Self-Funded With Spencer

"If we can remove the cost barrier, folks are going to engage more because it's not standing in the way of going to get the care that they need or even preventive care." - Trey SmithHigh healthcare deductibles were sold to employers as a way to create better "consumers" of healthcare. My guest this week, Trey Smith of Hub International, argues that they've been a failed experiment that has done more harm than good. Instead of creating smarter shoppers, high deductibles have become a massive barrier to care, causing employees to delay or avoid necessary treatment altogether.In this episode, Trey breaks down the alternative: first dollar coverage. We discuss how innovative plan designs with zero deductibles can actually lower an employer's overall claim spend over time by encouraging early intervention and proactive care. He shares data showing that while utilization spikes initially, long-term costs come down significantly as members get the care they need when they need it.This conversation is a perfect example of why the benefits consultant's role is shifting from simply brokering insurance to designing strategic solutions that solve real problems for employees and employers. I hope you'll tune in!Chapters:(00:00:00) High Healthcare Deductibles Are A Failed Experiment (00:26:16) The Risk of Innovation vs. The Risk of the Status Quo (00:29:59) The Problem: High Deductibles as a Barrier to Care (00:34:10) The Solution: "First Dollar" Coverage (00:38:22) Simplifying the Healthcare Experience (00:52:17) How Data is Making New Plan Designs PossibleKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"I can look for something on Amazon and have it shipped to my door tomorrow... so why wouldn't employees want a similar experience with their healthcare?" - Amanda VolnerCan artificial intelligence actually make healthcare feel more human?Amanda Volner, AVP of Broker Partnerships at Healthee, joins the show for a deep dive into the real role of AI in the benefits industry. We discuss how artificial intelligence is a powerful tool to augment our abilities, but why uniquely human skills like critical thinking, building relationships, and understanding "the question behind the question" are more valuable than ever.Amanda breaks down how Healthee is using AI to create "hyper-personalized" healthcare experiences for members, from navigating benefits to finding cost-effective pharmacy solutions. We explore how modern engagement platforms are essential for communicating with a decentralized workforce and how AI can be trained to match your own voice and tone.The conversation also explores the human side of a demanding career, from the challenges of being a single mother in this industry to navigating sobriety in professional settings.Tune in for a fascinating look at the intersection of AI, healthcare, and what it truly means to be human in our industry.Chapters:(00:00:00) Making Healthcare More Human...Using AI (00:01:09) The One Thing AI Still Can't Do (00:04:36) Understanding "The Question Behind the Question" (00:26:02) The Future of "Hyper-Personalized" Healthcare (00:37:07) Using AI to Lower Prescription Costs (00:50:12) Balancing a Demanding Career and Family (01:02:32) Navigating Sobriety in the Benefits WorldKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"Good entrepreneurs fall in love with their solution and their platform, but great entrepreneurs fall in love with the problem." - Matt ScovilMatt Scovil and Nathan Gilchrist of Medefy Health, have fallen in love with one of the biggest problems in benefits: nobody wants to engage with them. They joined the show to discuss their journey of building a platform designed to solve the engagement crisis and simplify the healthcare experience for everyone.Matt and Nathan break down their "bottoms-up" approach to this problem, which focuses on engaging members when they need help through a high-touch, live support model delivered via mobile app. We discuss how they use the psychology of "loss aversion" and constant communication to drive engagement rates over 90%.We also explore how Medefy acts as the "quarterback" for a health plan, removing friction by navigating members to the right solutions. This is all part of their vision for the future of healthcare, where the experience is "heavily, heavily individualized" for each person.Chapters:(00:00:00) Why Employees Would Rather Clean a Toilet Than Use Their Benefits (00:04:18) Cleaning a Toilet vs. Learning Your Benefits (00:08:46) Falling in Love with the Problem, Not the Solution (00:14:23) The Power of Live, Human Support (00:19:08) Using "Loss Aversion" to Drive Engagement (00:34:54) The Quarterback for Your Health Plan (00:47:57) How AI is Augmenting the Human Touch (01:00:01) The Future of Healthcare is "Individualized"Key Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"I think the three strongest words that you can use as a leader, as a salesperson, as a client relationship person is I don't know." - Scott MilsonMy guest this week, 35-year industry veteran and author Scott Milson, joins the show for a deep dive into the mindset required for a long and successful career. We discuss his journey from a self-described "career B student" to a partner at a major firm, and the lessons he learned about loyalty, hard work, and what it truly means to be excellent.Scott breaks down his personal playbook for "tuning into the frequency of excellence." He shares his "Be 5 Framework" (Be Present, Curious, Intentional, Bold, and Reflective) and explains why embracing discomfort, adopting a growth mindset, and learning through informal mentorship are crucial for professional growth.It’s worth noting that Scott is also professionally in the benefits industry, so I wanted to have him on the show to directly speak to those in this space.I hope you'll tune in for this insightful conversation!Chapters:(00:00:00) Tuning Into The Frequency Of Excellence (00:20:08) Why Discomfort is the Path to Growth (00:21:56) The 3 Words That Defeat Imposter Syndrome (00:27:52) The "Success to Significance" Curve (00:38:42) The “Be 5” Framework for Excellence (00:40:52) The Myth of Formal Mentorship (00:48:25) "How You Do Anything is How You Do Everything"Key Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"We spend about $528 billion a year fixing the mistakes we make with medicines." - Chris GrilliFixing healthcare's $528 billion dollar mistake starts with ending the "trial-and-error" prescribing that plagues our system. My guest this week, pharmacist and genomics expert Chris Grilli of RxMapper, joined the show to explain how personalized, DNA-guided medicine is the key to solving this massive problem.Chris breaks down the RxMapper model, explaining how they analyze 36 million data points from a patient's genome to provide medication recommendations with nearly 90% accuracy. We discuss the crucial difference between genetics and genomics, and how this approach saves thousands of dollars per patient while dramatically improving outcomes.The mission to fix this problem is also a personal one. Chris shared the story of how his grandmother's preventable death from an adverse drug event became the inspiration for building RxMapper to ensure other families don't suffer the same fate.Tune in this week for the playbook on fixing one healthcare's most expensive mistakes.Chapters:(00:00:00) Fixing Healthcare's $528 Billion Dollar Mistake (00:02:12) The $528 Billion Cost of Medication Errors (00:04:43) Genetics vs. Genomics: What's the Difference? (00:10:29) Are Doctors Prescribing "Poison?" (00:14:18) The Personal Story Behind RxMapper (00:27:17) Saving Over $8,600 Per Patient (00:41:24) How Your DNA Impacts Ozempic's EffectivenessKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"There's a big difference for me in living and being alive. There's a difference between breathing and truly experiencing life." - Todd WhitthorneMy guest this week Todd Whitthorne joined me for a conversation that goes far beyond the balance sheet to explore the true meaning of well-being. We discuss why a leader's personal health is the foundational, non-negotiable asset for their professional success.Todd breaks down the crucial role leaders play in building trust and creating a "culture of health" that yields a real financial, clinical, and cultural ROI. We explore the five pillars of well-being (fitness, nutrition, sleep, stress, and prevention), the difference between "lifespan" and "healthspan," and why investing in yourself is the least selfish thing a leader can do.The episode concludes with the incredible true story of Todd's 70-year-old friend who survived being hit and run over by a drunk driver, which is a powerful testament to how a lifelong commitment to fitness creates true resilience. I hope you’ll tune in for this inspirational conversation!Chapters:(00:00:00) Lessons in Health & Leadership (00:06:11) Why Trust is a Leader's Most Important Asset (00:14:14) The Difference Between Lifespan and Healthspan (00:17:06) Why Investing in Yourself Isn't Selfish (00:48:59) The Pursuit of True Happiness (01:05:49) The 70-Year-Old Who Survived And Thrived After a Hit-and-RunKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"Understanding how an underwriter thinks and how they manage risk allows you to create a solution that actually creates impact and change for the long term." - Bobby StuartThis week on the show, I'm joined by Bobby Stuart, a benefits consultant with Hotchkiss Insurance, for a deep dive into the mindset of a modern, forward-thinking advisor. We discuss his journey into