The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: Public Option Plans: What’s at Stake for Consumers and Advisors

   In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Meagan Fearing, chair of NABIP’s State Public Option Working Group and Region 7 vice president, to discuss the growing debate around government-sponsored health plans and what public option proposals could mean for consumers, employers, and the private insurance market. Drawing on her experience in Colorado, Meagan explores NABIP’s concerns around consumer choice, provider reimbursement, market competition, network access, and employer-sponsored coverage, while sharing lessons from states where public option programs are already underway. She also highlights the work NABIP is doing to monitor emerging proposals and equip state chapters and benefits professionals with resources to engage policymakers and advocate for the consumers they serve.

   September 10, 2026·24min
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   Number 2: The Fiduciary Risk Employers May Be Missing

   In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Frank Pennachio, principal with Gaffney Hill Consulting, to explore the often-overlooked fiduciary risks facing employers with self-funded health plans. Frank explains why stop-loss insurance does not protect plan fiduciaries from personal liability, how the Consolidated Appropriations Act has increased expectations around transparency and oversight, and where fiduciary exposure can hide in contracts and vendor relationships. He also shares practical guidance for benefits advisors on documenting a prudent process, coordinating with property and casualty professionals and ERISA counsel, reviewing fiduciary liability coverage, and helping clients better understand and manage their risk.

   September 03, 2026·32min
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   Number 3: Protecting the Paycheck: The Strategic Role of Life & Disability Coverage

   In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Judy Buczek, director of group product management at Humana, to explore the strategic role life and disability insurance can play in protecting employees’ financial well-being. Judy discusses how employer-paid and voluntary coverage can work together to protect families from unexpected income loss and highlights the importance of both short- and long-term disability coverage. She also shares strategies for benefits advisors to help employers strengthen their benefits packages, improve employee understanding and engagement, and better protect their workforce from financial uncertainty.

   August 20, 2026·20min
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   Number 4: Turning Advocacy into Action: NABIP's Legislative Priorities

   In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Chris Vanderwolk, chairman of NABIP's Legislative Council, to discuss the association's legislative strategy and how members can play an active role in shaping healthcare policy. Chris explains NABIP's three-pronged approach: advancing model legislation, using the association's voice to influence federal policy, and responding quickly to state and local issues. He also highlights key legislative initiatives, the importance of grassroots advocacy, and practical ways benefits professionals can engage with lawmakers to help improve healthcare affordability, transparency, and consumer access.

   August 06, 2026·26min
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   Number 5: Helping Clients Understand What’s Really Driving Pharmacy Costs

   In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Zac Hanson, vice president of growth at RxPreferred, to discuss why pharmacy benefits remain one of the least transparent areas of healthcare spending—and what benefits advisors can do about it. Zac explains the factors driving pharmacy costs, including specialty medications and plan design, while exploring the importance of data transparency, proactive pharmacy management, and asking the right questions of PBMs. He also shares practical strategies to help advisors better understand their clients' pharmacy spend and make more informed recommendations that improve outcomes and control costs.

   July 30, 2026·27min
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