The Business of Benefits Podcast

In this episode, Donovan and Chelsea sit down with Chris Deacon, a nationally known healthcare reform advocate, attorney, and former director of the State of New Jersey’s massive public sector health plan. Chris pulls back the curtain on how public and private employers are getting overcharged, how procurement and politics protect the status quo, and why nonprofit hospital systems often behave like for-profit empires. They break down real examples of claims, hospital contracts, and “negotiated” rates that actually drive prices higher, not lower.You will hear Chris unpack key themes from her new book The Great American Healthcare Heist: Why We’re Paying More and Getting Less, including nonprofit hospital expansion, fully insured versus self-funded plans, the hidden incentives of carriers and PBMs, compensation conflicts in the broker/consultant world, and why most claim review processes are built to fail employers. They also dig into gag clauses, CAA 2021, weak fiduciary enforcement, and how plan sponsors can start demanding data, transparency, and true accountability from everyone at the table.If you are a CFO, HR leader, benefits advisor, or plan sponsor who suspects you are getting crushed by a broken system but are not sure what to do next, this conversation will both infuriate you and give you a playbook to start pushing back.Get more on our Guest Chris at:Website: versanconsulting.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdeaconc/--------------------------------Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: www.businessofbenefitspodcast.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-educationSHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

In this episode of The Business of Benefits, Donovan Ryckis guest starred on a Be More Than a Fiduciary Podcast episode with Eric Dyson of 90 North Consulting and Brenda Kruse of Axiom Healthcare Services. Together, they break down how employers can finally escape the renewal treadmill, create a 3–5 year benefits strategy, and apply fiduciary principles to healthcare.Brenda shares Axiom’s transformation... from repeated renewal frustration to achieving a 13% premium decrease, lowering deductibles, expanding benefits, and reducing employee out-of-pocket costs by 27–38%. Eric and Donovan dig into why the healthcare system fails employers, how to identify misaligned incentives, and why transparency and governance are the keys to long-term success.They also explore PBM dysfunction, compensation conflicts, the four components of a health plan, and why employers must act as true stewards of their healthcare dollars.What You’ll Learn:What’s really behind recurring renewal increasesHow Axiom achieved a 13% premium decrease while improving benefitsWhy data transparency directly drives better outcomesWhy PBM strategy is the fastest path to meaningful savingsThe four structural pillars of every health planHow to build and follow a multi-year health plan strategyFiduciary responsibility explained for employer health plansHow to identify and correct misaligned broker/consultant incentivesPractical governance tools: fiduciary committees, 408(b)(2), comp reviewWhat responsible healthcare stewardship looks like for employersEric Dyson — 90 North ConsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-dyson/Website: https://90northconsulting.com/Podcast: Be More Than a FiduciaryBrenda Kruse — Axiom Healthcare ServicesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-kruse-2078386/Website: https://www.axiomhealthcareservices.org/Donovan Ryckis — Ethos BenefitsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Website: https://www.ethosbenefits.com/Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@thebusinessofbenefitsTimestamps:00:00 – Preview00:38 – Title Intro: The Business of Benefits  01:00 – Episode Overview: Axiom’s journey & fiduciary crossover  02:08 – Guest Introductions  03:53 – Axiom Healthcare Services: Who they are04:39 – How Axiom Met Ethos Benefits  05:10 – Early Challenges & The Broken Renewal Cycle  05:52 – Ethos’ Approach: Strategy over sidestepping  06:44 – Building a Multi-Year Plan07:16 – The Renewal Turnaround (13% decrease)  08:26 – Lowering Costs for Employees09:19 – Why Data Matters in Healthcare Strategy  10:50 – Making Data Simple for Decision Makers12:27 – Pharmacy Benefits: The 60% Cost Problem  13:25 – PBM Conflicts & Misaligned Incentives  15:25 – Fixing PBM First: High-Return, Low-Friction Changes16:27 – Member Experience: What Improves  17:37 – Understanding the Four Parts of a Health Plan  18:20 – Increasing Competition & Transparency19:46 – Compensation Transparency & Fiduciary Responsibility  20:35 – Forming a Fiduciary Committee  22:53 – Industry Conflicts & Broker Incentives25:07 – 408(b)(2) Disclosures & Reasonable Arrangements  26:22 – Why Compensation Alignment Matters  27:15 – Advice to New Advisors & Consultants  27:50 – Advice to New Benefits Managers  29:18 – Raising the Standard of Care in Healthcare  31:11 – Internal Alignment: How Employers Improve Outcomes  32:27 – A Better Approach: Curiosity Over Judgment  33:10 – What “Good Healthcare Stewardship” Means  34:28 – Ethos Healthcare Documentaries  35:20 – Closing Remarks & Episode Wrap--------------------------------Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

