In this episode of the ShiftShapers podcast, host David Saltzman welcomes Stephen Sokoler, founder and CEO of Journey, to discuss the importance of mental health care in the workplace. Stephen shares his personal journey, from entrepreneurial beginnings to discovering meditation and ultimately founding Journey in 2015. They delve into pressing mental health challenges including stigma, therapist shortages, and the inefficiency of traditional EAPs. Stephen outlines Journey's proactive and inclusi...
Jun 04, 2024•25 min•Ep. 492
In this episode of the ShiftShapers podcast, we're joined by Daniel Cobb, Vice President of Sales and Strategy at Strategic Benefit Resources, to discuss the evolving landscape of Stop Loss Self Funding and the tech and data solutions supporting it. Cobb shares his journey from the mortgage business to insurance, emphasizing the significant changes and opportunities in self-funded health benefits plans. We discuss how the expansion of self-funded plans is now reaching groups as small as 25 emplo...
May 28, 2024•29 min•Ep. 491
In this episode of the ShiftShapers podcast, host David Saltzman welcomes Steven Amiel, CMO at NextGen Benefits, to explore why marketing has become more challenging, costly and less effective in terms of ROI than ever before. They delve into the new regulations on tracking and targeting prospects, discussing how the move toward double opt-ins has changed the landscape of data collection. The importance of authentic communication is highlighted through real-world examples, emphasizing why market...
May 22, 2024•27 min•Ep. 409
This episode of the ShiftShapers Podcast features a discussion with David Mordo, Senior Compliance Officer at MZQ Consulting, focusing on essential legislative and regulatory knowledge advisors need to possess, especially pertaining to offering health benefit packages. The conversation highlights the recent FTC ruling on non-compete clauses, emphasizing its potential impact on employers and the broader implications for your workplace. Mordo and our host David Saltzman also delve into a pressing ...
May 14, 2024•23 min•Ep. 489
In this episode of ShiftShapers, host David Saltzman invites David Mordo, Senior Compliance Officer at MZQ Consulting, to discuss the intricacies of prescription drug reporting (RxDC) as mandated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The conversation delves into the transparency requirements for employers regarding their prescription drug plans, encompassing the scope of reporting, deadlines, submission processes, and implications of non-compliance. With a focus on the pivotal role of ...
May 07, 2024•22 min
Welcome to this episode of the ShiftShapers podcast, where we explore the journey of Donovan Ryckis, CEO of Ethos Benefits. Here, we discuss fiduciary responsibility in healthcare as Ryckis tell us the story of his personal evolution. From managing a Gold's Gym to working in securities advising, he ultimately established a flourishing healthcare agency. His narrative unveils the hurdles and triumphs encountered when transitioning from a commission-driven approach to fee-based consulting. Through...
Apr 30, 2024•26 min•Ep. 487
In this episode of the ShiftShapers podcast, Jon Shooshani, co-founder of JOON, discusses the concept of lifestyle spending accounts (LSAs) and their impact on health and well-being. Shooshani shares his journey from being deeply interested in health and wellness to the founding of his company, JOON, which offers personalized wellness and lifestyle benefits for employees. LSAs are employer-funded accounts with flexible spending on well-being-related items and experiences. They may vary in name a...
Apr 23, 2024•27 min•Ep. 486
This episode of the ShiftShapers Podcast features host David Saltzman interviewing John Clay, president of Better Source Benefits, about unique health plan solutions for small and mid-sized groups. John shares his background in the insurance industry, highlighting the journey from working in materials control to discovering innovative health plan solutions. Despite challenges, such as a lack of options beyond traditional insurance providers, John discusses how attending conferences and learning ...
Apr 16, 2024•25 min•Ep. 485
This episode of the ShiftShapers podcast features an interview with Yoona Kim, the CEO and co-founder of Arine, a company focusing on medication intelligence via AI to improve clinical and financial outcomes in healthcare. In this episode, Kim shares insights from a healthcare background into the challenges surrounding drug prescriptions including accessibility, cost, and the impact of incorrect or suboptimal medication on patient outcomes. Arine leverages large-scale data analysis to provide ac...
Apr 09, 2024•22 min•Ep. 484
In this episode of the ShiftShapers podcast, we explore the complex world of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and their impact on healthcare costs, sparked by the Johnson & Johnson lawsuit. Our guest, USRxCare President Renzo Luzzatti, with a 30-year healthcare background, discusses the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which is aimed at shifting power back to payers from vendors by enhancing transparency and fiduciary responsibilities. The episode sheds light on the lawsuit against J...
