The Phia Group's Podcast

 On June 24th, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down one of its most controversial and impactful decisions in half a century by overturning Roe v. Wade. This decision has sweeping implications for group health plans. In this special edition of the Empowering Plans podcast, The Phia Group’s Chief Legal Officer, Ron Peck, is joined by attorneys Jen McCormick and Brady Bizarro to unpack the Court’s opinion, what’s likely to happen next, and most importantly, how health plans should respond to this historic ruling. 

In this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Brady Bizarro and Andrew Silverio, break down the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Marietta case on dialysis carveouts. What does the ruling mean for self-funded plans that wish to carve out dialysis claims? Our experts dig deep into the legal analysis and explain how plans can stay within the parameters of this decision. Finally, they address important points raised by the dissent and consider the broader impact on the industry.

In this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Brady Bizarro and Andrew Silverio, break down the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Marietta case on dialysis carveouts. What does the ruling mean for self-funded plans that wish to carve out dialysis claims? Our experts dig deep into the legal analysis and explain how plans can stay within the parameters of this decision. Finally, they address important points raised by the dissent and consider the broader impact on the industry.

In the first episode of The Book of Russo, tune in to find out what The Phia Group’s CEO, Adam Russo, has to say about the new podcast series, healthcare transparency, and so much more. 

In this episode of Empowering Plans, join Kelly Dempsey and Kevin Brady, as they discuss the important considerations surrounding rehired employees and breaks in service. This dynamic duo covers a number of items including the 13/26 week rule, the rule parity, and the need to add plan provisions which account for these situations.

In this episode of The Phia Group’s Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Nick Bonds and Corey Crigger, discuss Direct Primary Care (DPC). This was a hot topic at a recent conference Nick attended and a subject near and dear to Corey. Join them as they discuss the benefits and practical issues to consider when looking to this tremendous option for augmenting your employee benefits plan. 

In this episode of The Phia Group’s Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Jen McCormick and Jon Jablon discuss some emerging law and trends that impact the self-funded industry, with an emphasis on what it means for the TPA/employer dynamic. Relationships are key in this industry, but since the law imposes responsibilities on health plans that often can’t be met without significant help from a TPA, things can get a bit messy. There’s a lot of content to cover on this one, and Jen and Jon try to at least scratch the surface of this complex topic.

 Congress has proposed a $35 cap on patient cost-sharing for a month supply of insulin. Join Attorneys Cindy Merrell and Micah Iberosi-Parnell, as they discuss the insulin cost crisis, Congress’ band-aid on insulin prices, and what’s really needed to lower costs for employers and patients. 

The CAA, passed in part due to the rising mental health issues, added enhanced DOL enforcement mechanisms.  Join special guest Jen Berman of MZQ, and Jen McCormick, as they discuss the DOL’s evolving approach on MHPAEA which is moving from a "compliance assistance" model to a "proactive enforcement" model.  This approach puts a ton of pressure on plan sponsors – administrative, compliance, logistical – and plans need to be prepared.

On this week’s episode of Empowering Plans, Attorneys Chris Aguiar and Cindy Merrell, discuss the balancing act of health plan members’ reduction requests and Plan’s fiduciary duties, why a reduction can be in the Plan’s best interest, and more. Listen in as we dive deep into reduction requests and Plan’s fiduciary duties.