In this episode, Donovan Ryckis, CEO of Ethos Benefits, sits down with Spencer Smith (SVP of Sales at Pareto Health and host of Self-Funded with Spencer) to unpack captives, stop-loss, PBMs, and the steps plan sponsors can take to finally regain control of healthcare spend.Spencer shares how short, educational content helped bring self-funding concepts downstream, why captives act like “bumpers” against catastrophic renewals, and where employers should start: data access, pharmacy, and a long-term strategy. They cover real-world examples—NICU and oncology claims, lasers, biosimilars, international sourcing—and discuss why employee contributions keep rising when nothing seems to change.You’ll walk away with a framework to move from guaranteed cost to variable cost with discipline, reduce claims costs without cutting benefits, and ask your broker the questions that matter.What You’ll Learn:Self-funded fundamentals and the role of stop-lossHow group captives improve predictability across renewalsThe first lever to pull: pharmacy strategy and data accessWhy “reduce claims” means smarter pricing and site-of-care, not less careThree questions every plan sponsor should ask at renewal: Why these solutions, specifically? How are you paid, where, and how often? What’s the long-term strategy beyond this 12-month cycle?POSIWID: the outcomes your system delivers define its true purposeTime Stamps:00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction02:10 – Spencer’s Journey into Self-Funding06:20 – Breaking Down Stop-Loss & Captives10:45 – Fully Insured vs Self-Funded Explained15:12 – The 401(k) Analogy for Health Plans19:20 – Why Short-Form Education Works in Benefits24:05 – Pharmacy Costs & Where to Start Saving28:48 – Broker Incentives and Transparency34:32 – Data Access, Claims, and Real-World Fixes41:20 – POSIWID Framework & Final TakeawaysGet more on our Guest at:Website: https://spencerharlansmith.com/YouTube: @SelfFunded--------------------------------Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-educationSHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

