America's Healthcare Advocate

Today we discuss all things Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City with Barron Roberts, Director of Individual Markets and Small Group. The things you need to know! Topics include: -Metro Blue Innovation -Spira Care Learn More about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City 816-467-22145 https://www.bluekc.com/

From accounting and payroll to healthcare, Luke Towey and his team consult their clients to the perfect franchise that is designed to fit their personal needs, interests, and resources! We will learn a lot today, and if you are a franchisee or a franchisor, we will discuss ways to make them thrive. This is season 22 Ep 6 of America’s Healthcare Advocate. I’m Cary Hall. Learn more about Luke’s company: https://franchiseresourcellc.com/ As always, if you need help or have something to share contact me with this form on my website and let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns. Visit: https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us

Today we are talking about the United Appliance Servicers Association and how GigCare is working for their members 1099/contract employees. Developed by Detego, the PSM Nebraska GigCare 1099 Worker Program is now helping associations in ways previously unavailable or cost prohibitive. Debbie Klintworth talks about how the United Appliance Servicers Association (UASA) has found GigCare to be the solution. John Kuhlmann explains the details that make the ACA/Obamacare overly expensive and difficult and why GigCare approaches health benefits in a way that is opposite of how the major carriers do it for health benefits and for drugs. Learn for about Debbie's companies: https://sloanappliance.com/ and https://www.d3sservice.com/ Connect with John Kuhlmann: https://kuhlmannfin.com/ This is season 22 Episode 2 of America’s Healthcare Advocate. I’m Cary Hall https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us

Today on America’s Healthcare Advocate and part of my Health Of Our Communities series the topic is our flagship station’s home state of Kansas and the effect of having the 2nd highest tax rate, being ranked 45th out of 50 states with a growth of only 1.4% and getting an “F” from CNBC and how all of this affects our lives, or health and our families. Even our states 4th graders are below 4th grade level proficiency. My friend Philip Sarnecki joins me, taking time off from his campaign to discuss what’s wrong and how we bring about a massive turnaround by building business, creating jobs and becoming the best place for business and for families. Philip believes the state governor is like a CEO and that business sense will trump political ambition to bring us a healthy state. What’s wrong with Kansas? Find out as we discuss bringing Kansas from worst to first! This is season 22, episode 4 or America’s Healthcare Advocate. I’m Cary Hall. Learn more about Philip: https://philipsarnecki.org/ As always, if you need help or have something to share contact me with this form on my website and let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns. Visit: https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us

Katie Radginski founded Ready Train Go in 2020 after seeing a need for a higher quality of training for situational awareness and emergency preparedness. She brings her 20 years of experience and her empathy and compassion to her classroom and now to our show. Learn how to Save A Life and the truth about the AED you see in offices and public places... what it can do and what it won't do. This is Episode 1 of Season 22 of America's Healthcare Advocate, I'm Cary Hall. Learn about Ready Train Go, call 636-439-8761 or visit https://readytraingo.com/ If you want to know more about us, go to the website: https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us and send me an email.

To provide for the needs of the aged poor, Saint Jeanne Jugan walked the roads of France seeking alms. She was recognized by the begging basket she carried. She asked for money as well as food, clothing, wood, wool or whatever was needed for the Home. Jeanne thanked her benefactors by praying for them, and today’s Little Sisters happily continue this practice. My guests on today's show are Mother Mary Thomas and Sr. Agnes from Kansas City's Little Sisters of the Poor order, located on James A. Reed Rd. Today we learn of their mission and the care they provide for the elderly, with reverence and respect for the elderly regardless of religion, serving people 65 years and older, of any race or religion (or no religion), who are low-income. Serve those who can’t afford to pay for care. "Old age has many gifts that are often overlooked in today’s society. They are our ancestors, built foundation of what we have today" Join me for this extraordinary discussion with these sisteres who are making each day count for our elderly's "last place they will live" with respect and grace. This is episode 2137 of America's Healthcare Advocate, I'm Cary Hall. Learn more: Carrie Rojas Director of Development, Little Sisters of the Poor 8745 James A. Reed Rd, Kansas City, MO 64138 816.761.4744 https://littlesistersofthepoorkansascity.org/ or, outside of the Kansas City area, https://littlesistersofthepoor.org/

Philip Sarnecki a Kansas businessman, a job creator, a husband, and father who rose from humble beginnings (the son of a janitor and a secretary) who then built one of the nation’s largest financial services companies and has led businesses that today employ nearly 1,000 people across multiple industries. This is Ep2141 of America's Healthcare Advocate. Learn more about Philip and his plans for the state of Kansas: https://philipsarnecki.org As always, if you need help or have something to share contact me with this form on my website and let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns. Visit: https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us

