The Phia Group's Podcast

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The Phia Group, LLC is an experienced provider of health care cost containment techniques offering comprehensive consulting services, legal expertise, plan document drafting, subrogation and overpayment recovery, claim negotiation, and plan defense designed to control costs and protect plan assets.

The Phia Group


    • May 21, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 215 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Phia Group's Podcast

    Episode 258: Empowering Plans: P219 – Executive Orders, Tariffs, and a Crystal Ball

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 24:17


    Join attorneys Bryan Dunton and Cindy Merrell as they explore President Trump's latest moves to address the rising cost of prescription drugs. Cindy and Bryan discuss potential impacts of recent Executive Orders and proposed tariffs.

    Episode 257: Empowering Plans: P218 – Unreasonable Plan Fees on Trial: Cunningham v. Cornell University

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 15:46


    In this episode, we unpack the Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Cunningham v. Cornell University — a landmark ERISA case with major implications for retirement and health plan fiduciaries. We explain the facts behind the case, what “prohibited transactions” really mean, and why the Court's ruling on affirmative defenses matters. If your health plan pays fees to TPAs, PBMs, IDR vendors, or brokers, this episode is for you.

    Episode 256: Empowering Plans: P217 – The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Cost Containment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 28:32


    The Run for the Roses is here! Join two of Phia's Louisville, Kentucky, employees, Corey Crigger and Cindy Merrell, as they discuss the event that takes over their city once a year! Coming on the heels of a historic weather event, Corey and Cindy discuss all things Derby. From Cindy's experience at Dawn at the Downs to predictions for winners, this podcast has it all. Don't be fooled, this podcast isn't just about horse racing. Corey and Cindy also discuss pitfalls of AI use in the legal world. Can attorneys depend on AI for their legal research? Meanwhile, which horse has the best chance to win the Derby? Can Corey hit the trifecta for the second year in a row? Tune in to the Empowering Plans Podcast for these answers and many more!

    Episode 255: Empowering Plans: P216 – Why 2025 is the Year to Go Self-Funded

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 18:14


    Our consulting team has received numerous questions in Q1 2025 about employers considering self-funding their health plans. Join Attorneys Jennifer McCormick and Kelly Dempsey as they go through what the driving factors are behind employers considering self-funding, the pros and cons of self-funding, and some of the major differences employers will encounter. If you're considering taking the leap, take a listen first!

    Episode 254: Empowering Plans: P215 – Plan Sponsor Discretion Advised

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 33:15


    ERISA gives plan sponsors great power and great responsibility. On this week's podcast, attorneys Ron Peck and Nick Bonds get back to ERISA fundamentals to talk about how to really embrace fiduciary status and properly exercise discretionary authority.

    Episode 253: Empowering Plans: P214 – Unpacking Weight Loss Drugs

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 27:37


    On this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Corey Crigger and Kendall Jackson discuss the hot button topic of weight loss drugs. Tune in to learn more about the latest advances in this space and the various coverage and exclusion options plans may pursue. 

    Episode 252: Empowering Plans: P213 – Error 304: Good Faith Negotiation Not Found

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 23:24


    Artificial intelligence may be changing the trajectory of the self-funded industry – but can it negotiate? In this episode of The Phia Group's Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Brian O'Hara and Jon Jablon break down real-life examples of AI-driven responses in the No Surprises Act's Open Negotiations process that range from nonsensical to outright misleading, where negotiating with AI is like trying to haggle with a toaster. From missing claim numbers to automated counteroffers that make no sense, Brian and Jon discuss whether AI is making negotiations easier, or defeating the purpose of the statutory process to begin with. Tune in for an honest discussion of the pitfalls of AI in No Surprises Act negotiations.

    Episode 251: Empowering Plans: P212 – Lewandowski v. Johnson & Johnson – Big win or warning?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 15:41


    On this episode of the Empowering Plans Podcast, attorneys Brady Bizzaro and Cindy Merrell delve into the details of the Lewandowski v. Johnson & Johnson case. Is this case a big win for plan fiduciaries or a warning?