In this episode of The Business of Benefits, Donovan Ryckis sits down with attorney and national thought leader Alden J. Bianchi to expose one of the most costly and overlooked failures in employer-sponsored healthcare: the illusion of broker transparency. The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) was supposed to fix hidden compensation. It didn’t. Instead, it created a fiduciary requirement to ask, without ever creating a requirement for brokers to actually tell. Employers are expected to manage fiduciary risk without pricing transparency, claims clarity, or conflict-free advice. Alden brings decades of experience advising Fortune 500 employers, consulting firms, and government agencies on ERISA, fiduciary duty, ACA compliance, transparency regulation, machine-readable files, and emerging litigation.In this conversation, he explains why:CAA compensation disclosures are “an absolute joke”Brokers and ASOs avoid disclosure by redefining themselves Employers are left negotiating blindfoldedCurrent PBM and ASO lawsuits are stalled by standing issuesFiduciary governance needs to mirror 401(k) standardsMachine-readable files and AI will change everythingHidden compensation lives in places most employers never lookTransparency is worthless without someone who knows how to use the dataIf you're a CFO, CHRO, HR Director, consultant, or fiduciary of a health plan, this conversation will change how you see the entire benefits ecosystem.What You’ll Learn:Why CAA broker transparency rules failedHow hidden compensation still influences broker recommendations Why employers must build fiduciary governance like their 401(k) plans The difference between named vs. functional fiduciaries How data, machine-readable files, and AI tools will reshape oversight Why market concentration and hospital power keep prices high How reference-based pricing and captives fit into employer strategy What upcoming congressional reforms might change Time Stamps:00:00 – Preview00:53 – Show Opener01:18 – Donovan’s Introduction02:04 – Meet Alden Bianchi02:49 – Alden’s Background (ACA, ERISA, Romney Reform)03:39 – Why Employer Healthcare Costs Exploded05:10 – Fiduciary Exposure and 401(k) Lessons07:17 – Donovan on Lack of Data in Healthcare08:49 – ACA vs. CAA: What Transparency Actually Changed10:12 – Machine-Readable Files: Why They Matter10:59 – Broker Compensation Rules Are “A Joke”12:14 – Why Disclosures Don’t Work (Undisclosed Incentives)14:02 – Donovan on Conflicts in Broker Comp15:30 – The True Fiduciary Standard for Employers16:14 – Alden’s B.O.L.O.s: Override Commissions, Referral Fees17:48 – Fiduciaries Must Become Quant Analysts18:54 – Who Is a Fiduciary? Alden’s Simple Definition20:36 – Why Fiduciary Exposure Is Personal21:13 – SHRM, CAA Compliance, and Employer Pushback21:56 – Challenges With Gag Clauses, RxDC, and Disclosures23:33 – Why Naming a Fiduciary Protects the Board25:40 – PBM Lawsuits: Standing Problems Explained27:35 – Why ERISA Remedies Are So Hard to Win29:20 – How PBM Practices Impact Premiums & Wages30:31 – Employers Subsidizing Medicare Rates31:13 – The $35,000 Family Plan Problem31:44 – Extreme Cases of 16x–21x Medicare Pricing32:29 – Alden on Reference-Based Pricing’s Role33:29 – Why Obamacare Didn’t Lower Costs34:27 – Hospital Profits, Medicare Rates & Misconceptions35:08 – Are Hospitals Really Underpaid?36:18 – Where Employers Should Actually Start37:43 – Incentive Problems in Broker/Consultant Models38:29 – Group Captives, AHPs, and Small Employer Solutions39:47 – Why Transparent Products Matter40:20 – Claims Reporting Problems (Body-Part Categories)41:18 – The Real Issue: Market Concentration, Not Just Benefits41:43 – PBM Regulation vs. Antitrust Problems42:26 – Broker Compensation Should Be on Page 1 of Renewals44:05 – Hidden Comp in MECs, Indemnity & Non-ERISA Lines45:48 – Excess Compensation, Double-Dipping & Fiduciary Risk46:03 – Alden’s Final Advice to Employers46:55 – Follow Alden on LinkedIn (B.O.L.O. Posts)47:28 – Closing Thoughts & Episode Wrap-UpConnect With Alden BianchiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajbianchi/Firm Bio: https://www.mintz.com/people/alden-j-bianchiConnect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Subscribe for Weekly Employer Insights!Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-educationSHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