The ACA/Obamacare Mega Tsunami is coming! Increases premiums, Reductions in subsidies and the impact this will have across the country, and it's here as we begin 2026. My expert guests from Detego Health are John Stockton and Tracy Krause, who will discuss GigCare, provided by Population Science Management as the alternative to the ACA (Obamacare): Better benefits and lower costs. Stockton tells us "If you become a consumer data respondent, you can have access to PSM’s GigCare Health Benefits plan". Today we will separate fact from fiction on the topic of health benefits on America's Healthcare Advocate. This is episode 2136 GigCare is not available in all states. Learn more at https://gigcare.net/

Today we are talking with John Kuhlmann,Lauren Broyles and Josh Bowman from the Kuhlmann Group. If you've ever wondered how your Association can get health benefits and how would that work? Or maybe you've got a large group plan and you'd like to figure out a better way to handle your health insurance benefits, that is our topic on this episode. Most importantly, listen and learn today, as we talk about how an association can actually offer health benefits, especially if you've got 1099 employees. This is Ep 2139 of America's Healthcare Advocate. To learn more about GigCare, the Kuhlmann Group and health benefits for 1099 workers as well as W2 employees: 314-494-7860 and visit https://kuhlmannfin.com We’re discussing a better way to handle your health insurance benefits

Sportscaster Ryan Lefebvre, the storied broadcaster of the Kansas City Royals baseball team, joins me on this special show along with Kristin Gernon, Blue KC Behavioral Health Program Manager. Kirstin has over 25 years of experience in the behavioral health field, focusing on children and families. She has been involved in initiatives like the "Shut Out the Stigma" campaign and has spoken on mental health topics, including its importance in youth sports. The documentary "Not Good Enough" is available at: https://www.shutoutthestigma.com/documentary Learn more about Blue KC: https://www.bluekc.com/

Join me with my guest Misty Snodgrass as we explore why only one carrier services 103 Kansas counties and even goes below five lives in small group coverage. They are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and they are truly the hometown carrier. Misty is their Director of ACA & Medicaid and is my expert guest. • At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, community involvement is a key component. • Discuss how an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) may be a great option and we’ll contrast PPO Designs, etc. • Other carriers pull out of the state when claims go up. Not Blue Cross of Kansas. They are here to stay and in all 103 counties. We’ve been here for 80 years and we aren’t going anywhere. This is episode 2134 of America’s Healthcare Advocate. I’m Cary Hall. Learn more about BCBSKS.com or call (866) 906-5253.

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My guest, Ron Miller is BlueKC’s FEP Senior Sales Consultant & Labor Liaison and Ron and I have all the things to know Right Now and why Federal Employees should consider Blue Cross Ble Shield for their health insurance needs! • The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program is the number one health insurance choice for federal employees, retirees, and their families. • For nearly 60 years, we’ve been committed to offering federal employees the best healthcare coverage in the U.S. • More than 99% of our members stay with us year over year. • Our preferred provider network includes 95% of doctors, 96% of hospitals and 65,000 pharmacies nationwide. And you never need a referral to see a specialist. • 24/7 care provided by Teladoc Health – treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, mental health support, dermatology care and more by phone or video. • Preventive care is always covered when you see a Preferred provider. • OPEN ENROLLMENT SEASON runs from Monday, Nov. 11th through Saturday, Dec. 8, 2025. Virtual Fairs: https://www.fepblue.org/events To learn more about the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, visit fepblue.org or call 800-411-BLUE.

John Massey and a couple of his friends came together and created a program called Zuzu's Petals. Born out of a great love of Christmas and how each of them were impacted by Chrfistmas when they were young, this non-profit takes care of families that cannot afford to have a Christmas, and they do it in a very unique way. John, Mak and Dan love Christmas so much, they created a way to share it and help local families. John joins us this year in a heartwarming show that you really need to hear. To help them visit: https://zuzus-petals.org/ Or, call John at 816-977-1955 And if you need help or have something to share, contact me Cary Hall, America's Healthcare Advocate at https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us A nd let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns.

Misty Snodgrass is Director, ACA & Medicaid at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and she'll let us know what you Must Know if you have an ACA insurance plan. MISTY: This is unprecedented. At BCBSKS we're doing our best to hold the rates down and even taking a hit financially. But we want to make sure that people in Kansas have access to coverage. CARY: Like Misty said, they're more than happy to talk to you and just explain what's happening because there are a massive number of changes coming in the marketplace and ACA. Misty leads the strategic and operational direction for the ACA line of business and oversees the Healthy Blue Medicaid partnership. She is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, financial performance, product and market strategy, and operational excellence. She is known for her compassionate, results-oriented approach as syays she prioritizes access, quality care, and member satisfaction—delivering sustainable success in a complex, highly regulated healthcare environment. This is episode 2130 of America's Healthcare Advocate Learn more about anything discussed on this program. Visit https://www.bcbsks.com/ or call 866-906-5253. Episode Producers: Audio: Garner Cowdry Camera: David Thiessen As always, if you need help or have something to share contact me with this form on my website and let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns. Visit: https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us

