What does “smart” health plan design look like in an industry packed with legacy thinking and rising costs? In Part 1 of a special two-part ShiftShapers interview, host David A. Saltzman welcomes back David Contorno, president and founder of ePower Benefits—and one of the industry’s most well-known disruptors.

David pulls back the curtain on his journey from traditional insurance to innovative plan design, explaining why “business as usual” can’t fix the healthcare system. He discusses creative strategies like reference-based pricing, direct provider contracting, and the evolution of self-funded health plans. Through stories, data, and first-hand insights, David lays out the “shifting structures” that are changing how employers, brokers, and providers think about benefits.

🔜 Don’t miss Part 2 next week! We’ll dive even deeper as David shares the personal struggles that reshaped his perspective on plan design, including lessons from his own healthcare journey.

🤖 Sponsored by BenePower
BenePower is an AI-powered platform helping advisors build high-impact, self-insured health plans quickly and seamlessly. By integrating best-in-class point solutions and eliminating inefficiencies, BenePower reduces costs, improves member outcomes, and positions advisors as industry leaders.
 🔗 Learn more at BenePower.com

🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode

• The Origin Story of a Disruptor: David shares how starting in insurance as a teen led to a lifetime of challenging the status quo.
  
  
  
• Why Health Insurance Is Failing: Hear David’s epiphany about how current health plans fall short of protecting people from catastrophic loss.
  
  
  
• Reference-Based Pricing & Beyond: Understand the pros, cons, and evolution of “blunt instrument” cost-saving strategies.
  
  
  
• Direct Provider Contracting: Learn how building new provider relationships can drive savings and better outcomes.
  
  
  
• Fiduciary Responsibility for Employers: Discover why doing what’s always been done is now a liability, not a strategy.

⏱️ In This Episode
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:59 David Conno's Background and Early Career

03:03 The Epiphany: Realizing the Flaws in Health Insurance

09:35 The Power and Challenges of Reference-Based Pricing

18:23 The Cash Pay Experience and Personal Health Journey

28:03 Innovative Solutions: Direct Primary Care

31:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts