In this episode, we unpack the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in Cunningham v. Cornell University — a landmark ERISA case with major implications for retirement and health plan fiduciaries. We explain the facts behind the case, what “prohibited transactions” really mean, and why the Court's ruling on affirmative defenses matters. If your health plan pays fees to TPAs, PBMs, IDR vendors, or brokers, this episode is for you.

The Run for the Roses is here! Join two of Phia’s Louisville, Kentucky, employees, Corey Crigger and Cindy Merrell, as they discuss the event that takes over their city once a year! Coming on the heels of a historic weather event, Corey and Cindy discuss all things Derby. From Cindy’s experience at Dawn at the Downs to predictions for winners, this podcast has it all. Don’t be fooled, this podcast isn’t just about horse racing. Corey and Cindy also discuss pitfalls of AI use in the legal world. Can attorneys depend on AI for their legal research? Meanwhile, which horse has the best chance to win the Derby? Can Corey hit the trifecta for the second year in a row? Tune in to the Empowering Plans Podcast for these answers and many more!

Our consulting team has received numerous questions in Q1 2025 about employers considering self-funding their health plans. Join Attorneys Jennifer McCormick and Kelly Dempsey as they go through what the driving factors are behind employers considering self-funding, the pros and cons of self-funding, and some of the major differences employers will encounter. If you’re considering taking the leap, take a listen first!

ERISA gives plan sponsors great power and great responsibility. On this week’s podcast, attorneys Ron Peck and Nick Bonds get back to ERISA fundamentals to talk about how to really embrace fiduciary status and properly exercise discretionary authority.

On this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Corey Crigger and Kendall Jackson discuss the hot button topic of weight loss drugs. Tune in to learn more about the latest advances in this space and the various coverage and exclusion options plans may pursue. 

Artificial intelligence may be changing the trajectory of the self-funded industry – but can it negotiate? In this episode of The Phia Group’s Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Brian O’Hara and Jon Jablon break down real-life examples of AI-driven responses in the No Surprises Act’s Open Negotiations process that range from nonsensical to outright misleading, where negotiating with AI is like trying to haggle with a toaster. From missing claim numbers to automated counteroffers that make no sense, Brian and Jon discuss whether AI is making negotiations easier, or defeating the purpose of the statutory process to begin with. Tune in for an honest discussion of the pitfalls of AI in No Surprises Act negotiations.

On this episode of the Empowering Plans Podcast, attorneys Brady Bizzaro and Cindy Merrell delve into the details of the Lewandowski v. Johnson & Johnson case. Is this case a big win for plan fiduciaries or a warning?

Attorneys Kelly Dempsey and Bryan Dunton dive into the results of the 2024 MHPAEA Report to Congress. The EBSA and CMS have continued to improve their focus on network design and adequacy for group health plans. In this episode, Kelly and Bryan discuss how these parity problems manifest themselves in testing and what plans can do to resolve them. 

Attorneys Jen McCormick and Nick Bonds ring in the Lunar New Year by breaking down the ERIC v. HHS lawsuit in which an industry advocate challenged the federal regulators’ new Final Rules enforcing the MHPAEA and mental health parity rules. Could this case blaze a new path for challenging agency actions in a post-Chevron Doctrine world? Join us as we discuss the potential implications for group health plans.

It’s a new year, and a new type of Empowering Plans podcast! In a world full of talking heads and 2-minute news cycles, hot takes have become the norm. This is true from mainstream news media to sports talk radio. Ron Peck and Corey Crigger throw their hat in the hot take ring by speculating on what some of the biggest news stories could be in 2025. From AI to RFK Jr, join Ron and Corey as they gaze into the crystal ball and make their bold predictions of what we will be talking about all year.