Some benefit arrangements promise payroll tax savings and increased take-home pay, but employers need to look closely at how they work. Wade Symons and Lori Fischler break down double dip arrangements, IRS concerns and the key questions employers should ask before moving forward.

New PBM transparency reporting is giving employer health plan sponsors a clearer view into how pharmacy benefits are working. On this episode of The Beneficial Workplace, Jennifer Calhoun Mohl speaks with Jon Lewis, a leader in Marsh’s pharmacy practice, about what the data is beginning to show about spread and retained rebates, and what employers may want to consider as they review pharmacy benefit strategy and contracting.

As employers face growing cost pressure, the challenge is knowing which strategies are worth pursuing. Tracy Watts speaks with Dr. Andy Halpert about direct contracting, primary care shortages, unit cost, site of service and where employers may be able to find practical, measurable savings.

Marsh recently released preliminary survey results on 2027health benefit costs. Chief health actuary Sunit Patel and Emily Ferreira discuss the reasons behind the sharp increase and how employers will respond.

Why do employee leaves feel harder than ever to manage? Tracy Watts talks with Rich Fuerstenberg about what’s behind the complexity and the practical options employers can use to improve the experience.

Wade Symons talks with Stacy Forrester and Margaret Herseth about the ERISA plan documents employers need to have in place, why insurance booklets alone may not be enough, how wrap documents and SPDs work together, and where employers can run into trouble with outdated language, unclear terms, and weak distribution practices.

Employers are under pressure from record breaking healthcare cost increases, but they aren’t simply cutting benefits across the board. Listen as Emily Ferreira and Shomita Maitra dive into the results of Mercer’s Health and Benefit Strategies for 2027 survey and discuss how organizations are taking a more strategic approach to managing costs while continuing to invest in the programs employees value most.

Healthcare costs are rising, point solutions are overlapping, and employers need a clearer path forward. In this episode, Tracy Watts talks with Agnes Quiggle about where employers should start: measuring value, reducing duplication, focusing on quality, and preparing for a more personalized future shaped by digital care, AI, and wearables.

Extreme weather is disrupting work faster than employers are adapting. Tracy Watts talks with David Leathers, Executive Director of Extreme Weather and Work, about how heat, wildfire smoke, storms, and flooding affect workers’ physical, mental, and financial well-being. Listen for practical steps employers can take before, during, and after extreme weather, then explore free tools at extremeweatherandwork.org.

Old plan decisions can create new cost problems. Jen Calhoun-Mohl and Sarai Connell explore how overlooked plan details can drive costs and unintended outcomes.