Legal Compliance & Regulatory Affairs Consultant, Phil Qualo, and Vice President of Consulting, Kelly Dempsey Esq., explore the phenomena surrounding COVID-19 long haulers. Although the term “long haulers” trigger thoughts of cross country truck driving, it has actually been used as a common reference to people who have been infected with the COVID-19 virus and have not fully recovered for weeks, months, and even up to a year after first experiencing symptoms. This episode provides personal insight into the challenges that these long haulers are facing that impact both employer and benefit considerations, including access to disability benefits and health care.

In this episode of Empowering Plans, Jen McCormick and Andi Goodman discuss the future of vaccinating vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children, and the importance of vaccinating children in achieving herd immunity. What are the next steps for expanding vaccine eligibility? What do employers need to know if they are considering requiring their staff to get vaccinated before returning to work?

Join Timothy Pope, an Attorney in the Provider Relations Department, and Garrick Hunt, Phia’s Sales Manager, as they host a candid discussion about the harmful effects that the sweeping lockdown has had on families, and in particular on children with disabilities. Since the closing of most public schools, many children with disabilities have suffered immensely. As a parent of a child with mental disabilities, Garrick dives into his first-hand account of the lockdown’s impact on his family.

In this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, Nick and Brady talk through some developing trends in ERISA litigation. Do fiduciary duties apply to protection of plan data? Could a data breach lead to claims under ERISA and HIPAA? What steps do ERISA fiduciaries need to take? Listen in as we explore where things stand, and where they might be heading.

In this episode of Empowering Plans, join Brady Bizarro and Jen McCormick as they have a conversation about the impact of COVID-19 on employers, health plans, and employees. How should employers be dealing with mental health, physical health, and productivity issues? What steps can health plans take to reduce claims exposure? How are employers planning to return to the office later this year? It may feel like Groundhog Day, but our advice is certainly not more of the same.

In this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, Ron and Brady discuss the inauguration of President Biden and what his presidency could mean for healthcare policy. With Democrats in control of government, a lot could get done in the first 100 days - on COVID-19 relief, the ACA, and rolling back Trump-era rules. Join us as we break it all down.

In this episode of the Empowering Plans Podcast, Ron Peck is joined by Corey Crigger, an attorney in the Provider Relations Department. Ron and Corey discuss balance billing in the COVID world, medical tourism, and vaccine passports. What can we expect in the not so distant future? No one has a crystal ball, but Ron and Corey offer an insight on the implications of a tiered vaccine rollout that may not be uniform and business requiring proof of passport. Also, what parts of the pandemic does Corey see as a positive? Tune in to find out!

In this episode of the Empowering Plans Podcast, Brady Bizarro is joined by a new face at Phia, Mitch Hilbert. Listen in as Brady and Mitch discuss how balance billing has been on an uptick during COVID, and how patients can possibly prevent this from occurring. Is Congress doing anything? What can we expect in the near future. Find out in our latest Empowering Plans Podcast.

In this episode of Empowering Plans, Brady is joined by Attorney Andrew Silverio. They discuss current COVID-19 vaccine candidates and everything health plans and employers need to know about them. When can we expect the first vaccines to arrive? Do health plans have to cover them at full price? Can (or should) employers make this vaccine mandatory? Join us to find out.

In this episode of the Empowering Plans Podcast, Ron Peck, Brady Bizarro, and Nick Bonds reunite to discuss their developing thoughts on the presidential election results. They speculate as to what moves a Biden administration can make on health care with a potentially Republican-controlled senate, and what effects those moves could have in the self-funded industry. They also discuss California v. Texas and try to anticipate how the Supreme Court might rule on the fate of the ACA. Lastly, they talk through the exciting news of a potentially viable coronavirus vaccine.