In this HR Special, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with friend and industry leader Lori Kleiman to talk about what it takes to level up from HR department-of-one to strategic business partner, without losing sight of day-to-day realities.We cover how small to mid-size employers can decide when to hire fractional or in-house HR, why headcount matters more than revenue, and the rising complexity of multi-state compliance. We also unpack the hidden opportunity for HR to lead on healthcare and benefits strategy.Chelsea explains renewal “stall” tactics, fiduciary responsibility on health plans, and practical steps HR can take to earn a seat at the table with data and action.What you’ll learn:When a company truly needs fractional HR vs its first in-house generalistWhy certifications like PHR and SHRM-CP help smaller employers hire confidentlyHow tech can increase HR workload and employee questions, not reduce themA simple path to move from tactical HR to strategic HR that drives ROIThe fiduciary duty HR has on health plans, what to ask from brokers, and how to escape the 60-day renewal crunchPractical ideas HR can implement now: communications, data access, compliance checklists, and off-cycle planningTime Stamps00:00 – Welcome to The Business of Benefits01:08 – Meet Lori Kleiman04:45 – Building an HR Business from the Basement07:15 – When Small Businesses Really Need HR10:02 – Technology’s Impact on HR Workloads12:18 – Tactical vs. Strategic HR15:26 – What to Look For When Hiring HR18:41 – How Much HR Certifications Cost21:10 – Using ExamEdge and Affordable Prep Options23:20 – Moving from Tactical to Strategic HR27:00 – Understanding Fiduciary Duty in Health Plans30:36 – How HR Can Drive Benefits Strategy33:22 – Why Benefit Renewals Feel Impossible36:10 – Taking Back Control of Your Renewal38:28 – Shaking Up Your Broker Relationship40:12 – Giving Back to the HR Community41:25 – Final Thoughts and Where to Find Lori Get more on our Guest at:Website: https://www.hrtopics.comYouTube: @lorikleimanhrtopics7385Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/--------------------------------Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-educationSHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

In this episode of The Business of Benefits Podcast, Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Dr. Zeev Neuwirth — physician, author of Reframing Healthcare and Beyond the Walls, and host of the Creating a New Healthcare podcast — for an unfiltered conversation about what’s really broken in America’s healthcare system and what employers can actually do to fix it.From the hidden “healthcare tax” driving wage stagnation to how misaligned incentives have created a medical industrial complex, this episode dives deep into the uncomfortable truth: only 20 cents of every healthcare dollar reaches doctors, nurses, and clinicians. The rest? Lost in layers of middlemen, bureaucracy, and profit-driven waste.Chelsea and Zeev explore how employer-sponsored healthcare became the backbone of American coverage, why primary care has been stripped of its purpose, and how direct primary care (DPC) and CEO engagement can completely change the game for employees and organizations alike. If you’re an executive, benefits advisor, or HR leader who knows there has to be a better way, this conversation will challenge everything you think you know about healthcare financing, delivery, and reform.Listen to this episode if you want to:Understand how healthcare financing and delivery actually intersectLearn how direct primary care can lower costs and improve outcomesHear real examples of CEOs transforming employee health and cultureBe inspired to rethink your benefits strategy without the sales fluffTime Stamps:00:00 — Welcome to The Business of Benefits02:15 — Dr. Zeev Neuwirth’s journey from clinician to system reformer06:40 — The truth about the “medical industrial complex”12:10 — Where your healthcare dollars really go18:45 — The failure of traditional primary care24:10 — Why CEOs are the missing link in healthcare transformation30:40 — Lessons from the Rosen Hotels model37:20 — Following the money: the employer’s power to change healthcare43:30 — The caregiving crisis and what leaders often overlook47:00 — Final thoughts and resourcesGet more on our Guest at: Dr. Zeev NeuwirthAuthor of Reframing Healthcare and Beyond the WallsPodcast: Host of Creating a New Healthcare PodcastLearn more: zevnewworthhealth.comWhether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-educationSHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

Tired of shiny pitches and vague promises? In this solo episode, we break down a practical, repeatable system for holding your benefits vendors accountable so your plan actually performs.  From rock-solid RFPs to airtight contracts and respectful escalation, you’ll learn how to set clear expectations, track outcomes, and course-correct fast.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to design an RFP that prevents surprises laterWhat to demand in contracts: performance guarantees, termination language, fees, BAAs, data sharing, and fiduciary statusThe must-ask questions about integrations, cybersecurity, conflicts of interest, and compensationA simple cadence for accountability meetings that gets results, not excusesReal examples of catching hidden fees and fixing slow vendor response timesHow to build team culture so your staff holds vendors accountable the right wayWho this is for: Employers, HR leaders, CFOs, and anyone ready to transform a “set it and forget it” benefits program into a high-performing plan.If the truth is out there, are you ready to hear it?Like, share, and subscribe for more no-BS guidance on benefits that serve your people and your P&L.TimeStamps:00:00 Intro and why accountability matters02:10 Build a better RFP07:35 Contract must-haves and red flags13:25 Demo everything and verify claims17:40 Meeting cadence and escalation that works23:10 Real-world examples and fixes28:30 Culture of accountability inside your team32:10 Final takeaways and next stepsIf this helped, like, subscribe, and share with a leader who needs to hear it.  Tell us in the comments: What is the first change you will make to your benefits strategy?Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-educationSHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

