Healthy Business Matters

American employers are spending more on healthcare than any other country in the world, and outcomes continue to get worse.

That disconnect is why Healthy Business Matters exists.

In this introductory episode, host Dr. Andrew White, founder and CEO of AlignWell, explains the purpose of the podcast and the problem it’s designed to tackle: a healthcare system that rewards spending instead of results, and benefit strategies that look good on paper but fail in real-world execution.

This is not a podcast about vendor demos or polite conversations. It’s about how employee benefits actually work, and how they fail, in real employer environments.

Who this show is for

• Insurance brokers working with self-funded, captive, or level-funded plans
• HR leaders, CFOs, founders, and executives responsible for benefit decisions
• TPAs, PBMs, and point solutions operating in the employer health ecosystem
• Anyone accountable for benefit design, budget, and outcomes

What you’ll hear on this podcast

• Real-world benefit design and execution conversations
• Why many benefit strategies fail despite good intentions
• The difference between education, behavior change, and outcomes
• Mental models for designing benefits that actually move the needle
• Conversations with operators, brokers, TPAs, PBMs, and industry leaders who are in the trenches

Key ideas from this episode

• The healthcare system rewards spending, not results
• Employers are the largest funders of U.S. healthcare — and the biggest lever for change
• Real reform comes from how employers buy, not from legislation
• Most benefit strategies fail because they start with compliance instead of intent
• Knowledge alone doesn’t change health; systems and accountability do

Listener promise

If you don’t leave each episode with an idea or perspective that improves your decision-making, the episode failed.

New episodes release every Tuesday, with occasional bonus conversations.

Get in touch

Have a topic you want covered?

Know a guest who should be on the show?

Want to share feedback or learn more about AlignWell?

[email protected]

Nathan Baar and Dr. Andrew White delve into the revolutionary world of concierge healthcare. In this episode, they explore the question: Is concierge healthcare just a fleeting trend, or is it here to stay?

Nathan and Dr. White set the tone for the episode, engaging in a conversation about the future of healthcare and the growing importance of personalized relationships between patients and providers. They argue that concierge healthcare represents a return to a more intimate and patient-centered approach in an industry dominated by large, consolidated systems.

The hosts draw parallels between the current healthcare landscape and the past, pointing out the marriage of traditional, small-town doctor-patient relationships with cutting-edge innovations like telemedicine and diagnostic technologies.

Drawing from real-world examples, they liken the evolution of concierge medicine to the history of coffee consumption. From the specialty of coffee shops to the convenience of pod coffee, and now a regression to hand-grinding for a mindful coffee ritual, healthcare is experiencing a similar pendulum swing.

They emphasize that the movement towards concierge healthcare is not only driven by frustrated patients seeking a more personalized experience but also by burnt-out providers who are breaking away from the traditional system.

As the hosts explore the benefits and challenges of concierge healthcare, they discuss the intersection of regression and innovation. They highlight the role of technology, the rise of telemedicine, and the potential for decentralized healthcare services.

The hosts challenge the misconception that concierge medicine is only for the ultra-wealthy, pointing out that new models offer cost-effective solutions. They explore the shift from fee-for-service models to subscription-based payment models, fostering better financial incentives for both patients and providers.

To illustrate the point, they discuss a hypothetical family of five accessing direct primary care services for around $200 a month, comparing it to the cost of traditional insurance premiums.

As the episode unfolds, the hosts touch on the provider's perspective, emphasizing the importance of job satisfaction and the growing dissatisfaction within the healthcare system. They explore the dual drivers of the concierge medicine movement: patient demand for personalized care and provider dissatisfaction with the current system.

Towards the end, the hosts wrap up by defining concierge healthcare as a relationship built directly between the provider and the individual, whether through private contracts or employer-sponsored subscription models.

In conclusion, Nathan and Dr. White express optimism about the future of concierge medicine, viewing it as a significant movement that aligns healthcare professionals in their objective to provide enhanced value to individuals, organizations, and communities. They encourage listeners to stay informed, seek out innovative solutions, and take control of their healthcare choices.

This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of the concierge healthcare trend, offering valuable insights for business owners, HR professionals, and insurance brokers looking to navigate and leverage this transformative shift in the healthcare landscape.

Article Referenced: https://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/how-the-current-state-of-the-health-care-system-is-driving-patients-and-physicians-to-concierge-medicine

Episode Summary:

Welcome to another episode of the Healthy Business Matters Podcast with hosts Nathan Baar and Dr. Andrew White. In this episode, the duo dives into the complex and often surprising world of geographic price variations in healthcare costs.

Key Points:

• Introduction: The hosts set the stage by introducing the topic and its relevance to the previous episode's discussion. They emphasize the importance of understanding the significant impact of location on healthcare costs.
• Striking Map: The hosts refer to a visually impactful map (linked below) that highlights geographic price variations in healthcare. The map, with its array of colors indicating different price levels, serves as a visual representation of the stark differences in healthcare costs depending on one's location.
• Consumer Behavior: The conversation delves into how these price variations influence consumer behavior. The hosts touch on the concept of medical tourism, where individuals seek medical procedures in locations offering lower costs, leading to some intriguing stories shared during the episode.
• Network and Hospital Consolidations: The hosts discuss how conversations surrounding network and hospital consolidations contribute to the observed price variations. They explore how these consolidations impact pricing strategies and consumer options.
• Frustration with Healthcare Costs: Nathan and Dr. White express frustration with the lack of transparency in healthcare pricing. They share personal anecdotes and stories, highlighting instances where costs seemed inflated and the challenges of navigating the system.
• Role of Transparency Tools: The hosts emphasize the need for transparency tools in addressing the frustration and lack of clarity in healthcare costs. They discuss the potential role of these tools in empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
• Legislation and Industry Trends: The episode touches on the potential role of legislation in addressing healthcare pricing issues. The hosts explore industry trends, including the emergence of transparency tools and AI algorithms, which may disrupt the traditional healthcare data landscape.
• The Book Recommendation: Dr. White recommends the book "Never Pay the First Bill" as a valuable resource for individuals looking to navigate and understand healthcare costs. The book provides logical steps for becoming better informed about healthcare expenses.
• Exploring Alternatives: The hosts encourage listeners to explore alternatives, including travel for medical services. They share stories of individuals who have opted for medical tourism, finding cost-effective solutions for procedures in other countries.

Overall, the episode serves as an eye-opening exploration of the challenges, frustrations, and potential solutions in the realm of healthcare costs, offering both practical advice and thought-provoking insights.

Article Link: https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/private-insurer-analysis-uncovers-geographic-price-variations

In this episode of the Healthy Business Matters Podcast, hosts Nathan Baar and Dr. Andrew White delve into the complex topic of hospital consolidations. The hosts, both experienced in the healthcare industry, share their strong opinions and insights, aiming to shed light on the impact of mergers and acquisitions in the healthcare system.

The episode kicks off with a brief introduction, setting the stage for a discussion on leveraging concierge healthcare to unlock hidden potential within each employee. As the hosts, Nathan Baar and Dr. Andrew White, introduce themselves, they create a casual and engaging atmosphere for the audience.

The main focus of the episode revolves around the recent Harvard study that scrutinizes claims about the benefits of hospital consolidations. The hosts express their frustration with the prevalent narrative that these consolidations lead to increased quality, decreased costs, and better access to healthcare.

Nathan Baar, who has experience working in a large hospital, shares his firsthand observations of how these consolidations impact patient care. The hosts emphasize the importance of data in debunking myths and providing a more objective view of the situation.

The discussion touches upon the key findings of the Harvard study, revealing that consolidated health systems marginally improve care but come with significantly higher costs. The hosts highlight the discrepancies in claims of improved quality and reduced costs, bringing attention to the inflated expenses associated with hospital systems.

The hosts express concern about the impact on healthcare providers, explaining how the consolidation model incentivizes increased productivity, often at the expense of quality patient relationships. Dr. Andrew White provides insights into the business-oriented approach of these systems and the resulting decline in the overall quality of healthcare.

As the episode progresses, the hosts strive to offer a balanced view, acknowledging that not all aspects of hospital consolidations are negative. They point out one potential benefit: larger health systems may be less vulnerable to economic downturns, particularly in specialized care.

In the latter part of the episode, the hosts encourage employers and HR professionals to seek transparency in healthcare benefits for their employees. They suggest engaging with brokers or TPAs to gain insights into where healthcare expenses are allocated. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of maintaining choice and exploring alternative solutions to provide employees with options.

The episode concludes on a positive note, acknowledging that amidst the challenges, there are opportunities for positive change and innovation in the healthcare industry. The hosts express gratitude for the listeners and invite feedback and suggestions for future topics.

Overall, this episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the complexities surrounding hospital consolidations, offering valuable insights for business owners, HR professionals, and anyone navigating the landscape of employee healthcare benefits.

Article Link: https://hms.harvard.edu/news/care-costs-more-consolidated-health-systems

*We apologize for the poor quality of the audio this week, thank you for listening and supporting us **

In the Season 2 premiere of the Healthy Business Matters Podcast, hosts Nathan Baar and Dr. Andrew White kick off the new year by discussing a critical topic: Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and mental health. The hosts emphasize the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace and share insights into the challenges faced by professionals, especially in high-stress environments like nursing.

The hosts shed light on the underutilization of EAPs despite their potential effectiveness. They delve into the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in healthcare professions, and the Barriers employees face in seeking help.

