to transplants and educate employersStay in Touch!Connect with Dr. Michael Rees on LinkedInVisit Rejuvenate Kidney Transplant Solutions Learn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," hosts David Pittman and Brittany Hardaway sit down with Will Rumsey, Senior Vice President of Sales at Specialty Care Management (SCM). Will shares his journey in the healthcare industry and explains how SCM focuses on risk mitigation in the renal space. He discusses their two main solutions: chronic kidney disease (CKD) management and outpatient dialysis risk mitigation. Will emphasizes the prevalence of kidney disease, noting that "90 percent of individuals with kidney disease don't realize they have it," and highlights the demographic disparities, stating, "For every one Caucasian, there can be three African American, Latino, or Hispanic individuals with kidney disease."The conversation dives into the unique aspects of SCM's approach, including their budget certainty model and focus on member experience. Will explains their cost-saving potential, saying, "We went from having $2.7 million to just over $700,000, saving about 73% off of the paid charges." He also discusses their renal risk assessment process, which provides precise data on kidney disease prevalence within a population. Will addresses the challenges in the healthcare market, particularly around data access and scalability. The episode concludes with Will encouraging listeners to reach out for a free renal risk assessment, stating, "Let us do, at no cost, that renal risk assessment exercise and show you what your exposure could be."Key takeaways:SCM offers CKD management and outpatient dialysis risk mitigation solutionsTheir programs can significantly reduce healthcare costs for employersKidney disease is often undiagnosed and has demographic disparitiesSCM's approach provides budget certainty and improved member experienceData analytics and proactive strategies are crucial for future cost containmentStay in Touch!Connect with Will Rumsey on LinkedInVisit Specialty Care ManagementLearn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," hosts Nicole Belles and David Pittman sit down with Bill Snyder, CEO of Cylinder, to discuss the growing crisis of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and their significant impact on the workforce. Bill provides a detailed overview of how Cylinder, a company recently rebranded to reflect its mission of prioritizing gut health, is tackling these issues with innovative and personalized care solutions. The conversation highlights the staggering costs associated with GI diseases, amounting to $136 billion annually, and underscores the importance of preventive care and data-driven strategies for employers.Bill explains how Cylinder's tech-forward approach, coupled with personalized human touch, offers comprehensive care for GI conditions. The discussion also delves into the broader implications of GI health on overall well-being, touching on correlations with diabetes, cancer, and mental health. Bill's insights into the prevalence of GI conditions, the role of diet, and the benefits of personalized treatment plans provide a compelling narrative on why employers should prioritize GI health solutions. Notable quotes from Bill include, "Digestive health is certainly having a moment," and "We wake up every day with our mission of revolutionizing digital health gut first on our mind."Key Takeaways:GI diseases cost $136 billion annually, more than heart disease or mental health.One in four Americans suffer from a chronic GI condition, impacting workplace absenteeism and productivity.Cylinder offers a tech-enabled, personalized approach to GI care, integrating dieticians, gastroenterologists, and digital therapeutics.Improved GI health can lead to better overall health, reducing costs and improving quality of life.Employers see high participation and engagement with Cylinder's solutions, reporting significant cost savings and improved health outcomes.Stay in Touch!Connect with Bill Snyder on LinkedInVisit Cylinder HealthLearn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Nicole Belles and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," hosts Nicole Belles and David Pittman welcome Tom Falvey, co-founder and CEO of NewHealth. With over 20 years of experience in employee benefits consulting, Tom discusses how NewHealth is revolutionizing the patient experience within health insurance. He shares his personal journey into the health insurance industry, influenced by his father, and explains the inspiration behind NewHealth, which aims to bridge the gap between patients and the healthcare system by providing real-time feedback on healthcare experiences. Tom details how NewHealth's platform integrates directly with health insurance claims to provide timely patient satisfaction surveys, offering valuable insights to plan sponsors, HR teams, and brokers. This feedback loop helps organizations make informed decisions, balancing cost-saving measures with patient experience. He highlights how NewHealth's unique, claim-verified feedback system offers more accurate and actionable data than other patient satisfaction platforms. Tom also shares success stories and discusses the platform's quest to become the leading patient satisfaction tool in the country.Key Takeaways:Tom Falvey's Journey: Inspired by his father's career, Tom entered the health insurance industry and eventually co-founded NewHealth to improve patient experiences.NewHealth's Mission: The platform collects real-time feedback on healthcare experiences, integrating with insurance claims to provide accurate, actionable data.Unique Features: Unlike other platforms, NewHealth offers claim-verified feedback specific to different types of care and diagnosis codes.Success Stories: NewHealth has helped organizations make significant cost savings while improving patient satisfaction.Future Vision: Tom aims for NewHealth to become the top patient satisfaction platform in the country, focusing on verified and specific feedback.Notable Quotes:"If you're going to play this part between a patient and a doctor, we should be in a position to share as much information as we possibly can.""Our goal is to prepare the plan sponsor and the broker for future decision-making."Stay in Touch!Connect with Tom Falvey on LinkedInVisit NewHealthLearn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Nicole Belles and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," hosts Nicole Belles and David Pittman sit down with Deb Adler, CEO of Navigator Healthcare. Deb shares her extensive experience in healthcare and her journey in launching Navigator, a company dedicated to providing immediate and effective support for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Deb emphasizes the importance of quick access and engagement in care, describing Navigator's unique approach that includes a 24x7 resource center staffed with licensed clinicians who are trained in motivational interviewing and have deep experience in substance use disorder. She highlights the challenges faced by individuals and their families, noting how Navigator helps them