Welcome back to the No BS. No sales pitch. Just real solutions podcast.  This week our host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Justin Held, CEBS of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) to unpack what HR, CFOs, and CEOs need now: neutral education, fiduciary guardrails, and a practical path to future-proof employee benefits.In this episode:What IFEBP is and how it helps plan sponsors with objective, non-lobbying educationCEBS breakdown: curriculum, timelines, and why employers fund itFiduciary duty basics after ERISA and why CAA 2021 put health plans under the spotlightThe 2025–2026 benefits agenda: PBM contracts, data analysis, chronic conditions, GLP-1 coverage, mental and behavioral health, peer support models, and AI in plan administrationHow to run a strategic review of your plan: surveys, focus groups, utilization data, KPIsSimple, high-impact changes most members won’t even notice, but your budget will.Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:08 What IFEBP does and why it’s neutral6:35 Conferences, toolkits, and daily benefits headlines10:12 CEBS overview and chapter network14:45 ERISA fiduciary duty in health and retirement19:18 Trends: PBM contracts, GLP-1, mental health, AI, fraud prevention28:40 Peer support models for mental health33:10 How to future-proof benefits with data and KPIsIf you are an employer, CFO, or CEO who is tired of trend increases and status quo advice, this conversation will give you a path to real savings and better outcomes. If this helped, like, subscribe, and share with a leader who needs to hear it.  Tell us in the comments: What is the first change you will make to your benefits strategy?Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Connect with our guest today at: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-held-cebs/Website: https://www.ifebp.org/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/IFEBPListen to their podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-benefits/id1183535454Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-educationSHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

If you have ever been told “you can’t access your own portal” or “don’t worry, we’ve got great PPO discounts,” this episode is for you. Today host Chelsea unpacks real stories employers have shared with me and the costly myths behind them. Names and details are changed, the situations are real. Use this as a checklist to protect your plan, your data, and your people.In this episodeThe red flag no one should ignore: being blocked from your own carrier portalNo access to your ben-admin system and why that traps you from shopping the marketAsking for compensation disclosures under CAA 2021 and getting a flat “no”Fear tactics about big carriers and how to verify before you trustSticker shock: $125 PEPM broker fees and how to benchmark what is reasonablePerks over performance: NHL boxes, steak dinners, and fiduciary duty“Broker severance” and the myth of 250 years of benefits experience“Local” vs. “large” broker labels and what actually mattersBeing told you are a “small client” and why that is never an excuseShiny value-adds vs. real cost and quality outcomesKey takeawaysIt is your plan and your data. Own the logins, the reports, the invoices.Verify before you trust. Ask for proof, not talking points.Benchmark compensation and services against outcomes, not perks.Hold every vendor accountable to frequency and severity of claims, not swag.If you are an employer, CFO, or CEO who is tired of trend increases and status quo advice, this conversation will give you a path to real savings and better outcomes. If this helped, like, subscribe, and share with a leader who needs to hear it.  Tell us in the comments: What is the first change you will make to your benefits strategy?Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Connect with our guest today at: Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