the industry and what it takes to guide employers through the complexities of self-funding.Bobby also broke down his playbook for creating long-term value for his clients. We explore why learning to "think like an underwriter" is a crucial skill for managing risk, the importance of simplifying complex ideas for employers, and why mastering the industry's language is the first step to finding simple solutions.We also discuss how these strategies translate into real-world results, including how Bobby's team uses direct contracts and early intervention to help members get high-cost cancer care for free, removing the financial burden so they can focus on their health.Chapters:(00:00:00) How To Think Like An Underwriter (And Why It’s A Game-Changer)(00:04:03) Overcoming the Complexity of Self-Funding (00:04:59) Learning to Speak the Language of Insurance (00:08:49) The Power of Thinking Like an Underwriter (00:18:48) How To Stay Optimistic As A Benefits ConsultantKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"The balance bill came in, it was 37 grand for this member, and we were able to get that thing fully wiped." - Patrick HaigMy guest this week, Patrick Haig, Co-Founder of Goodbill, has built a company designed to find errors in medical bills and fix them. From upcoding to time-based discrepancies, these inaccuracies cost health plans and their members a fortune.In this episode, Patrick breaks down the Goodbill model. We discuss how their technology integrates directly with health plans to audit claims for errors before they're paid, and why that “upstream” approach is so game-changing. We also dive into one of their most powerful tools: the underutilized 501(r) IRS rule that can wipe out bills entirely, even for six-figure income families.This episode is personal for me, as Patrick's team fixed my own son's ER bill, saving almost $1,000. I hope you’ll tune in!Chapters:(00:10:22) How DPC inspired Goodbill(00:23:03) The 501(r) Secret: Hospital Financial Assistance (00:27:15) How Upcoding Inflates Your ER Bill (00:38:29) The Art of Negotiating a Hospital Bill (00:48:43) Why "Upstream" Claim Auditing is a Game-Changer (00:59:29) Can a Six-Figure Family Qualify for Assistance?Key Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"I doubled my profit when I lost 70% of my customers, which is insane." - Brad HartMy guest this week, Brad Hart, owner of Forest Park Pharmacy, came on the show to discuss how he moved his pharmacy from struggling to survive in a broken, insurance-based reimbursement model to thriving as an all-cash, "cost-plus" business.Brad popped on my radar because of his very popular and informative Instagram profile, where he shows how everyday Americans are getting fleeced by PBMs. We break down the mechanics of his model and discuss the "low copay trap," why the term "specialty generic" is nonsense, and how his pharmacy's Price Checker tool brings radical transparency to a purposefully confusing industry.We also dive into the exponential overpayments Brad has uncovered in the Medicare system, where a drug that costs his pharmacy $96 is reimbursed for over $3,400.This is one you won't want to miss!Chapters:(00:00:00) This Pharmacy Went Cash-Only, Lost 70% Of Customers, & Doubled Profits(00:07:28) The "Cost-Plus" Pharmacy Model, Explained (00:08:49) How Brad Lost 70% of Customers & Doubled Profits (00:10:45) The Deceptive "Low Copay Trap" (00:13:29) The Pricing Breakdown: Cost + 15% + $10 (00:34:52) Why the Term "Specialty Generic" is Nonsense (00:47:53) What is the Average Wholesale Price (AWP)? (00:52:41) PBM Reform vs. Direct-to-ConsumerKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"Nomi actually stands for 'no middleman'. Take out that invented complexity... Price comes way down, becomes more simple to administer, and there's plenty of dollars to go around for providers now making more money." - Josh WalkerMy guest this week, Josh Walker, Founder & COO of Nomi Health, is on a mission to rebuild healthcare by tackling its "invented complexity." He joined me on the show to explain why creating a direct relationship between the buyers and providers of care is the key to a better, more affordable system for everyone.How does Nomi do it? We break down their playbook, which focuses on three core strategies: standardizing data formats to improve efficiency, embracing price discovery to find the true cost of care, and simplifying payment dynamics to cut out the middlemen.This isn't just theory. Joshua shares the powerful, real-world results of their model, including how one client's benefits leader received a standing ovation from employees after switching to a plan that eliminated all financial barriers to care.Tune in this week to learn why it’s so important to find the true cost of care, and why I’m so proud to have Nomi as a sponsor for the show!Chapters:(00:00:44) What Does NOMI Stand For? (00:11:36) Finding the "True Cost of Care" (00:23:27) Do We Even Need Networks Anymore? (00:35:14) What Churros Can Teach Us About Data Analytics (00:52:19) From Solution Taker to Solution Maker (00:55:59) The "Standing Ovation" Health PlanKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