navigate the complex landscape of treatment options, ensuring they receive the right care at the right time.Deb explains how employers see a significant return on investment, with Navigator's services contributing to a healthier, more productive workforce. Deb recounts a poignant success story of a mother who, during a crisis, was able to quickly get her daughter into a treatment program thanks to Navigator's support. This episode sheds light on the critical role of employer-supported substance use services and the evolving landscape of care.Key Takeaways:Quick Access and Engagement: Navigator provides immediate support with a 24x7x365 resource center and licensed clinicians trained in motivational interviewing.Employer Benefits: Navigator offers a significant return on investment and contributes to a healthier, more productive workforce.Real-Life Impact: Success stories, like the mother who swiftly got her daughter into treatment, illustrate Navigator's real-world impact.Stigma Reduction: Employers play a key role in creating recovery-ready workplaces, reducing stigma, and offering support through confidential services.Stay in Touch!Connect with Deb Adler on LinkedInVisit Navigator HealthcareLearn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Nicole Belles and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this light-hearted yet informative episode, Chrissy Krampert, Chief Strategy Officer at Jellyvision, shares the fascinating journey of Jellyvision, from its quirky beginnings in educational content and gaming to becoming a leader in healthcare benefits education with ALEX, their flagship product.She explains how ALEX leverages behavioral science and technology to simplify complex healthcare decisions for employees, turning confusion into clarity. Chrissy highlights how Jellyvision's tools help employees make smarter healthcare choices, ultimately saving employers significant costs. "We want to go to where there is furrowed brow and bring it to peace of mind," she says, encapsulating their mission.The discussion delves into the practical impacts of ALEX, from employees proposing to it during open enrollment to Jellyvision's strategic use of claims data to offer personalized healthcare advice. Chrissy emphasizes the importance of building trust and engaging employees with humor and simplicity. The episode also covers Jellyvision's future plans, including their partnership with Springbuk to enhance data-driven decision-making and the integration of AI for more precise recommendations. "We're able to establish that trust and guide an employee throughout the year to making better decisions," Chrissy notes, showcasing the influence of their innovative solution.Key Takeaways:Behavioral Science: ALEX uses behavioral science to engage employees, helping them understand and utilize their benefits effectively.Cost Savings: ALEX helps employers save on healthcare costs by guiding employees to choose and use the best-fit plans.Personalization: The integration of claims data and AI allows for tailored healthcare guidance, enhancing the employee experience.Engagement and Trust: Jellyvision builds trust through humor, simplicity, and personalized interactions, making healthcare decisions less daunting.Quotes:"We want to go to where there is furrowed brow and bring it to peace of mind." - Chrissy Krampert"People would rather do their taxes while cleaning their bathroom before they'd want to pick a benefits plan."Stay in Touch!Connect with Chrissy Krampert on LinkedInVisit JellyvisionLearn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Nicole Belles and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Dr. Adonis Saremi and Cody Fair from Noom join this to discuss the significant impact of GLP-1 medications on weight management conversations within the employer space. Cody, the Head of Commercial Healthcare at Noom, shares insights into how these medications are elevating the importance of weight management in employer health programs. Dr. Saremi, Noom's Interim Chief Medical Officer, emphasizes the collaborative effort at Noom in integrating clinical protocols, safety, and quality into their offerings.Cody highlights the rising interest in GLP-1s, especially, and weight management overall, stressing the need for comprehensive weight management solutions. Dr. Saremi elaborates on the effectiveness of GLP-1s when combined with lifestyle changes, underscoring the importance of adequate support and guidance for patients. The discussion examines the role of employers in ensuring employees receive the necessary medical support and the holistic approach Noom takes in addressing both physical and mental health aspects of obesity care.Key Takeaways:Elevated Importance: GLP-1 medications have propelled weight management to a top concern for employers.Comprehensive Support: Effective weight management requires a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and ongoing support.Mental Health Integration: Addressing mental health is crucial in the context of obesity care, with Noom incorporating depression screening and comprehensive medical history assessments.Holistic Solutions: Noom aims to provide a seamless integration of weight management solutions within existing employer health benefits, focusing on prevention and chronic disease management.Stay in Touch!Connect with Dr. Adonis Saremi and Cody Fair on LinkedInVisit NoomLearn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Nicole Belles and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," David and new co-host Nicole Belles cover the world of musculoskeletal (MSK) health with Aaryn Pure, Chief Commercial Officer at Hinge Health. The episode kicks off with Aaryn joining from Chicago amidst Hinge Health's bustling annual conference, Movement, providing a “man on the street” backdrop to the discussion. Aaryn shares his extensive background in healthcare, emphasizing his personal and professional commitment to improving MSK care. He recounts his journey from working with health systems on electronic medical records to his current role at Hinge Health, highlighting his personal experiences with MSK issues that add a relatable touch to his professional insights.The conversation covers the substantial economic and personal impacts of MSK conditions, which affect one in two Americans annually and account for significant healthcare spending. Aaryn discusses Hinge Health's approach, which emphasizes preventive care and non-invasive treatments like the innovative Enso device—a nerve stimulation tool that helps manage pain without surgery or drugs. This approach not only alleviates pain but also significantly reduces healthcare costs and improves quality of life. The episode is packed with information about the challenges of traditional MSK treatments and how digital health innovations can transform care delivery.Key Takeaways:MSK conditions are a top cost driver in healthcare, impacting half of the American population each year.Preventive and non-invasive treatments can significantly reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.Digital health tools like Hinge Health's Enso device offer effective alternatives to