Welcome back to The Business of Benefits Podcast, your no BS, no sales guide to real solutions in employee benefits.Today, host Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Nelson Griswold of Next Gen Benefits to unpack the so-called “big lie” in healthcare and show employers how to take control of cost and quality. Nelson Griswold is a leading voice in employer-sponsored healthcare reform and author of Healthcare’s C-Suite Solution, Fixing American Healthcare, and Life and Death Decisions in the C-Suite. He helps CEOs and CFOs manage healthcare like a supply chain and turn overspend into free cash flow.  Nelson explains why claims are not all the same, how incentives in the current system work against employers, and what it looks like to build a plan that puts your people first.In this episode you will learn:Why the 80/20 ACA rule can push premiums up, and what that means for your planHow to move from reactive renewals to a strategic, employer-controlled modelThe difference between fully insured and self funded, and why risk is often misunderstoodHow nurse navigation and quality data reduce complications and total spendPractical first steps to align incentives with an advisor who works for youWhen to use bundled, direct contracting, international pharmacy, and reference based pricingWhy better quality often equals lower cost, and how to steer members to itIf you are an employer, CFO, or CEO who is tired of trend increases and status quo advice, this conversation will give you a path to real savings and better outcomes. If this helped, like, subscribe, and share with a leader who needs to hear it.  Tell us in the comments: What is the first change you will make to your benefits strategy?Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Connect with our guest today at: https://www.nextgenbenefits.com/Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

Welcome back to The Business of Benefits Podcast – your no-BS, no-sales guide to real solutions in employee benefits.In this solo episode, host Chelsea breaks down what it really means to have a multi-year healthcare strategy for your company. Instead of reacting to renewals at the last minute and hearing the same excuses year after year, Chelsea shows you how to treat your benefits program like a true business plan—with long-term goals, measurable KPIs, and strategies that actually deliver results.You’ll hear a real client case study that has achieved five straight years of decreases by following a step-by-step benefits roadmap.Chelsea also shares:✅ What isn’t a multi-year healthcare strategy (the reactive renewal game)✅ How to build a business plan for your benefits, just like any other department✅ Why data access and employee trust are the foundation for long-term success✅ The difference between a slow, steady approach and a “shock-and-awe” strategy✅ Real savings examples—millions of dollars saved while improving employee experienceIf you’re an employer tired of rising costs, empty promises, and lack of control, this episode will show you a better way to run your healthcare plan.Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

In this powerful episode, Donovan Ryckis sits down with Jay Gepfert, President of The Culpepper Group, to unpack what employers don't know—and what it’s costing them. With decades of experience on both the retirement and healthcare side of the fiduciary table, Jay brings the receipts on how hidden broker compensation, lack of transparency, and outdated fee structures are draining company resources and exposing employers to serious risk. You’ll hear:Why healthcare benefits need the same due diligence as retirement plansHow compensation models drive broker behavior—and what to demand insteadA real case study showing 46% savings in broker feesWhy the current healthcare system is broken—and how litigation and legislation are forcing changeWhat you need to start doing now to protect your plan, your budget, and your peopleIf you're an HR leader, CFO, or CEO who’s ready to ask the tough questions and rethink your benefits strategy—this episode is your playbook.Subscribe now and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. Because if the truth is out there... are you ready to hear it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to subscribe for more no-BS insights.Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Learn more about Jay's work: https://www.culpepperrfp.com/Connect with Jay Gepfert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-gepfert-rfps-for-retirement-health-and-welfare-plans-a418027/Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

Welcome back to The Business of Benefits Podcast! In Part 2 of our deep dive with Danielle Young of ClaimDoc, we shift focus from theory to reality — what actually happens when employees engage with a reference-based pricing (RBP) plan?We break down:The truth about provider accessHow ClaimDoc achieves a 96%+ acceptance rateFear-based tactics vs real-world outcomesHow to handle balance bills — and prevent themWhy communication before open enrollment is keyThe co-fiduciary model that protects employees and employersWhat brokers should be doing (and what to look out for)Building a proactive communication strategy that WORKSThis episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, CFOs, and employers ready to take control of their healthcare strategy and rethink everything they thought they knew about RBP.If you're tired of being sold to and want to make smart, transparent decisions for your people — you're in the right place.Learn more about ClaimDoc: https://claim-doc.comConnect with Danielle Young on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-young-rbp/Subscribe now and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. Because if the truth is out there... are you ready to hear it?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to subscribe for more no-BS insights.Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

