In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman interviews Craig Gussin, president & CEO of Auerbach & Gussin. Craig shares his journey from starting in life and disability insurance to becoming a trusted media resource in health insurance. He discusses the importance of proactive media engagement, building relationships with media outlets, and effectively communicating with the public. Craig emphasizes the need for insurance professionals to position themselves as resources for consumers and the media, providing valuable insights and education. He also offers advice for aspiring media experts in the industry.

Employers and health plans continue to face rising healthcare costs driven by chronic conditions, fragmented care delivery, and delayed access to services. In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman speaks with Jon O’Toole, chief revenue officer of Recuro Health, about how integrated virtual care models—connecting primary care, urgent care, and behavioral health—are emerging as a response to these pressures. Drawing from industry data, case study insights, and market trends, the conversation explores how coordinated virtual care delivery can improve care quality while generating measurable cost savings across populations.

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman speaks with Dr. Darwin Hale, founder and CEO of Advocate Health Advisors, about the critical role of brokers in the healthcare system, particularly in Medicare Advantage. Dr. Hale shares his personal journey that led him to establish his company, emphasizing the importance of localized connections and trust in helping seniors navigate their healthcare options. The conversation also explores the distinction between advocacy and sales, the value of Medicare Advantage plans, and the future of healthcare innovation.

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman engages with NABIP President Susan Rider to discuss the evolving landscape of the benefits and insurance industry. They explore the fragmentation within the industry, the importance of member engagement, and the integration of technology and AI to enhance member services. Susan shares insights on professional development, the significance of designations, and the association's efforts to modernize its brand. The conversation also highlights the need for academic partnerships and the establishment of a rapid response media team to strengthen community engagement and advocacy efforts.

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman discusses the importance of supplemental health benefits with Diana Steinhoff, president and CEO, and John Feeney, vice president of group sales and market development, from Renaissance Life and Health. They explore the rising healthcare costs and how supplemental benefits can help cover out-of-pocket expenses for employees. The conversation highlights the perspectives of employers and employees regarding these benefits, the role of brokers in offering them, and emerging trends in the industry.

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, David Saltzman speaks with Pat Kelly, executive director and CEO of Your Health Idaho. They discuss the evolution of the health exchange since its inception in 2013, the critical role of agents and brokers in the enrollment process, and how a private sector mindset has enhanced customer experience. Pat shares insights on maintaining a competitive insurance market in Idaho, operational efficiency, and the impact of local agents in rural areas. They also address the potential implications of post-COVID subsidies and future innovations for sustainability.

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, sponsored by EyeMed, David Saltzman discusses the importance of vision benefits with Jason Rome, chief commercial officer, and Dr. John Lahr, senior medical director, from EyeMed. They explore how eye exams can play a crucial role in early detection of medical conditions, the impact of eye health on overall well-being and productivity, and how vision benefits can enhance employee satisfaction and retention in a competitive job market. The conversation emphasizes the need for brokers to effectively communicate the value of vision care to employers and the broader implications for healthcare costs.

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, David Saltzman interviews Ray Seaver, CEO of Zizzl Health, discussing the innovative Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) model. They explore how ICHRAs provide employers with a flexible way to offer health insurance, addressing key pain points such as affordability and employee satisfaction. The conversation delves into the employee experience, the importance of decision support tools, and the unique advantages of Zizzl Health's approach. They also touch on regulatory challenges, compensation models for advisors, and future trends in the ICHRA landscape.

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, sponsored by RxBenefits, host David Saltzman and Rick Israel, partner at Life Line Insurance Consultants, discuss the significance of in-district meetings with legislators for healthcare professionals. They explore strategies for scheduling these meetings, the importance of preparation, and how to build lasting relationships with legislators. The conversation also covers the engagement with state legislators and effective follow-up strategies to ensure ongoing communication and advocacy.

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, David Saltzman and Steve Cain, director, sales & business development leader, at LTCI Partners, discuss the evolving landscape of long-term care insurance. They explore the current state of the market, the impact of demographic shifts, and the role of public programs in shaping private insurance conversations. The discussion highlights the importance of long-term care planning and the need for financial advisors to engage clients in these critical discussions. Looking ahead, they anticipate continued growth and demand for long-term care solutions as awareness increases.