traditional care methods, providing immediate and long-term pain relief.Stay in Touch!Connect with Aaryn Pure on LinkedInVisit Hinge HealthLearn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Nicole Belles and David PittmanHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," hosts Jennifer Jones and David Pittman talk with Naomi Levinthal, the Chief Growth Officer at Reperio Health, about the innovative world of biometric screenings. Naomi, a self-professed tech nerd with a rich background in health IT, shares her journey to Reperio and discusses the transformative impact of the company's at-home screening kits. These kits are designed to provide instant results and a seamless user experience, setting a new standard in the health and wellness industry. Throughout the episode, Naomi explains how Reperio's approach to biometric screenings significantly differs from traditional methods by offering convenience, immediacy, and comprehensive health data directly to users' homes.The conversation highlights the crucial role of biometric screenings in modern wellness programs and how Reperio's kits contribute to strategic health management within organizations. Naomi elaborates on the benefits of this innovative approach, particularly its ability to provide quick, actionable health insights that empower both employers and employees. By moving screenings from clinical settings to the comfort of one's home, Reperio not only enhances participant engagement but also provides employers with valuable data to tailor their health initiatives effectively. The episode wraps up with insights into the future of Reperio, including the integration of new health tests and virtual care options that promise to further revolutionize preventative healthcare.Key Takeaways:Innovation in Health Screenings: Reperio Health's at-home kits offer a complete biometric screening process that is fast, efficient, and user-friendly, allowing participants to perform the screenings at their convenience.Strategic Health Insights: The data collected from these screenings provide employers with critical insights, helping them make informed decisions about health and wellness programs tailored to their workforce's needs.Future Developments: Naomi shared exciting future enhancements, including the addition of A1C testing and virtual care sessions, which will further integrate comprehensive care into the screening process.Stay in Touch!Connect with Naomi Levinthal on LinkedInVisit Reperio HealthLearn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and David PittmanHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," Scott Vold, the Chief Commercial Officer at Renalogic, describes the complexities of kidney disease, its treatment, and the economic impact on employers and their health plans. Scott talks about the critical and often overlooked public health crisis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the intricacies of the dialysis market. With a background in health technology and actuary, Scott explains Renalogic's mission to manage both the human and financial costs of CKD for self-funded health plans. He shares eye-opening statistics, such as the fact that about 37 million adult Americans have CKD, with a staggering 90% unaware of their condition, highlighting the disease's silent proliferation and its ranking as the ninth-leading cause of death in the U.S., projected to rise to fifth by 2040.The discussion also covers the evolution of the dialysis market into a duopoly, which has led to inflated costs for treatments, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to healthcare management within self-funded health plans.Key takeaways from the episode include:The severe underdiagnosis of CKD and its correlation with other chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, underlining the necessity for better awareness and early detection.The economic burden of dialysis treatment on employers, with costs often being a top health plan expense, and how Renalogic helps reduce these costs through unit cost reduction and disease management.An in-depth look at the dialysis market's evolution into a duopoly, with Scott detailing how this market structure leads to inflated costs for health plans and limited options for patients.Practical advice for employers on tackling CKD, including leveraging data for early detection, rejecting complacency in accepting high dialysis costs, and engaging with specialized care management programs like Renalogic's to prevent disease progression and reduce expenses.The episode provides an insightful perspective on the challenges of managing CKD and the strategies employers can adopt to address this growing concern, emphasizing the importance of proactive healthcare management and specialized care programs in improving patient outcomes and achieving cost savings.Stay in Touch!Connect with Scott Vold on LinkedInVisit RenalogicLearn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and David PittmanHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this engaging episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," hosts Jennifer and David invite two guests from PHM, Natalya Gertsik and Tommy Axford, to discuss innovative strategies for managing employee benefits, with a particular focus on cancer care. Natalya, specializing in population health risk management and biopharmaceuticals, sheds light on the actionable guidance PHM provides for optimizing cancer care. Tommy, with his actuarial background, emphasizes the importance of focusing on the small subset of cases that drive a significant portion of healthcare spending.The conversation delves into the complexities of cancer treatment, including the challenges of adopting precision medicine and the necessity of personalized care plans that consider the unique needs and preferences of each patient.Key takeaways from this discussion include:The importance of striving for precision medicine in targeting cancer treatment.The vital role of personalized medicine, considering the patient's personal preferences, cultural background, and socioeconomic factors, highlighting the need for a more holistic treatment plan.Innovative solutions like PHM's Clear Cancer Care Management Solution, part of the Springbuk Activate Marketplace, which offers employers and their advisors data-driven ways to connect with partners who can address specific healthcare needs, particularly in managing high-cost cancer treatments.Real-life success stories that illustrate the life-changing impact of creative and personalized cancer treatment strategies, emphasizing the potential for significant improvements in patient outcomes.Stay in Touch!Connect with Natalya Gertsik and Tommy Axford on LinkedInVisit PHMLearn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and David PittmanHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode, we delve into the mission of Summus, a healthcare company that aims to revolutionize the way patients access top medical expertise. Nick Razzi, Chief Revenue Officer at Summus Global, describes how their platform provides a quicker route for patients to connect with leading specialists, ensuring that critical