Apr 02, 2024•34 min•Ep. 483
In this episode of the ShiftShapers podcast, David Sloves, CEO of Nonstop Health, discusses the evolution and impact of Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans (MERPs) in the healthcare industry. He explains how MERPs differ from traditional health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), HSAs, and FSAs by offering first-dollar coverage and customizable financial outcomes for both employers and employees. Sloves outlines the historical context of MERPs, their tax benefits, and how they aim to address the ...
Mar 26, 2024•36 min•Ep. 482
Bill Snyder, CEO of Vivante Health, discusses the importance of digestive health and its impact on healthcare spend. Digestive health issues like irritable bowel syndrome and GERD affect a significant portion of the population, leading to high claim spend and unnecessary utilization. The medical establishment is becoming more aware of these conditions, but diagnosis and treatment can still be challenging. Vivante Health aims to supplement traditional care with digital interventions to improve pa...
Mar 19, 2024•25 min•Ep. 481
Welcome to another insightful episode of ShiftShapers! Join host David Saltzman as he delves into a conversation with Maya Perl, the visionary co-founder of Zorro. Together, they unravel the intricacies of the Individual Contribution Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) and its profound impact on both employers and employees. Discover how ICHRA empowers employers to revolutionize healthcare benefits by offering a defined contribution model, granting employees the autonomy to select tailored ...
Mar 12, 2024•26 min•Ep. 480
On this episode of ShiftShapers, a podcast focused on the employee benefits industry, host David Saltzman discusses the secrets of business growth with Kevin Trokey and Wendy Keneipp from Q4 Intelligence. The ShiftShapers Podcast is brought to you by MZQ Consulting , offering concierge-level service for all your benefits compliance needs, and the agility to keep up with the changing landscape. In this enlightening discussion, Kevin and Wendy share their experiences and lessons learned which are ...
Mar 05, 2024•33 min•Ep. 479
In this episode of the ShiftShapers Podcast, host David Saltzman interviews Ryan James Miller, a performance coach, consultant, keynote speaker and author of the book “Wounds.” Miller shares his professional journey and the adversities he had to overcome, including his father's abandonment, his fight for acceptance during his adolescence, the layoffs during the 2011 recession, and surviving the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas in 2017. The ShiftShapers Podcast is brought to you by...
Feb 26, 2024•30 min•Ep. 478
What are the compliance issues that you should be aware of and what's coming down the pike legislatively for your business? In this episode of the ShiftShapers podcast hosted by David Saltzman, ERISA attorney Jennifer Berman, the NABIP (National Association of Benefit Insurance Professionals) Legislative Vice Chair and CEO of MZQ Consulting, discusses various compliance issues that employers and their advisors must know. 00:00 Introduction to Compliance Issues and Legislative Updates 00:49 Under...
Feb 20, 2024•42 min•Ep. 477
Ever wanted to know what consumers really desire from their brands? Then you won't want to miss this episode with our phenomenal guest, Kurt Bartolich, the founder of Brand Certain. Kurt's bi-annual survey of 1,600 consumers provides precious insights into shifting consumer preferences, shattering the old paradigm of 'uniqueness' in favor of genuine qualities like honesty and authenticity. We unearth the importance of convenience and originality to consumers and scrutinize case studies: Bed Bath...
Oct 30, 2023•21 min•Ep. 476
Want to revolutionize your company's healthcare experience? Tune in as we welcome Ryan Robbins, the dynamic co-founder of Ello Benefits, who is here to discuss the transformative power of direct primary care (DPC) and its potential to significantly impact medical costs, improve employee experiences, and manage chronic conditions. Ryan offers an insider's perspective on how his team is shaking things up in the healthcare industry, providing tailored solutions to enhance efficiency and effectivene...
Oct 23, 2023•30 min•Ep. 475
Want to crack the secret to building enduring business relationships? What if we told you that the key is not hidden within complex strategies but lies in simplicity, authenticity, and selflessness? This awe-inspiring conversation with Andre Davis, a respected communication specialist and public speaker, brings that theory to life. You'll be fascinated as Andre unravels his approach to forming meaningful connections, emphasizing genuine interest in understanding someone's story, needs, and goals...
Oct 16, 2023•28 min•Ep. 474
Are you tired of feeling lost in the complex world of healthcare? Ever wish you had a guide to navigate you through it all? Well, meet Keith Somers, co-founder and CRO of HealthCorum, a company that's revolutionizing the healthcare sector, giving you the power to make informed decisions. Keith shares his personal journey of how his encounters with wasteful and low-value care inspired him to tackle these issues head-on, advocating for high-value, high-quality care. HealthCorum's approach is simpl...