    Episode 250: Empowering Plans: P211 – Network Adequacy Under MHPAEA

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 19:29


    Attorneys Kelly Dempsey and Bryan Dunton dive into the results of the 2024 MHPAEA Report to Congress. The EBSA and CMS have continued to improve their focus on network design and adequacy for group health plans. In this episode, Kelly and Bryan discuss how these parity problems manifest themselves in testing and what plans can do to resolve them. 

    Episode 249: Empowering Plans: P210 – Mental Health Parity: New Year, New Rules, New Lawsuits

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 14:38


    Attorneys Jen McCormick and Nick Bonds ring in the Lunar New Year by breaking down the ERIC v. HHS lawsuit in which an industry advocate challenged the federal regulators' new Final Rules enforcing the MHPAEA and mental health parity rules. Could this case blaze a new path for challenging agency actions in a post-Chevron Doctrine world? Join us as we discuss the potential implications for group health plans.

    Episode 248: Empowering Plans: P209 – 2025 Healthcare Hot Takes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 30:54


    It's a new year, and a new type of Empowering Plans podcast! In a world full of talking heads and 2-minute news cycles, hot takes have become the norm. This is true from mainstream news media to sports talk radio. Ron Peck and Corey Crigger throw their hat in the hot take ring by speculating on what some of the biggest news stories could be in 2025. From AI to RFK Jr, join Ron and Corey as they gaze into the crystal ball and make their bold predictions of what we will be talking about all year.

    Episode 247: Empowering Plans: P208 – The Evolution of the Birth Control Benefits Mandate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 8:55


    On today's episode of the Empowering Plans podcast series, attorneys Kendall Jackson and Brian O'Hara discuss the Biden administration's decision to withdraw proposed rules that would have expanded the birth control benefits mandate. Join us in our discussion of the mandate and how it has evolved throughout the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations.

    Episode 246: Empowering Plans: P207 – Denied Claims Beyond the Headlines

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 22:08


    On this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast series, attorneys Corey Crigger and Cindy Merrell discuss the murder of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, which fueled public outcry over denied claims.

    Episode 245: Empowering Plans: P206 – Non-Preferred Carrier Fees: Incentives or Control?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 17:04


    In this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Jon Jablon and Brady Bizarro delve into the details of a recent lawsuit where BCBS of Michigan, in its capacity as a TPA, is alleged to have engaged in anticompetitive practices for charging a fee to a group that chose a stop-loss carrier other than BCBS. This case is in its infancy as of December 2024, but we expect it to have noticeable effects on the stop-loss marketplace regardless of outcome. In this episode, Jon and Brady discuss those potential effects and how a holding either way could impact self-funding as a whole.

    Episode 244: Empowering Plans: P205 – Lessons From a Florida IDR Case

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 19:16


    On this episode of the Empowering Plans Podcast, attorneys Ron Peck and Nick Bonds talk through a recent Florida case addressing judicial review of IDR determinations and highlight some of the key insights and takeaways for any entity subject to the No Surprises Act.

    Episode 243: Empowering Plans: P204 – Nightmares on Self-Funded Street

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 26:49


    Join Attorneys Corey Crigger and Kendall Jackson on this Halloween edition of the Empowering Plans Podcast. Corey and Kendall take a look at topics that send shivers down the spine of the self-funded industry. How do you protect your plan from the scary cost of gene therapies? What will the rapidly advancing AI sector mean for you and your clients? What is the best trick or treat candy? Tune in to find the answers to these questions and many more on the Empowering Plans Podcast.

    Episode 242: Empowering Plans: P203 – Gender-Affirming Care, Is it Covered?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 15:27


    On this episode of the Empowering Plans Podcast, attorneys Jon Jablon and Cindy Merrell explore the changing landscape of several state and federal laws that affect coverage of gender-affirming care. 

    Episode 241: Empowering Plans: P202 – Senator Sanders: “Stop ripping us off.”

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 16:04


    Attorneys Brady Bizarro and Andrew Silverio discuss today's senate committee hearing on GLP-1 drug pricing and strategies that self-funded employers are using to manage the extreme costs of these drugs while we wait and hope for congressional action. 