healthcare decisions are informed by the best possible advice. The narrative explores the importance of specialty care, particularly for patients navigating complex health conditions, and how Summus plays a crucial role in guiding them through these challenges.The episode also highlights the benefits of Summus's ability to rapidly connect its members with a network of esteemed doctors. This capability is not only about speed but also about the seamless integration with local healthcare systems, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care. Additionally, the discussion touches upon how Summus has adapted to the healthcare landscape transformed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including their strategies for engaging with physicians and the trends they have observed in how their services are utilized.Looking towards the future, Summus is focusing on developing condition-specific pathways that promise to further streamline the patient experience, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving outcomes. The narrative provides insights into these upcoming initiatives and the positive implications they may have for the healthcare industry.Key take-aways from the episode include:Summus' mission is instrumental in providing faster access to top medical experts, which is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions and improving patient outcomes.Specialty care is a key component of the healthcare journey for patients with complex conditions, and Summus facilitates this by connecting patients with the right specialists.The ability of Summus to quickly link members with leading doctors and integrate with local healthcare providers is a significant advantage for patients.Summus is actively adapting to the evolving healthcare environment post-pandemic and is planning future initiatives aimed at creating condition-specific pathways to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.Stay in Touch!Connect with Nick Razzi on LinkedInVisit Summus GlobalLearn more about the Springbuk Activate Partner Marketplace and get other related resourcesGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode, Justin Holland, CEO and co-founder of HealthJoy, shares his international upbringing, entrepreneurial ventures, and the personal healthcare challenge that led to the creation of HealthJoy, a platform designed to simplify healthcare choices for employees and employers alike.With a focus on enhancing healthcare navigation and reducing costs, HealthJoy emerges as a critical partner for employers seeking to offer better healthcare solutions to their employees. Holland's journey from a skiing accident to the inception of HealthJoy highlights the universal struggle with navigating healthcare options, underscoring the platform's mission to make quality care more accessible and understandable.Key takeaways from the episode include:The inspiration behind HealthJoy rooted in personal experience, emphasizing the need for simplified healthcare navigation.HealthJoy's approach to cost containment and personalized healthcare guidance, aiming to deliver savings to employers and improve employee health outcomes.The significant impact of virtual care and telemedicine, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and HealthJoy's adaptation to offer a comprehensive range of virtual healthcare services.Holland's perspective on current and emerging challenges within the healthcare industry, including pharmacy costs, high-cost claimants, and the obesity epidemic, and HealthJoy's commitment to addressing these issues through innovative solutions.The importance of a seamless user experience in healthcare platforms, combining digital efficiency with human support to meet the diverse needs of users.The need for a platform to deliver a healthcare cost containment strategy on the back of a challenging macroeconomic environment.Stay in Touch!Connect with Justin Holland on LinkedInVisit HealthJoyLearn more about Springbuk ActivateGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Dive into an episode that's all about the big issues hitting our health and wallets: skyrocketing prescription costs and the obesity epidemic. Two co-authors of the 2024 Employee Health Trends report from Springbuk take you through the ins and outs of how these challenges are reshaping the landscape of employer healthcare spending and what it means for all of us. Janet Young, MD, Clinical Analytics Advisor at Springbuk, and co-host Jennifer Jones, Population Health Practice Leader, explore the tangled web of drug pricing, unravel why your medicine costs keep going up, and discuss steps employers can take to reduce costs. Plus, we're not shying away from the weighty issue of obesity. Jennifer takes a deep dive into how it's impacting healthcare costs in ways you might not expect.This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in employee health benefits, offering actionable strategies and a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape.What You Will Learn:The significant role of prescription drug pricing in increasing employer healthcare costs, with a particular focus on brand name and specialty drugs.Insights into the obesity epidemic and its direct and indirect impacts on healthcare spending and employee well-being.Strategies for employers to manage rising healthcare costs, including the adoption of generics, biosimilars, and comprehensive health programs.The importance of a data-driven approach to health benefits planning, leveraging insights from healthcare analytics to inform strategies.Emerging treatments and approaches for managing obesity, highlighting the role of GLP-1 agonists and the need for multifaceted treatment strategies.Stay in Touch!Connect with Janet Young on LinkedInGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and David Pittman Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Dive into the world of high-cost claimants trends with Janet Young, MD, Clinical Analytics Advisor at Springbuk and one of the authors of the 2024 Employee Health Trends report.  The report sheds light on managing those hefty healthcare expenses. Janet describes the journey through the world of healthcare economics, beginning with a breakdown of high-cost claimants into distinct segments, then explaining how those groups differ in their influence on overall healthcare spending. The conversation then turns to the diverse health conditions within these categories, underlining the critical need to grasp these differences for crafting impactful management strategies. You'll hear about innovative approaches like encouraging regular cancer screenings and leveraging Centers of Excellence for top-notch care and advice, particularly vital in the priciest categories dominated by facility expenses.What You Will Learn:The segmentation of high-cost claimants in healthcare and their impact on total spendingThe importance of understanding the variation in health conditions across different cost categoriesStrategies for managing high-cost claims, including early cancer screenings and leveraging Centers of ExcellenceCatch the full conversation.Connect with Janet Young on LinkedInGet the complete 2024 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and David Pittman Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast players. Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this engaging and informative podcast, hosts Mike Pattengale and Jennifer Jones chat with Alex Frommeyer, the co-founder and CEO of Beam Benefits. Alex shares his journey from being an engineer to founding Beam, a digitally native employee benefits company that's transforming dental insurance and more.Key takeaways:Digitally Native Benefits: Beam's success lies in being a native digital company, leveraging AI-powered underwriting and a wellness program to offer flexible and innovative benefits for small and medium-sized businesses. This digital approach differentiates Beam from traditional insurers and creates a memorable experience for employees.Dental Wellness Program: Beam's unique dental wellness program gamifies dental care, allowing users to accumulate points by brushing their teeth with the connected Beam toothbrush. These points can be redeemed for various products and gift cards, promoting better dental health while engaging users passively.The Future of Employee Benefits: Alex envisions a more integrated and comprehensive approach to employee benefits, where data-driven solutions unify various health-related coverages and experiences. He believes tech and entrepreneurial innovation will be the driving force behind this future.The next time you brush your teeth, remember that you can make dental health more fun and rewarding with Beam!Catch the full conversation.Connect with Alex Frommeyer on LinkedInVisit Beam Benefits' websiteConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast players. Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Brian Whorley, founder of Paytient, explained how the company's health payment accounts provide interest-free credit lines for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, aiming to bridge the gap between existing healthcare savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and the financial burden of healthcare costs. Whorley stated, "Credit is what we use in our lives to turn large, unexpected, or infrequent expenses into affordable things."Paytient's health payment accounts, unlike HSAs and FSAs, do not require employer or employee funding and do not perform credit checks on the account holders. Whorley emphasized that there's "no interest to the actual members" and "no credit check to the actual members." The goal is to enable more people to access healthcare and reduce financial stress around medical expenses.Whorley said Paytient can be used with existing HSAs and FSAs to create more equitable access to healthcare, particularly for lower-income employees who may struggle with high-deductible health plans. Whorley explained that Paytient is a flexible product that can be tailored to the needs of different employers and their workforce demographics. This allows employers to ensure that their health plans are more accessible and equitable for all employees, regardless of their income level or job position.Whorley also talked about how Paytient can help address deferred healthcare, which has been more prevalent since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing individuals with a way to afford healthcare without incurring additional financial burden, Paytient aims to encourage more people to seek medical care when they need it, rather than delaying or avoiding treatment due to financial concerns.Whorley acknowledged the need to address the root cause of high healthcare costs, but emphasized that Paytient offers a practical solution for individuals and employers in the meantime. He said, "As long as you have your phone, you have a way to pay for care," demonstrating how Paytient can help make healthcare more accessible and affordable for everyone.Key Take-aways: Paytient provides interest-free credit lines to help people afford healthcare expenses.Paytient can sit alongside HSAs and FSAs, making all benefits more effective.Deferred care is a pervasive issue that can be addressed by providing more affordable healthcare options.Paytient can be deployed at any time throughout the year for employers.Paytient recently closed a $40 million Series B funding round to support its growth plans.Connect with Brian Whorley on LinkedInVisit Paytient's websiteConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast players. Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

If you look at almost any engagement survey that a company does, career development is almost always one of the lowest scores. Robyn Clark, the founder of WinningWise, an HR and talent management company, says that's largely because employers career development because they think it's only for the person – the employee – and not for them. That's completely and utterly wrong.Robyn explains that if employers are preparing a workforce for the future, they should be looking to develop people so they can take on ever-bigger projects and go into broader roles, some of which may not even be known yet. Robyn further says career development is probably the most important talent strategy today, one that offers a huge win for both the organization and the individual because the employer is building the bench that they want and they're meeting two significant needs for the employee: mastery and personal growth.Catch the full conversation.Connect with Robyn Clark on LinkedInWatch WinningWise's webinar “Understanding Individual Needs: How Employee Needs Have Shifted Since the Pandemic”Get the complete 2023 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast players. Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

A 2023 Business Group on Health survey showed that for the first time in history, cancer overtook musculoskeletal disease as the top cost driver for employers. Natalya Gertsik, vice president of Clear Cancer Solution Management at PHM, and a contributor to the 2023 Springbuk Employee Health Trends report, says this is a major issue from employers and their employees because of three main deficiencies in our healthcare system related to cancer care:limited accessinadequate communicationinefficiencyShe describes the respective underlying issues with Centers of Excellence and community-based oncologists, and then explains how PHM is applying an ”independence clinical excellence model” to address these deficiencies and challenges.Catch the full conversation.Connect with Natalya Gertsik on LinkedInGet the complete 2023 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast players. Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

For the past few years, specialty drugs have played a large and growing role in the overall cost of employee healthcare. In this episode, Janet Young, M.D., lead clinical scientist and co-author of Springbuk's 2023 Employee Health Trends Report, describes the factors that are driving the biggest increases and get some tips on what employers can do to keep their costs under control. Catch the full conversation.Connect with Janet Young on LinkedInGet the complete 2023 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast players. Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