Oct 09, 2023•19 min•Ep. 473
Do you often find yourself wrestling with the myriad of challenges in benefits administration? Tune into our fascinating conversation with Shannon Goggin, co-founder and CEO of Noyo, as we traverse the landscape of benefits experience enhancement for customers. Shannon shares the inception story of Noyo, a visionary company that simplifies data exchange across divergent systems and how their mission is to enable secure data sharing with the goal of delivering the right information to the right p...
Oct 02, 2023•21 min•Ep. 472
Imagine a future where health plans come with no deductibles and no copays, doesn't it seem like a fantasy? But what if it's not? In our enlightening conversation with James Millaway, the CEO of Zero Health, we unpack the concept of health plans without the burden of deductibles and copays. We trace the history of these cost-sharing measures and their effect on overall healthcare costs. We also highlight the idea of insurance and how it should be a guard against catastrophic risks, not everyday ...
Sep 25, 2023•20 min•Ep. 471
Have you ever wondered about the hidden layers of healthcare costs? Today, we bring you insights from an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Keith Smith, co-founder of the Surgery Center of Oklahoma. Dr. Smith shares his personal journey of navigating the healthcare industry, and the shocking discovery that hospitals were not always the best advocates for patients or surgeons. He and his colleague dared to change this by establishing their own facility, a radical move that influenced the Trump Exe...
Sep 18, 2023•21 min
Ever wondered how the Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) industry really works? Join us for an enlightening chat with our guest, Dave Parker, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TrueScript, as we unravel the intricacies of the traditional PBM relationship. Gain insight as Dave dissects key terms like average wholesale price and net cost, and unveils the ways PBMs make their money. We also delve into the trend of manufacturers moving closer to employers to shake off spread pricing models....
Sep 11, 2023•19 min
Prepare yourself to be fascinated by Dr. Kyle Rickner, co-founder and chairman at Primary Health Partners, as he takes us on an inspiring journey of how direct primary care became his answer to physician burnout and subpar patient experiences. Step into the world of evolving healthcare models as we dissect the barriers that prevent more physicians from transitioning to this progressive model. Together, we untangle the web of the traditional fee-for-service system and how it has stagnated the gro...
Sep 04, 2023•21 min
Ever wondered if your business is really understanding the true cost of healthcare? Join us as we pick the brain of Kelly McDevitt, the President of the Nonprofit Integrated Benefits Institute (IBI). With a whopping 40 years of industry experience, Kelly unpacks how IBI assists businesses in deciphering the often-complex healthcare costs beyond just medical and pharmacy expenses. We dive into the increasing curiosity around self-insured plans and the pivotal role of data in employer decision-mak...
Aug 28, 2023•20 min
Have you ever wondered about the balance between empowering employees and maintaining control as a leader? Get your answers as we have an enlightening conversation with Kristen Hadeed, author of Permission to Screw Up and Leadership Thought Leader. Kristen takes us on her leadership journey, a journey that began when she was 21 and saw 45 of her employees walk out on her, a pivotal event that reshaped her leadership approach. She shares how this experience transformed her into an advocate for fo...
Aug 21, 2023•25 min
You ever wonder why the current healthcare system is so expensive and seemingly broken? Get ready to explore the potential of innovative healthcare plan designs that seek to reduce out-of-pocket costs and increase access to care with our special guest, Kevin Kickhaefar, President and Chief Growth Officer at Gravy. We'll learn about Kevin's fascinating journey from the Midwest to leading a healthcare startup and his vision of a redesigned healthcare system that works for everyone. We'll investiga...
Aug 14, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 465
Join us for a riveting conversation with our guest, Daniel Grun, Chief Marketing Officer at Leading Edge Administrators. From nonprofit to insurance, he brings a unique perspective to our discussion about the key factors keeping the market static - cost, access, and education of care. Daniel drops knowledge on the benefits of strong partnerships and the increasing influence of self-funded plans in the industry. We also dig into the vital role of training and establishing a bond of trust in selli...
Aug 07, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 464
Are you ready to tackle the trust problem impacting organizations across all industries? Join us as we unravel the secrets to building trust with our exceptional guest, Corey Sheer, founder and CEO of TrustCentric Consulting. Corey shares his journey and research on the structure of trust, and reveals the three vital building blocks that can make or break trust within an organization: organizational competencies, problem-solving skills, and demonstrating care for others. Dive into the world of t...
Jul 31, 2023•22 min
