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Join in on the conversation with host Ramesh Kumar, CEO and Co-Founder of zakipoint Health, as he interviews key self-funding experts and dives deep into impactful topics and perspectives surrounding the self-funding industry.
Make sure you continue to tune in to hear unparalleled perspectives in each upcoming episode! We will cover a diverse mix of topics ranging from the challenges that TPAs face, price transparency, competitive implications,
and more.
Make sure you continue to tune in to hear unparalleled perspectives in each upcoming episode! We will cover a diverse mix of topics ranging from the challenges that TPAs face, price transparency, competitive implications,
and more.
46 Episodes
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In this preview episode of Voices of Self‑Funding, host Tom Testa sits down with Mike Strong, Director of Policy & Operations Strategy, Health Plan Cost Containment at Reliant Health Partners, to discuss his upcoming Executive Forum 2026 session: “Who Really Wins? Transforming the TPA Playbook for IDR.” Mike offers a candid look at how the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process is evolving, why traditional arbitration strategies may no longer be enough, and what TPAs can do now to protect margins while strengthening payer‑provider relationships.
Hear the full session live at Executive Forum 2026 — register now and be part of the industry’s most important conversations.
In this preview episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Tom Testa sits down with ClarityCare AI co-founders Hermine Tranie and Alex Andrei to discuss their groundbreaking Executive Forum 2026 session: “How to Actually Use AI: A Hands-On Mini-Hackathon for Self-Insured Leaders.”
Unlike typical conference talks, this immersive 90-minute workshop invites attendees to roll up their sleeves and build with AI in real time. Hermine and Alex preview what to expect from the hackathon format, share how AI is already reshaping prior auth and utilization management, and explain why TPAs and self-funded employers need to stop talking about AI – and start using it.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get practical with AI at Executive Forum 2026. Register now and secure your seat in the Ballroom.
In this special episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Tom Testa sits down with Executive Forum 2026 keynote speaker Mike Abrashoff, former Commander of the USS Benfold and best-selling author of It’s Your Ship. Hear how Abrashoff turned the Navy’s lowest-performing ship into the top-ranked vessel in just one year – without changing a single crew member.
In this quick preview, Mike shares lessons on leadership, culture, and accountability that apply far beyond the military and offers a taste of the powerful message he’ll bring to San Antonio this February.
Catch the keynote session live at Executive Forum 2026 — register today to reserve your seat and join the industry’s most important conversations.
In this special preview episode of Voices of Self Funding, co-host Tom Testa sits down with Ron Peck, Chief Legal Officer at The Phia Group, to discuss his highly anticipated session at Executive Forum 2026: “Fiduciary Gotchas and the Company You Keep.” From revenue-sharing arrangements to PBM contracts and vendor disclosures, Ron shares what TPAs need to know now as courts and regulators sharpen their focus on fiduciary responsibilities. With plaintiff attorneys getting more creative and DOL audits on the rise, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to protect their business and stay compliant.
Catch the full session live at Executive Forum 2026 — register today to reserve your seat and join the industry’s most important conversations.
In this episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Tom Testa speaks with MIT-trained AI researcher and ClarityCare AI co-founder Hermine Tranie about how artificial intelligence is delivering measurable wins in utilization management (UM) and prior authorization (PA). Hermine explains how AI agents convert unstructured records into structured insights, drive real-time approvals at the point of care, and free up nurses for higher-value tasks – boosting accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
As a preview to her interactive “AI Mini-Hackathon” session at HCAA’s 2026 Executive Forum, Hermine shares a practical roadmap for adoption and what TPAs and self-funded employers can do today to start seeing ROI. Click here to register.
In this episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Ramesh Kumar welcomes Lee Lewis, Chief Strategy Officer at the Health Transformation Alliance and host of the Broken Benefits podcast. Together, they explore how some of the nation’s largest employers are reshaping healthcare and what smaller self-funded employers and TPAs can learn from their playbook. Lee introduces his “ABC” framework: Advanced Primary Care, Behavioral Health, and Centers of Excellence. They dive into why direct primary care is gaining traction, how advanced behavioral therapies like TMS and ketamine can unlock cost-effective mental health care, and why Centers of Excellence and tiered networks are becoming essential levers for better outcomes at lower cost.
From strategies to supplement traditional networks to practical steps TPAs can take to differentiate and deliver value, this is a powerful conversation packed with actionable insights for anyone rethinking healthcare benefits in a self-funded world.
Registration is now open for HCAA’s Executive Forum 2026, where conversations like this continue live. Learn more at HCAA.org.