The episode stresses the need for employers to proactively address mental health issues and highlights the staggering cost associated with mental health illnesses. Nathan and Dr. White encourage business leaders to lead by example, sharing personal experiences with therapy and advocating for a culture of openness and vulnerability.

They discuss the transformative impact of therapy on personal and professional relationships and urge listeners, especially business leaders, to explore mental health resources available to them.

In wrapping up the episode, Nathan and Dr. White emphasize the importance of leaders being vocal advocates for mental health and actively engaging with available resources. They encourage listeners to take action, try out mental health solutions, and foster a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being.

Article: https://www.healthjoy.com/blog/benefits/mental-health/eap-program-utilization

Nurses Saving Nurses: http://nursessavingnurses.com/

Show Notes:

Welcome to the Healthy Business Matters podcast, where business owners, HR professionals, and insurance brokers can unlock the hidden potential within each employee by leveraging concierge health care. In this episode, Nathan Baar and Dr. Andrew White explore the unique journey of Nathan Baar, founder of HealthBar, shedding light on his inspiring story and the evolution of his innovative approach to healthcare.

Episode Summary:

In the final episode of the first season, Dr. Andrew White interviews Nathan Baar, the founder of HealthBar, a revolutionary healthcare service. Nathan shares his journey from being an ER nurse to venturing into healthcare administration, ultimately leading to the inception of HealthBar.

The episode delves into Nathan's career transition, from his initial aspirations of becoming a doctor to discovering his passion for nursing. The conversation unfolds with Nathan recounting his experiences as an ER nurse, highlighting the challenges and critical decision-making that shaped his skills and mindset.

Nathan's entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to pursue a master's in healthcare administration, but the disconnect between administrative decisions and patient needs left him dissatisfied. The turning point came when Nathan got fired, coinciding with the birth of his business idea, HealthBar.

The narrative takes a poignant turn as Nathan discusses the mental health issues and burnout prevalent among nurses, emphasizing the need for empowering the nursing workforce. HealthBar's mission becomes clear—to decentralize healthcare services and bring personalized, accessible care directly to individuals.

As HealthBar evolved, Nathan shares the challenges faced during the pandemic, pivoting from COVID-related services to becoming a comprehensive healthcare provider for businesses and schools in Michigan. The episode concludes with Nathan's passionate advocacy for transforming the nursing profession and empowering nurses to lead change in healthcare.

Connect with Nathan Baar and HealthBar:

• HealthBar Website
• LinkedIn: Nathan Baar

Stay Tuned for Season 2:

As the first season wraps up, the hosts announce the upcoming second season scheduled for January 2024. Listeners are encouraged to follow Healthy Business Matters on various platforms and suggest potential guests or topics for future episodes.

Happy holidays and see you in the new year!

Interview with Dr. Andrew White from Align & Co Episode Summary: In this episode, Nathan Baar interviews Dr. Andrew White from Align & Co, delving into the world of chiropractic care and its transformative impact on employee well-being. Dr. White shares his personal journey, from witnessing his mother's struggles with traditional medical interventions to becoming a chiropractor with a mission to provide holistic and preventive care. Key Ideas Discussed: 1. Passion for Chiropractic Care: Dr. White shares the catalyst behind his journey into healthcare, driven by his mother's experience with chronic pain and opiate addiction. The frustration with the traditional healthcare system and the desire to offer a more conservative and holistic approach. 2. Align & Co's Origins: Dr. White provides insights into the alignment and medical philosophies that led to the establishment of Align & Co. The challenges in the healthcare system that prompted the need for innovative solutions and the inception of onsite chiropractic care. 3. Chiropractic vs. Traditional Medicine: Dr. White discusses the misconceptions around chiropractic care, dating back to a smear campaign by the American Medical Association in the 1950s. The three Ts approach—thoughts, traumas, and toxins—and how chiropractic focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues. 4. The Workplace Revolution: The evolution of Align & Co's services, including the development of mobile units with onsite diagnostics. The collaboration with insurance brokers and HR professionals to integrate chiropractic care into workplace wellness programs. 5. Future Vision for Chiropractic Care: Dr. White shares his ambitious goal of bringing chiropractic care to a broader audience, aiming to impact businesses and individuals positively. The importance of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare for better outcomes. How to Connect: Brokers, HR professionals, and insurance agents interested in exploring onsite chiropractic care for their clients or businesses can visit Align & Co's website to initiate a conversation. Closing Thoughts: The episode concludes with Nathan Baar expressing gratitude for Dr. White's passion, purpose, and the positive impact Align & Co is making on employee well-being. Don't miss the next episode, where the roles are reversed, and Nathan Baar shares his story. Stay tuned for more insights into unlocking the full potential of employee well-being on the Healthy Business Matters podcast.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Healthy Business Matters podcast with your hosts, Nathan Baar and Dr. Andrew White. In this episode, the hosts reflect on their recent interview with Mike Hill, the innovative mind behind Total Control Health Plans.