    Episode 240: Empowering Plans: P201 – Diving Into the Parity Pool: MHPAEA’s Latest Updates

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 16:33


    Regulators finally announced the long-awaited MHPAEA Final Rules on September 9, 2024. Many of these changes will directly affect group health plan design and modify the NQTL comparative analysis testing requirements - many of which will be significant for plans as they prepare for 2025. Join attorneys Jennifer McCormick and Bryan Dunton for their discussion on several critical considerations for plans as renewal season approaches.

    Episode 239: Empowering Plans: P200 – Recognizing Our Blind Spots

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 34:55


    Dr. Marty Makary is a New York Times bestselling author, renowned Johns Hopkins surgeon, and globally recognized expert on medical research. In its most recent edition of the Empowering Plans podcast series (“Recognizing Our Blind Spots”), Dr. Makary was a special guest as he engaged in conversation with CEO Adam V. Russo about his new book, Blind Spots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong, and What It Means for Our Health, https://geni.us/blindspots. This is an episode jampacked with enlightening and engaging anecdotes that will leave you with new insight into commonly held assumptions about healthcare. After all, in order to fix the healthcare industry, people need to have access to correct information about modern medicine. 

    Episode 238: Empowering Plans: P199 – Summer Regulation Rundown

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 20:23


    The regulators rush to finalize a suite of marquee regulations as the clock gradually runs out on the Biden administration. Even when finalized, these regulations may be vulnerable in the post-Chevron landscape. Attorneys Kelly Dempsey and Nick Bonds pick apart some of the big rules we're looking forward to and the challenges they may face. 

    Episode 237: Empowering Plans: P198 – Healthcare on the Ballot

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 29:30


    Nick Bonds and Corey Crigger are hosting this political edition of the Empowering Plans Podcast series. With an election looming in November, Nick and Corey take a look at the policies and agendas from the Harris/Walz and Trump/Vance tickets. They discuss the impact that each administration could have on the self-funded industry and the country, in the most civil political discourse you can find. Tune in to hear what each nominee has to say about: Medical Debt, the Opioid Crisis, Public Healthcare options, and more!

    Episode 236: Empowering Plans: P197 – The Concerns About PBMs and the Demand for Reform

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 18:35


    In this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Jon Jablon and Kendall Jackson break down the consequences of PBM steerage. Join us in the discussion of the Federal Trade Commission's inquiry into PBM practices and the push for legislation to increase transparency in the market and hold PBMs accountable.

    Episode 235: Empowering Plans: P196 – Exploring Claims Processing Models

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 16:46


    On this episode of the Empowering Plans Podcast, attorneys Andrew Silverio and Cindy Merrell delve into the pros and cons of the pay and chase versus pend and pay models of claims processing. They provide an in-depth discussion on the coordination of benefits and the timing of claims processing when another party may be responsible for payment.

    Episode 234: Empowering Plans: P195 – SCOTUS Decisions: Harrington and Loper's Impact on Healthcare

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 28:18


    In this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Brady Bizarro and Corey Crigger break down two of the most significant Supreme Court cases just decided this term – the Harrington case (rejecting the largest opioid settlement in the country) and the Loper case (in which the Supreme Court ended Chevron deference). How will these cases impact the healthcare landscape? What should self-funded plans and their partners know moving forward? Tune in to hear our expert analysis.

    Episode 233: Empowering Plans: P194 – The Rapid Evolution of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 21:53


    Just like the development of a child, regulations evolve in their ability to walk and talk over time. Join Jen McCormick and Kelly Dempsey as they go through the evolution of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act – from passage in late 2022 to the final rules that took effect on June 18, 2024. They also discuss current court challenges where two courts have reached opposite conclusions and, of course, what this all means for self-funded health plans. It's hard to keep up as this one went from crawling to running in fewer than two months!

    Episode 232: Empowering Plans: P193 – Stopping Esophageal Cancer In Its Tracks

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 29:46


    In this episode of Empowering Plans, The Phia Group's CLO – Ron Peck – sits down with experienced surgeon, Dr. Victoria Lee, to discuss a very dangerous – and costly – threat.  Esophageal cancer is generally considered to be a death sentence, and historically screening options are invasive and costly, resulting in a low uptake.  With the introduction of EsoGuard, however, plans can identify which participants are at risk, and have them tested quickly, non-invasively, and inexpensively.  You can save lives and money… but you cannot afford to miss this episode.  For those interested in learning more about EsoGuard, please contact Jim Fricchione, Vice President – Employer Markets with Lucid Diagnostics, at 617-921-7949 or JMF@LucidDX.com.