“Does your consultant understand these kind of strategies and mechanisms are available in the market and do they know how to implement them and make them work?" - Riley DearingRiley Dearing of Hotchkiss Insurance returns to the show this week, and he’s brought with him Blake Allison, CEO of Employers Health Network (EHN) to talk all about high-performance health networks and the massive opportunity they represent.Ever wonder how high-performance health networks actually work? We broke down the real mechanics: how direct provider partnerships are built, how benefit design drives engagement to the right facilities, and how this collaborative approach leads to better data, lower costs, and predictable risk for employers.This isn't just theory; we also announce EHN's new partnership with Covenant Health, detailing how this model is being scaled to bring these powerful solutions to employers across West Texas.Tune in this week for the definitive guide on how high-performance health networks actually work!Chapters:(00:00:00) How the World's #1 Chevy Dealer Saved $3 Million on Healthcare(00:10:30) Enhancing Healthcare Networks (00:16:23) Making Sure Members Can Get Care In Their Area(00:22:30) Empowering Patients(00:25:43) Navigating Healthcare Pricing Strategy(00:35:23) Enhancing Healthcare Affordability(00:47:14) Data-Driven Healthcare(00:57:17) Zero Out-of-Pocket Cost For MembersKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

If you'd like your question answered on next month's episode, call/text 469-213-6381 and leave us a voicemail/text.Each month on Last Month In Healthcare, producer Nathaniel joins me to discuss the previous month's podcasts, headlines, and listener-submitted questions.This episode covers healthcare news from June to mid-July 2025.And we play a new game called the "Which Has Less Ingredients?", which is exactly like what the title suggests.Chapters: 0:00 - Intro0:22 - A proposal to ban drug ads2:48 - Pre-diabetes rates in children have tripled in 25 years5:25 - Healthcare workers leaking patient data through AI7:06 - Mark Cuban's healthcare plan10:05 - Healthcare is the top employer in most states12:49 - The Self-Funded Review19:37 - Which Has Less Ingredients? (this month's game)27:27- Ask Spencer AnythingSources: https://phys.org/news/2025-06-glass-bottles-microplastics-plastic.htmlhttps://x.com/mcuban/status/1934834421225672999https://www.scrippsnews.com/health/alarming-number-of-adolescents-have-prediabetes-new-data-from-cdc-says?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://x.com/utobian/status/1943127594960064713?t=BfpiRV8m7thZDIqTRMVo3Ahttps://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/health-care-workers-are-leaking-patient-data-through-ai-tools-cloud-appshttps://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/sanders-senators-float-ban-on-direct-to-consumer-ads-for-prescription-drugshttps://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinics-ai-tool-identifies-9-dementia-types-including-alzheimers-with-one-scan/

“That race car you got, that you studied all the components and now you're just tweaking horsepower and how much can you get out of it? That's what this feels like. You are really optimizing the horsepower of this engine, your employee benefit plan, and everybody likes it.” - Bently DurantThis week, I was joined by an all-star duo: Bently Durant, the COO of Classic Chevrolet, which is the #1 Chevy dealer in the world, and his benefits advisor, Riley Dearing of Hotchkiss Insurance.Together, we discussed the story of how they saved $3 million while simultaneously improving care by eliminating deductibles and optimizing pharmacy spend, which is a playbook that every business owner, CFO, and consultant can learn from. Bently, Riley, and I talked about what makes this industry so unique and why self-funding is so beneficial for car dealerships.We also dove into the truly innovative things they're doing now that their plan is so successful, like creating a "Good Decision Fund" to give bonus money back to their employees.Tune in this week to learn how to optimize the horsepower of an employee benefits plan!Chapters:(00:00:00) How the World's #1 Chevy Dealer Saved $3 Million on Healthcare(00:04:10) When Bently Decided To Go Self-Funded(00:14:08) Tailoring Health Plans To Your Employees(00:31:19) The Complicated World Of Pharmacy Spend(00:58:27) Improving The Benefits Plan WHILE Saving MoneyKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"If employers do not think that they are in the healthcare business, they are sadly mistaken. Every employer is in the healthcare business whether they want to or not." - Stephanie KochI’m super excited about this week’s episode: the Empowering Employers live panel show that we recorded in front of a live audience on June 18th. I was joined on-stage by an all-star group of guests: Rachel Strauss, Kimberly Carleson, Kristen Rivers, and Stephanie Koch. Together, we discussed some of the biggest challenges and opportunities for employers in today’s market; the diversity of perspectives on-stage made this a super insightful podcast, and whether you’re an employer, consultant, or solution provider, there’s a lot you’ll take away.We also had live Q&A after the main podcast, with some hard-hitting questions from Omar Arif, Elaine Davis, and more.Tune in this week to learn how we can better empower employers!Chapters:(00:00:00) The Empowering Employers Live Show, with Q&A(00:13:00) How Do We Get More Transparent Healthcare Pricing?(00:21:25) What Is The PBM’s Role In Better Healthcare Strategies?(00:29:00) Lowering Healthcare Costs Through Claim Review(00:40:11) PBM Reform Through Strategic Legal Actions(00:48:45) How Do We Pay For GLP-1s?(01:01:22) Live Audience Q&A(01:38:10) Final Thoughts From Each PanelistKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

 "There is no such thing as a health or medical problem for which we are not your partner." - David SilversteinThe U.S. healthcare system is the third-largest economy on the planet, which makes expecting patients to navigate all of its complexities pretty unrealistic. This week’s guest, David Silverstein, is aiming to make healthcare simpler for the end user, steering them when appropriate to the best care and becoming their first point of contact with the healthcare system. David explains why the system is designed to create friction, from unnecessary tests to proprietary pricing that hides the true cost of care. He also told me about his experience trying to get legislation passed that would make healthcare costs more transparent, and the lobbying groups he ran up against in that attempt. Tune in this week to learn how we make healthcare simpler for Americans!Chapters:(00:00:00) How Do We Make Healthcare Simpler? | with David Silverstein(00:06:30) Streamlining Healthcare With Modern Tech(00:12:37) Pushing For More Transparent Healthcare Legislation(00:22:30) Fair Pricing for Informed Healthcare Decisions(00:33:37) Virtual Healthcare Navigation and Coordination(00:59:37) More Transparent Healthcare Costs(01:15:22) Patient-Centered HealthcareKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

“As a broker, our job is counting cards against the system. Because everything catches up 5-10 years later. Every other broker, every other consultant gets in like, oh, that's a great idea. We're always trying to find the next little thing, and then the system eventually shuts it down because it messes with somebody's money." - Taylor OrtonWhat does it mean to be on the bleeding edge of employee benefits? My next guest, Taylor Orton, CEBS, of Cottingham & Butler, frames the work of a top consultant as “counting cards against the system”, and trying to continuously stay ahead of the market. Taylor broke down several of the key areas of cost containment that are often employed by brokers and gave his take, as well as what it means to be on the “bleeding edge” of benefits. He also shared with me why cost containment doesn’t just mean lowering the “unit cost” of healthcare; it also means trying to reduce the number of “units”. Much of this conversation was on the big picture of the healthcare landscape, so if you’re a self-funded geek, this one is for you.Chapters:(00:00:00) Why Brokers Need To Be Constantly Innovating | with Taylor Orton(00:10:44) Optimizing Healthcare Benefits Plans(00:16:14) Why Procurement Strategies Are So Key To Cost Management(00:33:22) Market Forces' Impact on Healthcare Pricing(00:46:54) Employer Transparency About HealthcareKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