In this episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Ramesh Kumar welcomes Arun Santhebennur, Co-founder and CEO of Voicegain, to explore how voice AI is reshaping healthcare operations for TPAs, payers, and health plans.
They tackle the tough truth that 95% of AI pilots fail, unpacking why — from hype and skill gaps to the “build vs. buy” dilemma and change management challenges. More importantly, they share where AI is already succeeding: automating claims status calls, streamlining utilization management, and making complex health plan information accessible to members.
Listeners will hear a roadmap for launching successful AI pilots — starting with proven use cases, aligning incentives, and using AI to augment (not replace) people. It’s a forward-looking conversation on turning AI from a risky experiment into a real value driver.
This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, visit HCAA.org.
In this episode of Voices of Self Funding, Jeff Walter and Jim Farley discuss their strategic merger, titled "Merging for Independence". They reveal how independent TPAs like JP Farley and PBA are uniting to drive innovation and enhance customer experience, avoiding absorption by larger firms.
Discover how this merger focuses on enhanced service with PBA's EOS system and in-house IT, improving operational efficiency, data management, and enabling quick, independent service delivery for customers. The discussion also highlights their future focus on Direct Primary Care (DPC) and the use of nurse navigators to optimize member experience and efficiency. It’s a compelling conversation for understanding how TPAs are evolving to offer superior, independent solutions and seamless third-party integration.
This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, visit HCAA.org.
In this episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Ramesh sits down with Jeffrey Bloom, a 25+ year veteran in healthcare and employee benefits, to unpack the power of Direct Primary Care (DPC) for self-funded employers.
Jeff brings deep expertise spanning underwriting, care delivery, and affinity markets — and a passion for reshaping member experiences. Together, they explore how DPC:
Delivers hard savings: 12–18% reduction in year one healthcare spend (net of fees), plus an additional 8% stop-loss discount by deflecting high-cost claims.
Transforms access: Members get appointments in 24–48 hours—far faster than traditional systems.
Drives satisfaction & productivity: A scalable, capitated model that eliminates balance billing, improves engagement, and enhances workforce health.
This conversation reframes primary care not just as a benefit, but as a strategic cost-containment lever for employers committed to optimizing spend and boosting employee well-being.
This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, visit HCAA.org.
In this episode of Voices of Self Funding, host Ramesh welcomes Dr. Michael Fenster — better known as “Chef Dr. Mike” — interventional cardiologist, classically trained chef, and leading voice in the field of culinary medicine. Chef Dr. Mike will be familiar to many of our listeners as the keynote speaker at HCAA’s 2025 Executive Forum.
Together, they dive into what it means to move beyond basic nutrition advice toward a truly holistic food-health experience — where timing, setting, social connection, and emotional well-being are all part of the recipe. They explore how employers can build healthier ecosystems for their workforce, and why investing in food as medicine could offer meaningful returns when it comes to preventing chronic disease.
It’s a rich and energizing conversation that rethinks the role of food in well-being, as well as the role self-funded employers can play in making it work. This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, visit HCAA.org.
In this episode of Voices of Self Funding, host Ramesh sits down with Marjorie Morrison — renowned entrepreneur, licensed psychotherapist, and mental health innovator. With decades of clinical and business experience, Marjorie brings deep insight into how self-funded employers can better support mental health while navigating the complexity of today’s benefit landscape. She draws on her work as founder of PsychArmor and Psych Hub, as well as her policy and employer-facing advocacy efforts, to share what’s working — and what’s next. They discuss:
- The myth of one-size-fits-all mental health.
- Understanding the range of needs and solutions.
- How evidence-based practices are driving the next wave of tech-enabled mental health care.
- Why self-funded employers must take the lead in creating meaningful, flexible mental health benefit structures.
Tune in for an honest, energized conversation that reframes mental health as a strategic business priority — and learn how to turn complexity into action.
This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, please visit HCAA.org.
In this episode of Voices of Self-Funding, Ramesh Kumar sits down with Kari Niblack, CEO of Boon-Chapman, and Amy Gasbarro, President of ELMCRx Solutions, to explore what transformational leadership looks like in the self-funded space.
They discuss:
Aligning vision and execution – How successful leaders bring teams together with clear goals and strategy.
Authenticity in leadership – The power of leading with transparency, purpose, and a parallel personal brand.
Differentiation in self-funding – How to stand out and drive innovation in a competitive market.
Long-term strategies for empowering teams – The mindset and tools needed to create high-performing, future-ready organizations.
Tune in for valuable insights on what it takes to lead, innovate, and inspire in the ever-evolving world of self-funded healthcare.