    Episode 231: Empowering Plans: P192 – Places, Promises, and Plan Documents

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 19:10


    In this installment of The Phia Group's Empowering Plans podcast series, attorneys Jon Jablon and Cindy Merrell discuss a health plan that lost its ERISA protections because of a pre-cert snafu. Specifically, the provider was quoted benefits at U&C, but that's not quite what the SPD said – so the court called it a promise outside the SPD, and the security blanket of federal law flew right out the window! Tune in for the full details, and advice on how to not let this happen to you!

    Episode 230: Empowering Plans: P191 – Derby Reflections and Gambles on Healthcare Strategies (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 16:05


    In this concluding episode of our special two-part series on the Empowering Plans Podcast, Adam Russo and Corey Crigger return to unpack more significant developments in the self-funded space. This episode focuses on Walmart's surprising withdrawal from the healthcare arena—a sector it heavily invested in just a year ago. Listen as they analyze the impact of this move on rural markets and what it signifies for the industry's future.

    Episode 229: Empowering Plans: P190 – Derby Insights and Gambles on Healthcare Strategies (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 19:29


    Join us for a captivating two-part episode of the Empowering Plans Podcast. Adam Russo, CEO and Founder of The Phia Group, is back alongside Corey Crigger to delve into the exhilarating 150th Kentucky Derby and share why Corey's insights are indispensable. This episode also addresses pressing concerns in the self-funded sector that are crucial for our clients. Packed with valuable information, we had to split the discussion into two parts!

    Episode 228: Empowering Plans: P189 – SCOTUS Showdowns and Derby Delights

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 24:29


    The Empowering Plans podcast gets a southern infusion in this very Kentucky-centric podcast! Cindy Merrell and Corey Crigger get together to discuss the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Before you hear about all things Derby, Cindy and Corey review two impactful Supreme Court cases that were argued in the last session and discuss the implications of presidential immunity as well as the role EMTALA can play in state regulations. No other podcast in the country will break down SCOTUS cases and Derby winners like the Empowering Plans Podcast!

    Episode 227: Empowering Plans: P188 – Fiduciary Duties in the Spotlight – Lewandowski v. Johnson and Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 14:49


    Attorneys Brady Bizarro and Andrew Silverio discuss the pending case of Lewandowski v. Johnson & Johnson, a lawsuit brought against plan fiduciaries for violating their fiduciary duties under ERISA. How did they violate those duties? By failing to negotiate drug prices and sufficiently oversee their PBM or investigate alternatives. No matter who wins, this case highlights the importance of ERISA's fiduciary duties and the gravity of the decisions fiduciaries are (or should be) making.

    Episode 226: Empowering Plans: P187 – Decoding ACA FAQ #66: Essential Health Benefits Unpacked

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 14:25


    Listen in as Kelly Dempsey and Brian O'Hara hit it out of the park in this Empowering Plans episode about Essential Health Benefits (EHBs)! The regulating bodies are at it again and issued ACA FAQ #66 on April 2, 2024! Listen in for a quick refresher on EHBs - how they started, where they are now, and where we're going - and Phia's interpretation and analysis of FAQ #66.

    Episode 225: Empowering Plans: P186 – Xenotransplantation: A Potential Game Changer for Self-Funded Plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2024 17:46


    Ham it up with attorneys Nick Bonds and Jen McCormick from the Phia Group as they dive into the groundbreaking world's first successful genetically engineered pig kidney transplant at MGH in Boston. Explore the details of this medical breakthrough, its implications for the healthcare industry, and the considerations for the future of dialysis, plan language, and stop loss provisions. Tune in to gain invaluable insights into the intersection of law, healthcare, and cutting-edge medical advancements.

    Episode 224: Empowering Plans: P185 – Weighing the Options

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 26:14


    Over the last twelve months we have seen major interest in GLP-1s (Semaglutide- Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide – Mounjaro / Zepbound). Although GLP-1s have been around for years as a treatment for diabetes, the recent popularity is due to their use as a weight loss drug. Join Ron Peck and Corey Crigger as they discuss the impact this surge in demand has had on health plans and consumers. Are health plans and consumers informed about the benefits and drawbacks of this drug? Are consumers too focused on the benefits? Are health plans too focused on cost? Find out as Ron and Corey discuss one of the hottest topics in the industry.

