The Phia Group's Podcast

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about an unprecedented wave of federal legislation in a short period of time specifically aimed at regulating employer-sponsored group health plan coverage. Similarly, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has followed suit and released several formal Notices aimed at extending COVID-19 relief options to cafeteria plans. In the most recent notice issued by the IRS, however, IRS Notice 2020-29, there are certain provisions that impact employer-sponsored coverage. If adopted by a cafeteria plan sponsor that also sponsors a self-funded health plan, these provisions can result in significant cost liability for the plan and create issues for stop-loss reimbursement.

In this episode of Empowering Plans, Ron and Brady assess what we learned from the candidates on healthcare policy at the virtual Democratic and Republican national conventions. Over the course of two weeks, both parties showcased their platforms; one focused heavily on restoring the Affordable Care Act and a nationwide COVID-19 response, and the other on lowering prescription drug prices and covering all pre-existing conditions. What can our industry learn from the talking points? Join us as we cover all the angles and discuss what comes next as the presidential election draws ever closer.

In this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, Jen and Nick discuss significant developments in nondiscrimination regulations, and the implications for those in the self-funding industry. They talk through the evolution of Section 1557 of the ACA, the new final rule issued by HHS, the Supreme Court’s recent decision on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and the looming legal challenges as the health care field attempts to reconcile what we’re hearing from the Supreme Court and HHS. They piece together what all this means for employer-sponsored plans, and offer some advice as to how employers and plans should respond.

In this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, Ron and Brady discuss a Catch-22 emerging in the midst of the global pandemic - as more government intervention is needed to deal with COVID-19, calls for a public option and Medicare for All grow louder. Join them as they discuss this issue and other looming threats to the industry; from uncertainty over the ACA and out of control drug prices to the disruption of employment-based health insurance.

In this special episode, Ron and Brady address recent events that has altered the world as we knew it in a matter of months, and in one notable case, in one day. The emergence of Covid-19, the resulting mandatory restrictions to daily life, and televised tragic death of Mr. George Floyd, an unarmed African American man, at the hands of law enforcement has altered our collective understanding of security and racial equality in the U.S. In a moment of time that has been compared to the Civil Rights Movement, our very own Philip Qualo, Chairperson of the Phia Diversity Inclusion Committee, joins us to provide his perspective on these issues and the importance for Americans to unite in the face of tragedy. For industry leaders who may be uncertain on how to support their workforce in this “cancel culture” era, we also share some of our own internal approaches we have adopted that have not only been well received but actually celebrated by our staff and the industry as a whole. As racial disparities continue to persist in access to meaningful healthcare, resulting in grossly disproportionate outcomes for people of color, the escalating cost of healthcare in an increasingly diverse workforce, social justice and racial equality are conversations that can no longer be ignored or kept silent.

In this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, Ron and Brady briefly discuss Phia's new headquarters in Canton, MA. Then, they jump into a discussion about recent high-profile court cases that could shape our industry: from requiring hospitals to post their negotiated rates with insurers online to the Trump administration's latest action in the Supreme Court case that could spell the end of the entire Affordable Care Act.

In this episode, Brady Bizarro and Jennifer McCormick discuss the impact of COVID-19 on workers' compensation claims. How can we tell if employees were exposed at work? How should employers prepare for an influx in claims? What actions are state legislatures taking across the country to expand workers' compensation benefits for pandemic-related injuries? Our legal experts grapple with these questions and more.

Today, we launch a new series harkening to our Boston roots - “Wicked Awesome Wins.” Here, we will showcase our staff and some of their most successful and noteworthy wins on behalf of our clients. Join Ron and Brady as they interview Attorney Robert Martinez and explore a case in which he secured a massive balance bill write-off from a hospital using some creative tactics.

In this episode, Ron Peck and Brady Bizarro are joined by consulting attorney Nicholas Bonds. Nick describes the unique concerns facing covered entities and their business associates as more of us utilize video conferencing platforms while under quarantine. What steps should you take to keep PHI safe? Finally, Ron and Brady end on a high note, summarizing some of the positive COVID-19 news that has come of late.

Join Attorneys Brady Bizarro and Jennifer McCormick as they discuss some of the latest studies on the potential cost of COVID-19 treatment for self-funded plans, the projected impact on employer-sponsored insurance, and how they think this pandemic could change the industry.