This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information on managing risks and controlling costs, please visit HCAA.org.
Employers need proven strategies to manage risks and control costs, but with hundreds of point solutions on the market, how do brokers know where to focus? In this episode, a leading benefits consultant shares the innovative solutions they're implementing, why these choices matter, and the pivotal role a trusted TPA plays in this process. Tune in to gain insights that can guide your own risk and cost management decisions.
This episode was sponsored by Valenz Health. For more information on managing risks and controlling costs, please visit HCAA.org.
Join me for an insightful conversation with Kirti Mutatkar, CEO of UnitedAg and President of HCAA. Discover how Kirti tripled UnitedAg’s business by leveraging the powerful resources of HCAA, and how she's bringing that same energy and passion to benefit other HCAA members. We’ll dive into the value HCAA provides to TPAs, brokers, and employers, and explore how its digital programs and live events have empowered organizations like UnitedAg to grow. Kirti will also share her vision as HCAA President and what members can expect in the next two years. Don't miss this deep dive into how HCAA helps employers offer more affordable healthcare to their employees.
This episode was sponsored by Valenz Health. For more information on HCAA, please visit HCAA.org.
Join us as we sit down with Paul Ashley, CEBS, a Vice President and Consultant at NFP. Paul has 22 years of experience managing health plans for upper- to middle-market employers. During the podcast, we talked about the various ways that organizations can improve transparency and reduce their pharmacy costs, as well as examining the latest trends in PBM contracting.
This episode was sponsored by Valenz Health. For more information on PBM contracting or other topics related to the self-funding industry, please visit HCAA.org.
Join us as we welcome Oliver Ayres, President Key Family, Key Benefit Administrators, to discuss the Direct-to-Employer (DTE) approach to improve health care cost containment. Oliver simplifies the complexities of DTE, empowering both employers and employees to navigate the health care benefits maze more effectively. In this episode, Oliver breaks down the intricacies of DTE and shares how it can both cut costs and boost access for self-funded employers and their teams. He will also share real-world examples of how it outperforms the Reference-Based Pricing model for employers and employees. Finally, he'll share valuable advice for brokers, employers, and TPAs considering DTE adoption.
This episode was sponsored by Valenz Health. For more information on DTE or other topics related to the self-funding industry, please visit HCAA.org.
In this episode, Ramesh continued his discussion with Fred Goldstein, co-founder and lead host of PopHealth Week, a weekly radio show that engages thought leaders, disruptive companies, and health systems in the field of Population Health Management. This is the second of a two-part podcast that was recorded in front of a live audience at HCAA's Executive Forum and examined GLP-1, weight loss, gene therapies, reinsurance, and outcomes based contracts. The discussion also focused on population health and the use of data, access to primary care, maternity and musculoskeletal care, and more.
This episode was sponsored by Valenz Health. For more information on captives or other topics related to the self-funding industry, please visit HCAA.org.
In today's episode, Ramesh interviews Fred Goldstein, co-founder and lead host of PopHealth Week, a weekly radio show that engages thought leaders, disruptive companies, and health systems in the field of Population Health Management. This is the first of a two-part podcast that was recorded in front of a live audience at HCAA's Executive Forum and examined GLP-1, weight loss, gene therapies, reinsurance, and outcomes based contracts. The discussion also focused on population health and the use of data, access to primary care, maternity and musculoskeletal care, and more.
This episode was sponsored by Valenz Health. For more information on captives or other topics related to the self-funding industry, please visit HCAA.org.
On this episode of Voices of Self Funding, Ramesh hosted Michael Schroeder, the legal luminary-turned-maverick CEO of Roundstone. A lawyer by training, Mike has been on the frontlines, advocating for captives and unveiling the nuances within this captivating world of captives.
Ramesh sat down with Mike to gain an understanding of the current state of the captive market, the market’s path to maturity, the components of a captive, and how to evaluate the different types. We also gained a sneak peek into some of the challenges on the horizon for captives within the realm of self-insurance.
This episode was sponsored by Valenz Health. For more information on captives or other topics related to the self-funding industry, please visit HCAA.org.
In our latest episode, we're thrilled to host Dr. Jerry Beinhauer, a clinician turned innovator and the brains behind Apaly Health. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of Direct Primary Care (DPC) arrangements including how to improve access, mitigate employee population risks, uncover the metrics that matter, and slash costs for ER and specialist visits.
This episode was sponsored by Valenz Health. For more information on Direct Primary Care or other topics related to the self-funding industry, please visit HCAA.org.
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