The hosts kick off the episode by expressing their excitement about Mike's fresh perspective on health insurance and agency practices. Mike's journey from an institutional background to entrepreneurship captivates the hosts, emphasizing the importance of thinking differently in today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

As they delve into key takeaways, Nathan and Andrew highlight Mike's commitment to innovation, emphasizing his unique approach to crafting health plans tailored to each company's specific needs. Mike's analogy of building plans like Legos resonates, encouraging businesses to analyze historical data for optimal ROI and employee satisfaction.

The discussion touches on the challenges within the insurance industry, where conformity often trumps innovation. Mike's courage to break away from traditional models and prioritize client value stands out, showcasing the importance of adopting a growth mindset in today's dynamic healthcare environment.

The hosts emphasize the significance of transparency in healthcare solutions. They discuss how technology and data access empower businesses to address specific needs, debunking the misconception that innovative solutions are overly complicated. The conversation highlights the birth of transparent solutions that demystify complexities in the benefits space.

Nathan and Andrew explore the evolving landscape of healthcare solutions, pointing out the rise of tools that provide access to claims data and opportunities for cost savings. They stress the need for collaborative efforts between brokers, vendors, and clients to navigate this landscape successfully.

In conclusion, the hosts invite listeners to revisit Mike Hill's interview, promising more engaging content as they approach the end of season one. They encourage feedback and questions, offering to provide a summarized PDF of key insights from Mike's interview.

Tune in for more episodes as the Healthy Business Matters podcast continues to unravel the intricacies of the ever-changing world of employee health care.

In this episode of the Healthy Business Matters Podcast, guest Mike Hill, founder of Total Control Health Plans, shares his remarkable journey and insights into the world of employee benefits. The conversation kicks off with an engaging introduction and a heartfelt discussion between hosts Nathan Baar and Dr. Andrew White, who reflect on their longstanding friendship with Mike and the unique circumstances that brought them together. Mike Hill's journey into the employee benefits realm is an extraordinary one. With a degree in political science, he stumbled into this field, ultimately founding Total Control Health Plans in 2017-2018 after working with various insurance agencies. Mike delves into the niche focus of Total Control Health Plans, emphasizing the need for innovative, custom solutions that empower employers to efficiently manage their health plans. The discussion highlights the challenges of traditional health insurance models and the desire to offer employers better, more sustainable alternatives. Employee education and engagement take center stage in the conversation, underlining their significance. The podcast explores the complexities of transitioning to custom benefits solutions and addresses the fear of change among employees. Mike shares his strategies for guiding conversations with business owners to help them recognize the benefits of creative benefits solutions. Additionally, the episode delves into the concept of direct contracts with healthcare providers and the crucial need for transparency. Mike emphasizes that not all direct contracts are created equal and discusses the importance of selecting the right solutions tailored to clients' specific needs. The podcast concludes with an emphasis on the role of education in healthcare reform. Empowering employees to make informed choices and navigate the healthcare system effectively is vital for transforming the healthcare landscape and ensuring better outcomes. This episode of the Healthy Business Matters Podcast offers valuable insights into the world of employee benefits, challenges in traditional healthcare models, and the demand for innovative, custom solutions that enhance the employee experience while reducing healthcare costs. Mike Hill's journey and expertise shine through in this engaging and enlightening conversation.

In this episode of the "Healthy Business Matters Podcast," hosts Nathan Baar and Dr. Andrew White kick off a conversation on a crucial topic: "Unlocking Inclusive Workplace Wellness: Why Onsite Solutions Should Be Offered to All" The hosts address the fundamental question of who should be eligible for these solutions within an organization, especially after the initial client agreement is reached.

They discuss the common practice of limiting benefits to employees enrolled in a health program and question whether this approach is truly inclusive. The hosts emphasize understanding the reasons why some employees might not elect health benefits, including cost, access, cultural barriers, and other factors. They highlight the importance of offering such solutions to the entire workforce, promoting inclusivity and a more supportive workplace culture.

Additionally, they touch on the financial implications of promoting participation in insurance plans and explore why incentivizing participation may not always be the best approach for employers.

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts stress the importance of understanding your workforce's needs and the barriers they face when it comes to benefits. They encourage listeners to consider offering services like theirs, which can provide value to employees without additional financial burdens.

The episode concludes with an invitation to the audience to participate in a survey to understand their organization's benefit utilization better and consider ways to make their benefits more aligned with their employees' needs.

Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that challenges conventional approaches to employee benefits and offers fresh perspectives on creating an inclusive and value-driven workplace culture.

Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes every Tuesday morning!