    Episode 223: Empowering Plans: P184 – State of the Union, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 13:47


    In his third State of the Union address, President Biden touted his administration's record and outlined the issues he and his team will likely be campaigning on heavily as the 2024 presidential race kicks off in earnest. Sprinkled throughout were a number of policy wish list items, including some key healthcare initiatives that we'll be keeping a close eye on in the coming months. Attorney's Brady Bizarro and Nick Bonds bring you some of the highlights in this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast.  

    Episode 222: Empowering Plans: P183 – The Therapeutic Equivalence Approach: A New “Pill”ar of Contraceptive Coverage

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 14:31


    The DOL recently issued new guidance on the long-standing contraceptive coverage mandate, and this time they took a different approach. Instead of clarifying prior guidance or issuing novel interpretations of the law, the DOL is giving health plans an alternative way to comply with the contraceptive coverage mandate: either follow the prior guidance issued in 2022… or don't! The DOL introduced the “therapeutic equivalence” approach, whereby plans can comply with the law in a different, potentially less-burdensome way. Join The Phia Group's Kendall Jackson and Jon Jablon as they discuss this “therapeutic equivalence” approach to compliance, what it means for consumers, and what it means for health plans.

    Episode 221: Empowering Plans: P182 – Navigating Post-Settlement Fund Pursuits

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2024 12:19


    Attorneys Andrew Silverio and Cindy Merrell discuss a newly decided case which provides a roadmap for pursuing settlement funds after disbursement. Who has the burden of proof when the funds have been dissipated? What is lowest intermediate balance rule? 

    Episode 220: Empowering Plans: P181 – Chevron Deference in Peril – What It Could Mean for Healthcare Regulations

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2024 17:06


    In this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Brady Bizarro and Brian O'Hara discuss the legal doctrine involved in two cases now before the Supreme Court – Chevron deference. They'll explain what it means, why it is important for federal agency action, and how it impacts the entire healthcare industry. With a decision expected by this summer, you do not want to miss our take on how the NSA, the Medicare drug price negotiations, and the ACA itself could be at stake.

    Episode 219: Empowering Plans: P180 – The Continuing Evolution of MHPAEA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 15:29


    One might think they're listening to a broken record when hearing Jennifer McCormick and Kelly Dempsey discuss the ever-shifting landscape of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), but alas, this is a brand new podcast! As we start 2024, we are reframing our mindset and are making some changes to address the evolving MHPAEA regulations and insights we have received from regulating bodies through the NQTL Comparative Analysis Process. In addition to highlighting the significance of how these issues should be addressed within an employer's PD/SPD, there are three main changes discussed to create visibility for employers creating new 2024 PD/SPDs.

    Episode 218: Empowering Plans: P179 – Higher Healthcare Prices (Made From Concentrate)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2024 17:14


    The trend of provider consolidation is primed to pick up pace in 2024, distilling some areas into ever more highly concentrated healthcare markets. Ron Peck and Nick Bonds break down how this concentration impacts the costs of healthcare and can drive costs upward for employers and employees alike. With fewer provider options, higher prices, and patients caught in the middle, Ron and Nick outline just a few of their concerns and discuss some of the tools health plans have at their disposal.

    Episode 217: Empowering Plans: P178 – Back to December (Phia’s Version)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 19:19


    It is the last podcast of the year, and you know All Too Well that it is Phia's 2023 year-in-review! Sparks Fly as Kendall Jackson and Corey Crigger talk about how Everything in PGC and Provider Relations Has Changed in 2023. If you need to catch up on anything from the No Surprises Act to Gag Clause Attestations, You Need To Calm Down and Stay Stay Stay tuned into this podcast episode. In addition to the big changes in 2023, we look forward to 2024 and ask, are you … Ready For It?  

    Episode 216: Empowering Plans: P177 – Entering the Danger Zone: Cross-Plan Offsetting

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 18:39


    Attorneys Jon Jablon and Cindy Merrell discuss the practice of cross-plan offsetting and the recent settlement between the Department of Labor and EmblemHealth Inc. Who wins and who loses when a TPA decides to use cross-plan offset?   