Welcome to The Business of Benefits Podcast — the no BS, no sales guide to transforming your health benefits. In this explosive Part 1 of our two-part series, Chelsea Ryckis sits down with Danielle Young of ClaimDoc and host of Claim Talk to unpack one of the most misunderstood and feared concepts in healthcare: reference-based pricing (RBP). What is RBP? How does it really work?And is it as scary as traditional brokers and carriers make it seem? Danielle breaks it down with real-world examples, industry insights, and straight talk on what’s broken in the system and how employers can take back control. From inflated hospital bills to unfair renewal hikes, this conversation is a must-listen for HR leaders, CFOs, and any employer ready to challenge the status quo.Tune in now to learn:What reference-based pricing actually is (in plain English)How RBP can save employers 25–30% in year oneWhy fully insured employers are getting screwed tooHow to prepare your team and employees for a successful RBP rolloutWhy the right advisor makes all the differenceDon’t miss Part 2, where we dive into the employee experience and debunk the fear tactics around RBP.Subscribe now and hit the bell so you never miss an episode. Because if the truth is out there... are you ready to hear it?Whether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Connect with today's guest Danielle Young at:Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbpdanielleyoungConnect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

Today’s episode of The Business of Benefits is a masterclass in bold HR leadership. Meet Stephanie Koch, Director of HR at Hendry Marine, who shares how she went from sitting silently in renewal meetings to transforming her company’s healthcare strategy — saving nearly $24 million in the process.Host Chelsea Ryckis and Stephanie dive deep into:Why most companies are stuck in “spreadsheet” healthcareWhat reference-based pricing really means (and how it changed everything)How Stephanie turned HR into a profit centerThe truth behind working with legacy brokersWhy data access, transparency, and courage are key to real changeThe ROI of onsite primary care clinics — and the lives it’s savingWhether you're an HR professional, CFO, CEO, or just tired of rising healthcare costs, this is your call to rethink benefits strategy and finally take control.Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

In this no-nonsense episode of The Business of Benefits, host Chelsea Ryckis dives into the critical but often misunderstood world of Third Party Administrators (TPAs) with industry veteran Eugene Starks. This episode offers employers and consultants a candid breakdown of why the TPA is arguably the most important player in a health plan—acting as the “quarterback” responsible for claims processing, eligibility management, vendor coordination, and plan integrity.Eugene brings over two decades of insider expertise to the table, explaining:The core functions of a TPA—including paying claims, managing eligibility, and building plan logicWhat questions employers should ask when selecting a TPA (e.g., claim turnaround time, fee transparency, ownership structure, and scalability)Red flags to look for in TPA contracts—like hidden fees, clawback charges, or outsourced claim processingHow TPAs interact with other key components like PBMs, stop-loss providers, and networksThe importance of employee communication and education in plan success, especially when using point solutions or reference-based pricingThey also tackle a hot debate: should the consultant or the TPA be the “true quarterback”? The takeaway—collaboration is key. Success lies in choosing the right consultant who partners effectively with the right TPA, ensuring strategic alignment, smart cost-containment, and a great member experience.Don’t be distracted by lower admin fees—value, transparency, and execution matter more. If you're ready to rethink how benefits should actually work, this episode is your playbook. Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

This week's episode dives deep into real-world strategies for transforming health plans—rooted in fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and measurable outcomes. In this powerful episode, the team sits down with Bryan Orr, CEO of Kalos Services, live from the 2025 Florida Health Care Alliance conference. Bryan shares how he radically redesigned his company’s health plan—cutting costs by 42% below national benchmarks while slashing employee cost share by more than half.With 10 kids and a 400-person team, Bryan had every reason to care deeply about healthcare outcomes. His story is a masterclass in bold leadership, data-driven decisions, and building trust from the top down. Listeners will hear how Kalos implemented direct primary care, reference-based pricing, pharmacy cost control, and transparent network replacements—all while maintaining employee satisfaction and dramatically improving access to care.From free baby deliveries to $80,000 skin grafts reduced to $2,000, this episode proves what’s possible when employers stop playing defense and start demanding better.If you're an employer, HR leader, or benefit advisor tired of double-digit premium increases and vague justifications, this episode is your wake-up call—and a roadmap for action.Key Topics:Fiduciary-driven health plan designTransparent pricing and plan accountabilityDirect primary care and local care accessEmployee communication and leadership trustReal-world savings and improved outcomesConnect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