“There's this ability to impact people directly through the employer in a very cost effective way, giving everyone the chance to improve their health. The more employers that we can impact, the more people we're going to impact." - Erica ArmstrongI recently had the pleasure of speaking with Erica Armstrong, MD, IFMCP, the founder of Root Functional Medicine, who is on a mission to use functional medicine to find and treat the root cause of our health issues. After first connecting with Erica on LinkedIn, I was excited to have her on the show to discuss her holistic approach to healthcare.We discussed the core pillars of functional medicine, including a nutrition-first care model, the critical importance of a healthy gut microbiome, the keys to inflammation management, and even the potential for reversing chronic conditions. We also cover how she is bringing this new, more comprehensive model to employers and their employees.Tune in this week to learn all about functional medicine!Chapters:(00:00:00) Functional Medicine 101 | with Erica Armstrong(00:05:37) The “Root Cause” Approach(00:07:03) Holistic Approach Of Functional Medicine (00:16:56) Nutrition-First Care(00:25:59) The Importance Of A Healthy Gut Microbiome(00:34:46) Chronic Condition Reversal(00:44:10) The Key To Inflammation ManagementKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

If you'd like your question answered on next month's episode, call/text 469-213-6381 and leave us a voicemail/text.Each month on Last Month In Healthcare, producer Nathaniel joins me to discuss the previous month's podcasts, headlines, and listener-submitted questions. This month, we were joined in studio by Shawn Ferguson from Acrisure!This episode covers healthcare news from May 2025, including:- Trump's 'most favored nation' executive order- AI in the FDA- FDA's plan to review chemicals in our food supply- Prices for new drugs doubling in the last 4 years- Hospitals outsourcing minor surgeries- The DOJ lawsuit against Aetna, Elevance, and HumanaAnd we play a new game called the Macro Matchup, where Spencer and Shawn attempt to guess the calories, sugar, fat, and protein of 4 very unhealthy fast food items.Chapters: 0:00 - Intro1:01 - Healthcare Headlines18:21 - The Self-Funded Review31:29 - Macro Match-up (this month's game)38:06 - Ask Spencer AnythingSources: https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/trump-most-favored-nations-drug-pricing-plan/747761/https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-fda-centers-deploy-ai-internally-immediately-2025-05-08/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/fda-plans-review-chemicals-us-food-supply-official-says-2025-05-15/https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/prices-new-us-drugs-doubled-4-years-focus-rare-disease-grows-2025-05-22/https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/innovation/healthcare-diversified-hospitals-are-outsourcing-minor-surgerieshttps://www.reuters.com/sustainability/us-files-false-claims-complaint-against-three-health-insurers-2025-05-01/

"I want to be in our own category." - Rob GelbI recently joined Rob Gelb, CEO of Vālenz, which is a sponsor of this show, at the Vālenz office in Philadelphia to discuss the story of the company, how it operates in the market currently, and it’s future, which includes the recently announced Vālenz One. Rob describes VālenzONE as a “health plan optimizer”, and we discussed what that means and what it looks like to build a new way for employers to manage their healthcare. We also discussed the healthcare market as a whole, what it’s currently lacking, and Rob’s general philosophy of how he’s approached building this new platform.Tune in this week to learn all about VālenzONE!Chapters:(00:00:00) What Is VālenzONE? | with Rob Gelb(00:08:03) How Data Can Reduce Health Plan Spend(00:19:48) How Vālenz Has Transformed Over The Years(00:22:43) What Does Optimized Healthcare Look Like?(00:36:58) Why Integrated Health Solutions Are The Future(00:41:34) Innovative Healthcare Collaborations(00:50:17) What Does It Mean To Be Innovative?Key Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

“We show…very similar weight loss outcomes to GLP1 in a similar timeframe at a fraction of the cost, but sustainable through behavior change." - Colin RogersColin Rogers, VP at Signos, joined me for episode 200! On this special episode, we talked about something I’m very passionate and vocal about: weight loss for everybody. Signos combines continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), our phones, and AI to track longitudinal data and help educate and prompt members to make better health decisions. If you’re into personalized population health, then this is the episode for you!On one of our earliest episodes, a guest shared that the best way to solve the problem of healthcare is to produce less disease. GLP-1s definitely appear to have a role to play in that, but as Colin shares on this episode, the more we can achieve GLP-1 results in a way that’s sustainable, the better, for employers and for America.Chapters:(00:00:00) GLP-1 Weight Loss At A Fraction Of The Cost | with Colin Rogers(00:11:29) Real-world CGM Data Impact(00:15:26) Health Programs for Metabolism Control(00:21:37) Real-time Glucose Monitoring Devices Empower Employees(00:36:03) How CGMs Can Optimize A Health Plan(00:42:05) Why This Data Is So PowerfulKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/