The Benefits Brief

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Mike Smith, president emeritus of The Brokerage Inc. and a longtime leader in the Medicare marketplace, to discuss why annual Medicare certification should be more than simply checking a box. Mike shares the story behind NABIP’s Medicare Certification and how experienced agents, agencies and FMOs helped shape a course grounded in the real-world situations Medicare professionals encounter every day. He explores how the program emphasizes practical knowledge, compliance and suitable plan recommendations while providing a straightforward certification experience designed for working agents. Mike also discusses the program’s growing carrier and FMO acceptance and how NABIP members can help expand its reach.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Dwane McFerrin, senior vice president at Senior Market Sales and chair of NABIP’s Medicare Advisory Group, to discuss what Medicare advisors need to know as they prepare for the 2027 Annual Enrollment Period. Dwane explores changes across Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medicare Supplement, including plan exits, fewer choices in some markets, prescription drug costs, evolving regulations and Medicare Supplement birthday rules. He also shares practical guidance for navigating AEP, using technology to manage a busy enrollment season, reviewing each client’s individual needs and staying focused on helping consumers make informed coverage decisions.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Lori Martin, principal at Envision Benefit Specialists and chair of NABIP’s Long-Term Care Working Group, to discuss America’s growing long-term care challenge and the role benefits professionals can play in helping clients prepare. Lori explores the importance of planning before a care crisis occurs, common misconceptions about Medicare and long-term care, and the evolving individual, group and short-term care markets. She also shares how advisors can incorporate long-term care into their practices, partner with specialists, create new opportunities with employer clients, and help individuals and families better prepare for the financial realities of extended care.

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.

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.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with NABIP Past President Beth Ashmore to share the deeply personal story of losing her mother while she was visiting England—an experience that profoundly shaped Beth’s perspective on single-payer healthcare. More than 30 years later, Beth reflects on that experience and the important questions it raises as conversations continue around Medicare for All, single-payer healthcare, and the public option, including healthcare access, cost, resource allocation, and patient advocacy. She also discusses why benefits professionals have an important role in these conversations and encourages NABIP members to stay informed, get involved, and use their voices to help shape the future of healthcare policy.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Dr. Rebecca Colon, chief medical officer for Humana's Group Medicare Division, to discuss the key drivers behind rising healthcare costs in the group Medicare market and the strategies helping to improve outcomes while controlling expenses. Dr. Colon explores the growing role of value-based care, preventive services, pharmacy management, and virtual care in reducing costs and enhancing member health. She also shares practical guidance for benefits advisors and plan sponsors on using data, engaging retirees, and partnering with health plans to build sustainable, long-term healthcare strategies.