We are now into our fourth year of dealing with COVID. Since it burst into our consciousness in early 2020, we've seen massive changes in treatments and long-term effects, including the enigmatic, long COVID  and strains on mental health. To kick off season two of “Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist,” we're going to start with a mini-series, exploring the major trends that are reshaping employee healthcare. This episode's featured guests are three of the analysts and authors of Springbuk's 2023 Employee Health Trends Report. Janet Young, M.D., lead clinical scientist; Chris Gagen, senior director of analytic and strategic consulting; and Jennifer Jones, MSM RD, enterprise employer practice leader.Catch the full conversation.Connect with Janet Young and Chris Gagen on LinkedInGet the complete 2023 Employee Health Trends report and other related resourcesConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast players. Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com. Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Produced by David Pittman Theme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Imagine you've just received a life-changing diagnosis: maybe it's cancer, maybe it's ALS. Whatever it is, the last thing you would want to worry about is finding the best specialist or questioning if your prognosis is correct. That's where an Expert Medical Opinion solution can help. Josh Reimer, Director of Channel Partnerships at Included Health, joined us to review many of the challenges of our current healthcare system:Confusion: 50% of individuals struggle to understand their insuranceLow engagement: 33% of individuals avoid medical care altogetherLack of access: >16,000 physician offices closed due to COVIDHigh costs: 30% of healthcare spend is considered wasteHe then explained how an EMO solution can help break down those barriers to simplify the healthcare experience, delivering access to 4000  of the top clinical specialists and subspecialists nationwide.Listen to the full conversation.Connect with Josh Reimer on LinkedInVisit Included HealthConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and David Pittman Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast playersHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

“What we've seen in the last 10 to 15 years … is a juggernaut of costs from specialty medicines, usually wonderful medicines with great cures, but that come at a significant cost. … And whereas the split between medical and pharma used to be that we spent some of our time on utilization of pharmacy and prescriptions and generics and mail order versus retail, now specialty medicine is just blowing everything out of the water from a cost perspective.” With that, healthcare industry thought leader Dr. Ron Leopold launched into an engaging conversation about macro trends in employee benefits, covering the ever-evolving effects of COVID, the proliferation of point solutions, the major cost drivers for employers, and how those employers should be using data to contain their costs.“There's a whole lot that we can measure if we're smart and understand this requires both looking at the data and then really thinking through cause and effect,” said Dr. Leopold.Listen to the full conversation.Connect with Dr. Leopold on LinkedInVisit RonLeopold.comConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast playersHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA) was signed into law, including many provisions that impact employer-sponsored health plans. The CAA mandates a new set of requirements for pharmacy reporting, mental health parity compliance, consumer price transparency, balance-billing practices, and other requirements related to contracts between employers, their health plans, and broker/consultant partners.It's complex. Shannon Kukulka, an employee benefits attorney at Waller and former  in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 company, joined Nicole Belles, vice president of product at Springbuk, and regular host Jennifer Jones to share her legal knowledge and practical advice on how employers can navigate the murky waters of the CAA.Connect with Shannon on LinkedInVisit Waller's websiteRead Shannon's blog about the CAAConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Nicole Belles Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast playersHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Healthiest Employers is the trusted awards program that recognizes people-first organizations that are taking a more proactive approach to employee health. Since its inception in 2009, the Healthiest Employers corporate wellness program has attracted over 10,000 employers representing more than 60 million employees from all across the United States.Haley Elmore, Healthiest Employers program coordinator, joined Jennifer and Mike to share several of the attributes found in organizations that were named in the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America. She also explain why companies choose to apply for the program and the value they take away from participating, even if they don't receive a regional or national award. HINT:  it's learning from the best of the best.Listen as Haley provides recommendations for both employers and their employees.Connect with Haley on LinkedInVisit Healthiest Employers websiteRead the Healthiest Employers blogGet a Benchmark Report with more than 40 pages of data, charts, and recommendationsConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast playersHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Specialty drugs are playing a significant role in the increasing healthcare costs in the commercial market. In this third episode of a mini-series based on the 2022 Employee Health Trends report, Janet Young, M.D., Lead Clinical Scientist at Springbuk and co-author of the report, talks about which specialty drugs are driving the most cost and alternatives that benefits leaders can explore.Discover why one condition has a relatively small percentage of people receiving a specialty drug, but that is still drive a large dollar value of spending, and hear which conditions our data scientists expect to drive growth of specialty drug use over the next couple of years.Get tips for how employers can reduce costs on specialty drugs without reducing efficacy, including looking at where the drugs are administered. And learn the steps employers can take now to increase adoption of lower-cost alternative drugs and to ensure they are able to reap cost savings as new biosimilars come into the market over the next two to three years.Listen as Janet provides recommendations for both employers and their employees.Connect with Janet on LinkedInGet the complete 2022 Employee Health Trends reportConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast playersHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Health insurance was established to protect us from catastrophic financial loss, but David Contorno, CEO and founder of E-Powered Benefits, says, “medical debt is the number one cause of bankruptcy in the U.S., with the huge majority of them having had health insurance?”David explains how the typical broker and carrier contracts are structured so that they benefit most when costs go up. His firm turns the usual system of incentives around so they're paid on how much they lower costs. Learn about his firm's approach to building benefit plans that are built specifically for a company's culture and workforce … and discover why insurance carriers don't like him much.Connect with David on LinkedInDavid's viral post about Health Expenditure vs. Life ExpectancyGet the e-book Social Determinants of Health: A Springbuk PerspectiveMarshall Allen's book, Never Pay the First Bill: And Other Ways to Fight the Health Care System and WinGet the complete 2022 Employee Health Trends reportConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast players.   Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this second episode of a mini-series based on the 2022 Employee Health Trends report, we talk with co-author Janet Young, M.D., Lead Clinical Scientist at Springbuk, about the impacts COVID-19 has had on employee healthcare and employer benefit plans. Armed with data from more than 30,000 COVID patients, Janet and her fellow data analysts split the research into individuals who had COVID into hospitalized and non-hospitalized to get a better understanding of what was happening within each group.Their findings were stunning: during a six-month period after an initial COVID diagnosis, hospitalized patients cost about 70% more than the researchers expected. Even non-hospitalized patients saw an increase of about 25%.What's this mean for employee benefit plans? As the pandemic seems to be drawing to an end, employers need to be mindful that doesn't mean their healthcare costs will immediately drop. And besides the costs for acute care, the data show many people, unsurprisingly, have post-acute care mental health issues that may linger for an extended time. Listen as Janet provides recommendations for both employers and their employees. Connect with Janet on LinkedInGet the complete 2022 Employee Health Trends reportConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast players.   Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In the 2021 Employee Health Trends report, Springbuk discovered the rate of telemedicine services per 1000 plan members had increased 12-fold over the previous year's data, which was mostly prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Digging deeper into the data, Chris Gagen and the rest of the Springbuk analytics team found mental health accounted for more than 40 percent of those encounters.What has happened in the year since then? Have telemedicine visits overall increased, decreased, or remained relatively constant?What about telemental health services? Has the long two-year grind of the pandemic caused more people to seek care via the internet?Who is using the services most?What's causing the variance in telemedicine visits among demographic groups?Those are some of the topics that Chris, Springbuk's Senior Director of Analytic & Strategic Consulting, explains in this episode.Connect with Chris on LinkedInGet the complete 2022 Employee Health Trends reportConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Subscribe so you don't miss an episode: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast players.   Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

You might know Spencer Smith hosts a popular podcast around self-funded insurance. Or you may have seen his video series on stop-loss insurance, which has become standard curriculum for many people just starting in the industry. But did you know Spencer loves heavy metal, which many people find shocking? Or that he once dabbled in stand-up comedy, where he occasionally bombed on stage, “which is just brutal to your soul.” Listen to him describe how he used that feeling of “being vulnerable on stage in front of 200 people and totally sucking” to build his confidence. In this wide-ranging conversation, Spencer encourages those who are struggling with self-confidence to “learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable.” And he explains how one question — Are you a runner or a chaser? — can help you reframe your challenges and turn them into a personal guide to success. Finally, he describes the important lesson he learned from coaching his daughter's youth soccer team: why you don't need a shirt that says “Coach.”Connect with Spencer on LinkedInListen to “Self-Funded with Spencer” podcastWatch Spencer's Stop-Loss Insurance videos on YouTubeLearn more about the Springbuk Health Intelligence platformConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Take a big idea, surround yourself with phenomenal people, and execute on an idea. That's how Rod Reasen, CEO Springbuk, assessed the success he's witnessed in the five years since founding the health data analytics company.Rod believes benefits managers have a unique opportunity to take data from thousands of employers, use an analytics platform like Springbuk to apply rich health intelligence, and that will put them in position to move to true engagement between employers and individuals to improve health.In this episode, Rod talks about his biggest surprises in moving to a totally remote “work-from-anywhere” workforce and the challenges for an entrepreneurial CEO in transitioning from a startup to a scale-up. “One of the hardest but most rewarding” experiences is learning to pass decisions off to other leaders, then watching them learn and grow.From watching the healthcare industry for 20 years, Rod has observed an ebb and flow of vendors in the market. New vendors come in with a hyper-specialization, then over time as they become widely accepted, they branch out and become generalists. But one thing has remained constant. Listen to Rod explain what the constant is and why he's excited about the opportunity around it.Rod also explains the origin story of the name “Springbuk” and how happy he is with the choice over what it was initially called. Connect with Rod on LinkedInLearn more about the Springbuk Health Intelligence platformConnect with our co-hosts Jennifer Jones and Mike Pattengale Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