    Episode 215: Empowering Plans: P176 – Copay Accumulator Programs Take a Hit: What’s Next?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2023 11:43


    Attorneys Brady Bizarro and Andrew Silverio discuss a recent federal court decision that saw drug manufacturers and patients alike score a win against copay accumulator programs – programs that help maximize the manufacturer assistance available to patients but decline to count those amounts toward deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.  With the latest rule being struck down, where does the law stand now and what will happen next?

    Episode 214: Empowering Plans: P175 – No Surprises Act Brings More Surprises & Other Surprises for 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 21:32


    Join Provider Relations Senior Attorney, Brian O'Hara, and Vice President of Consulting, Kelly Dempsey, for a quick rundown of changes to be prepared for as we near 2024. While there are the regular recurring changes to ACA and IRS out-of-pocket limits, this podcast will uncover a couple lesser-known items hidden in some NSA proposed rules and a couple other items for 2024 that might have fallen off the radar, including COVID-19 tolling requirements. (COVID may be over but the impact on certain items could extend well into 2024…).  

    Episode 213: Empowering Plans: P174 – PCORI and Parity and Lawsuits, Oh My!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2023 22:57


    It's the spookiest time of the year, and I'm not just talking about renewal season. In this Halloween episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, Jennifer McCormick and Nick Bonds talk through some of the scary issues creeping up on health plans: rising PCORI fees, proposed regulations on mental health parity rules, and two fascinating court cases that may have significant implications for ERISA plans going forward. But don't be scared, Phia is here to help!  

    Episode 212: Empowering Plans: P173 – Gene-y in a Bottle: A Magical Overview of Cell and Gene Therapy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 19:59


    Your wish is our command! Join Ron Peck and Corey Crigger as they discuss how this emerging treatment can impact self-funded health plans. With prices as high as $3.5 million dollars, you can't just wish for a strategy for dealing with these therapies, you must plan for it. Ron and Corey discuss the motivations to cover, the future benefits, and the concerns they are hearing from clients. You don't know what we can see, so join us on a magic carpet ride around this life saving, but costly treatment.

    Episode 211: Empowering Plans: P172 – Navigating the Gag Clause Prohibition

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 23:16


    In this installment of The Phia Group's Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Jon Jablon and Kendall Jackson delve into the issue of the gag clause prohibition, a mysterious law that continues to confound the self-funded industry. With the first attestation requirement approaching at the end of 2023, now is the time to make sure you know what needs to be done, how to do it, and how to keep yourself safe and compliant.

    Episode 210: Empowering Plans: P171 – Mass Torts 101

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2023 19:04


    From time to time, do you hear about mass torts in the news but feel like you could use a little more background knowledge? Look no further than the latest edition of the Empowering Plans podcast series, (“Mass Torts 101”) in which attorneys Cindy Merrell and Lisa Hill explain the difference between the two types of mass tort cases -- class action and multidistrict litigation (MDL) – while delving into a couple of the larger MDLs making news of late.  

    Episode 209: Empowering Plans: P170 – PSA on the NSA

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2023 21:33


    It's 10'o clock, do you know where your IDR determinations are? Join Brian O'Hara and Corey Crigger as they issue a public service announcement on the state of the No Surprises Act, and specifically the challenges with the IDR process. Friends don't let friends miss this podcast! In addition to the PSA on NSA, Corey discusses a case study highlighting the benefits of the Safeguard Program. Just Say No to skipping this episode of Empowering Plans.

    Episode 208: Empowering Plans: P169 – Let’s Keep Learning - Back to (Law) School

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 26:29


    In the latest edition of the Empowering Plans podcast series, “Let's Keep Learning - Back to (Law) School,” Attorneys Kelly Dempsey and Corey Crigger are here to take us all back to school! Listen as they discuss renewal season preparation items and a variety of late breaking lawsuits that pertain to multiple aspects of the self-funded industry. From civil courts hearing cases about NSA administrative issues all the way to ACA compliance (or lack thereof) there is something in this podcast for everyone. Once you listen to the podcast - class dismissed! 

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