I've wanted to do this show for a long time. It's personal to me. This is on what I call the big four weight loss drugs. Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mountjaro. And the reason I wanted to do this show was because I was struggling with some weight issues and went to see my primary care doc, and she goes, well, let's just go ahead and give you Wegovy. And I thought, you know, I think I'm going to go find a weight loss clinic. I'm going to get into a program and see what I can do. And I did. So I’ll let you know how that went, but also that it made me think about these products and I started doing a little research, started looking around, and I'm like, you know what? We don't know what we don't know. And it gave me, some significant hesitation about using these, so this show today is about that. It's about what do we know? What don't we know? What do we know that are side effects, potential problems down the road for other kinds of diseases and comorbidities because most studies go back only 3.5 years or less. Some additional questions are: What are the long-term effects and what happens if you’re on them on them for a lifetime? I’ll also review the manufacturer country Green List, so if you are getting one of these from another country to save cost, which are considered safest. We have the research, and I'll lay it out in detail in this episode and I’ll let you know what I think. The studies we've referenced are listed below. This is episode 2129 of America's Healthcare Advocate. I'm Cary Hall. As always, if you need help or have something to share contact me with this form on my website and let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns. Visit: https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us Research links for this episode went over the character limit here, so we have posted them here: https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/the-big-4-weight-loss-drugs-ozempic-wegovy-zepbound-mounjaro-what-are-there-long-term-effects

Today my friend and guest is Philip Sarnecki a Kansas businessman, a job creator, a husband, and father who rose from humble beginnings (the son of a janitor and a secretary) who then built one of the nation’s largest financial services companies and has led businesses that today employ nearly 1,000 people across multiple industries. Learn his vision affecting the way we provide health insurance and health benefits to people in Kansas, and what can we learn from Florida about prescription drug costs. Plus, he has great plans for the state of Kansas, and we discuss his Philip Sarnecki for Governor plans ! This is Ep2128 of America's Healthcare Advocate. Learn more about Philip and his plans for the state of Kansas: https://philipsarnecki.org As always, if you need help or have something to share contact me with this form on my website and let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns. Visit: https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us

There’s a lot of chatter out there. That's about the best way I can put it about what's going to happen with ACA. And, you know, I'm seeing pieces in the media that are portraying what's going to occur and the changes that are going to happen and how they're going to impact people, and unfortunately, there's a lot of false narrative out there. So I'm going to I'm going to explain where we're at on the individual health insurance market on Obamacare and ACA. Then I'm going to talk with two experts about what can you do to prepare yourself so that you're not caught up in a trap and you can't make a decision to solve the problem? Then we’ll discuss give you the kind of coverage you need and how to find it. That's what we're talking about in this episode, and that's the message we're trying to get out to everyone to is be prepared. This is coming. It's going to be like a tsunami. There going to be a lot of people displaced off of these plans are going to be looking for alternatives and so how do you deal with it, what are the best solutions and show you how you can do that and make sense of it for you and your family. If you're an employer, what do you need to be looking at? Because the ACA plans for small group are going to get hit hard, hit just as hard as the individual plans are, if not harder in some cases. This is episode 2126 of America’s Healthcare Advocate. I’m Cary Hall. Learn more from our guests Carolee Steele and Maria Ahlers from RPS Benefits by Design: Visit https://www.rpsbenefitsbydesigninc.com or call 877-385-2224 As always, if you need help or have something to share contact me with this form on my website and let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns. Visit: https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us

Barron Roberts is my expert today on this Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas City update show. How will it play out for all of you out there in the audience for your coverage in '26? We will cover the individual side and what Blue Cross is doing to lead the way. They're actually going to have premium reductions on the individual side, and we'll talk about what are the answers to the employers out there, the small group employer, the employer under the 100 lives. Get all the details and find the best way to go now, because come January 1st, all the Aetna plans are pulling the pin on ACA. They're going to be gone. And I will cover what's going to happen with the other plans. They're going to be significant increases across the board. BlueKC continues to lead the way as the local hometown carrier. This is Ep2126 of America's Healthcare Advocate. Learn more at https://www.bluekc.com/ or call 833-467-2145. As always, if you need help or have something to share contact me with this form on my website and let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns. Visit: https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us

Today we learn about Bexa: A Revolutionary Early Detection Option that Dr. Monique Gary tells me is closing the gap and delivering peace of mind. Dr Gary says women have been in need of another early detection option and reminds us that to many women delay routine exams or avoid them all together. But unlike the common experience, Bexa is accurate and pain free and companies should include this benefit to their employees. This is a "Must Hear" episode. Please listen and share, because breast cancer is the most common cancer among women—yet over 60% of those eligible aren’t getting mammograms. And for women who are under 40, pregnant, or avoiding mammograms, no real alternative has existed until now with this Doctor-led and developed Bexa Solution. Also joining us is Elizabeth Vire, Bexa Chief Revenue Officer, who works with HR directors to bring this option to their workers. This is Ep: 2124 of America's Healthcare Advocate. Learn how you could do it as a broker, as a TPA, or a human resource director. : 1-888-469-2392 or visit https://www.mybexa.com/ As always, if you need help or have something to share contact me with this form on my website and let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns. Visit: https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us