In this high-impact episode of  The Business of Benefits Podcast, we're cutting through the legal jargon and post-lunch drowsiness to bring you the most engaging conversation you’ll ever hear on fiduciary compliance. Hosts Chelsea and Donovan Ryckis pull back the curtain on what it really means to be a fiduciary under ERISA, especially in today’s healthcare landscape, where misaligned incentives are costing employers and employees big.Chelsea shares her personal journey from NCAA athlete to healthcare advocate after a traumatic brain injury exposed the broken realities of the American health system. Donovan breaks down the parallels between fiduciary standards in financial services and the gaping lack of those same protections in health benefits—until now.From health plan lawsuits and PBM fraud to RxDC reporting and compensation disclosure, this episode arms employers with the truth, the data, and the questions you must start asking.You’ll learn:What fiduciary duty actually looks like in practice (and in court)Why the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 is a game-changer for employer-sponsored plansHow to identify and eliminate conflicts of interest across your benefit ecosystemWhat brokers aren’t telling you—and why that mattersPractical steps you can take today to realign incentives and protect your peopleStick around for the debut of special guest Bryan Orr, whose real-world results show what’s possible when employers take back control.If you’re ready to rethink your role, reclaim your data, and radically improve your health plan decisions, this one’s for you.Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

If you've ever felt confused or frankly, duped by your pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), this episode is your wake-up call. Chelsea Ryckis sits down with the “PBM Princess” herself, Rachel Strauss, a 20+ year industry veteran and fierce advocate for transparency, to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood (and most expensive) parts of your health plan.You’ll learn:- The origin story of PBMs and how it all went sideways  - The real story behind rebates and why “pass-through” doesn’t always mean what you think  - How vertical integration and offshore contracts allow PBMs to hide profits in plain sight  - 40 ways PBMs make money (and how to spot the red flags in your contract)  - Actionable strategies like international sourcing, manufacturer assistance, and 340B pricing that can drastically reduce costs without impacting employee experience  Whether you’re a CFO, HR leader, or CEO, this episode is packed with no-BS insights to help you finally take control of your pharmacy spend. Plus, don’t miss Rachel’s exclusive giveaway: the top 10 questions to ask your broker if you're serious about cutting costs.Connect with our guest Rachel:Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmstrauss/Connect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.

Are you ready to finally break free from the traditional HR rut and discover the game-changing strategies shaping the future of human resources? In this special episode we are joined by Andy Najjar, COO of FutureSolve and host of The Strategic HR Show.From redefining the path from HR manager to CHRO, to exploring innovative perks like Uber credits and unlimited PTO, this episode dives deep into what makes HR strategic, and how modern HR leaders can earn and keep their seat at the executive table. Andy shares real-world stories about saving millions on benefits, leveraging automation and AI for HR efficiency, and the untapped power of creative total rewards programs. Plus, the team tackles pressing topics like HR fatigue, upskilling, M&A people-risk, and the critical role of aligning culture beyond the written handbook.Tune in to learn how to think like a CHRO, benchmark your current programs, use technology to lighten your load, and create a workplace where people truly thrive. This episode is your no-nonsense guide to elevating HR from compliance taskmaster to strategic business driver so you and your people can win, together.Connect with Andy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andynajjarConnect with Chelsea and Donovan:Website: https://businessofbenefitspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethoseffectpodcast/Chelsea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-ryckis-8508a192/Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovanryckis/Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-education SHRM: Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI: Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.