Here in the middle of the “Great Resignation,” wellness programs play a huge role in attracting and retaining top employees. Courtney Schroeder, Well-being Strategy Consultant at WellRight, says the top question used to be “What is my bonus structure?” Now there's been a shift back to “What is the culture?”Standards are higher for perks and benefits, and people expect greater flexibility than ever before. Choice has become a primary factor in wellness programs: choice in incentives, activities that employees can join, and the ways they can interact with programs, such as websites, text messages, and video calls.With 300 pre-built wellness challenges and more than 400 unique wellness activities in WellRight's stable of offerings, Schroder's role could be extraordinarily difficult. But she boils it down to understanding what is most important to the employer, asking questions such as: What point solutions do they have?What role does financial well-being play?What kinds of in-person vs. virtual options are needed?How do you use social determinants of health to select programs and benefits?Schroeder says data analytics, like those from Springbuk, help drive the direction of wellness programs, especially when considering how to use social determinants of health. She advises to start small - and gives tips on how to do that - so employers can gain some quick experience and direction.Used effectively, data analytics can inform the strategy and dictate when a change is needed by setting benchmarks and monitoring the progress toward them.Connect with Courtney on LinkedInVisit WellRightLearn more about the Springbuk Health Intelligence platformHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In today's dynamic labor market, it often takes more than a competitive salary and a solid medical plan to attract and retain the best employees. U-Haul, one of the Healthiest 100 employers in the United States, understands that better than most companies. Monique Harty, U-Haul's Wellness Program Manager, explains that the 76-year-old do-it-yourself moving company views wellness as a holistic program with five components: HealthMindsetFitnessNutrition     Financial WellnessU-Haul provides programs and tools to help it's 32,000 team members manage all five of those pieces. For example, U-Haul offers virtual and on-site counseling, legal advice, registered dietitians, financial planning and a shiny new family and fitness center at the corporate headquarters in Phoenix, which houses an on-site medical and dental clinic, as well as a gamut of live and simulated sports activities.Listen in to hear Monique tell how wellness is thought about and promoted throughout the organization. Or just listen to hear which activities co-host Mike Pattengale is thinking of joining on his next visit to the U-Haul HQ - and why Monique has the waiver form ready! Connect with Monique on LinkedInHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In today's tight labor market, employers are struggling to identify the unique value proposition that they can offer to prospective employees as well as to retain current staff. For example, the importance of - and desire for - family benefits and mental health have risen dramatically over recent years.Another set of hot-button questions for HR leaders revolves around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). What access to care do our employees have? How can we ensure our employee population is supported? Are our policies truly supportive to all our employees, including LGBTQ and every race and ethnicity? Is our pay equity in line? Who do we want to be as a company, culturally? In this episode, Megan Nail, CCP, SHRM-SCP, CEBS, SPHR-CA, shares her experience handling these challenging issues as Vice President of the Total Rewards Practice at First Person Advisors, now a subsidiary of NFP, and State Director for HR Indiana Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).Megan advises clients on how to meet their organization's goals through total rewards and compensation strategy. She builds and designs market-competitive base and incentive pay structures throughout the organization, including prioritizing compensation as a key component of the employee value proposition.Connect with Megan on LinkedIn Listen to FirstPerson's podcast, “Human Resolve”Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In this episode, we talk with Jason Nordby, who is a senior account executive and partner at M3 Insurance, specializing in employee benefits and coordinating ongoing service for clients to ensure that their coverage meets their needs. Jason is also M3's director of employee benefits captive practice. In this role, he serves as a subject matter expert, strategist, and thought leader on health captives agency-wide.Jason explains how the healthcare system and the insurance world around it were “broken” as he started his career 27 years ago. He describes what benefits captives are and how they came into their own during the early days of Obamacare.He says the introduction of employee benefits captives was the biggest twist he's seen in his career. With this innovation, forward-thinking, data-driven employers could pool together with like-minded organizations to create stability for themselves as purchasers of healthcare insurance. Jason explains how captives allow organizations “to exit a dirty risk pool and enter into a cleaner pool” with other groups that are doing similar things to manage and mitigate risk. This affords employers the benefits of being self-funded while gaining access to more data so they can be more strategic. Lastly, we invite you to weigh in on the heated debate about who asked the better questions: Jennifer or Mike.Connect with Jason on LinkedInConnect on LinkedIn with our hosts, Jennifer Jones and Mike PattengaleHave feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside

In “Healthcare on the Rocks - Employee Benefits with a Twist,” we talk with employers, benefits advisors, technology innovators, and other experts in wellness, human resources, and healthcare.Our first guest is Scott McGohan, CEO of McGohan Brabender, one of the largest independent health insurance brokers in the Midwest with offices in Dayton, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis. Scott works on vision casting, strategy alignment, and leadership deployment. His professional philosophy is that, as a business leader, it is always about the people. Products are delivered by people, and when people believe in themselves they will believe in you. Scott describes himself as “probably a Pollyanna, maybe a unicorn. Definitely an eternal optimist.” He describes the healthcare industry as “a gigantic, epic battleship, and to turn this thing is hard work,” but he believes that together, we can make a massive change in the evolution of the healthcare industry.Like most advisors, McGohan Brabender was great at looking at reports and seeing what had happened. But they were not content with this mostly retroactive approach. They saw how they could use data to look forward to better guide their clients.Hear Scott describe how people react when they learn he changed careers from his beginnings as a diamond salesman to settling down into a 30+ year career in insurance. And listen as he shares the values that drive him and, by extension, the culture of McGohan Brabender.Finally, discover why people run from Scott on Thursdays - but why others flock to his social media posts on those days.Connect with Scott on LinkedInConnect on LinkedIn with our hosts, Jennifer Jones and Mike PattengaleListen to McGohan Bradender's “Side Affects Podcast”Read “The Simple Truths of Service: Inspired by Johnny the Bagger” Have feedback, questions, or suggestions for show ideas? Send them to us at podcast@springbuk.com.Please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, and share it with your friends and colleagues. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!Produced by David PittmanTheme music: "Overboard" by Stay Outside