Benefits Breakdown

Women’s Health in the Workplace: Menopause, Medicine, and the Path Forward

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:01:22 +0000

Benefits Breakdown is joined by Brown & Brown teammates Gina Julian, Amy Suss, and Lindsey Ladell for a candid conversation on women’s health with a focus on menopause and perimenopause in the workplace. Together, they explore why menopause is a guaranteed life stage employers can no longer ignore, how symptoms impact health, productivity and retention, and why updated science has reshaped the role of hormone replacement therapy. From destigmatizing the conversation to practical benefit design, workplace flexibility, and access to specialized care, this episode centers on how informed employers can better support women while improving outcomes and managing long‑term cost.

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Stop Loss 101, 201 & Beyond: Fundamentals to Smarter Risk Strategy

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:01:45 +0000

In this episode, the team welcomes Matt Johnson, leader of Brown & Brown’s Stop Loss practice, for a practical conversation on stop loss fundamentals and the realities of managing catastrophic claim risk in today’s market. Matt breaks down specific versus aggregate stop loss, explains leverage trend, and shares why seven-figure claims are becoming more common, driven by specialty pharmacy, oncology, and emerging therapies.

The discussion explores how employers can better position themselves through smarter contract structures, including lasers, rate caps, and run-in versus run-out coverage, as well as proactive clinical and pharmacy strategies that matter to stop loss carriers. Whether you are an HR leader, finance executive, or benefits professional, this episode offers clear guidance on navigating stop loss renewals and building a more resilient risk strategy for 2026 and beyond.

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How Smart Data Decisions Are Reshaping Benefits Strategy

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:01:23 +0000

Benefits Breakdown is joined by Mike Reardon who leads the data and analytics team at Brown & Brown. Together, we explore why every employer needs a data strategy, how modern analytics move us from looking backward to predicting what is next, and how smarter use of data directly improves the employee experience while controlling cost. From trend management to point solution ROI to real world examples that change outcomes, this episode is all about turning information into action.

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Culture, Change and the Future: Powell Brown on Benefits, AI and Leadership

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:01:20 +0000

In this episode, Vanessa Longnecker, Jared Bowcutt, and Adam Compton welcome Powell Brown, CEO of Brown & Brown for a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of employee benefits, the impact of rapid growth and the role of AI in shaping the future. Powell shares insights on maintaining culture through expansion, the importance of trust and respect, and how technology can empower teams.

The discussion covers regulatory trends, leadership lessons and what excites Powell most about the journey ahead. Whether you’re an HR leader, benefits consultant, or teammate at Brown & Brown, this episode delivers actionable perspectives for 2026 and beyond.

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Innovation, Affordability, and the Future of Employee Benefits

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:01:17 +0000

The team welcomes Mark Abate and John Greenbaum from Brown & Brown’s retail leadership team. Together, they dive into the realities of rising healthcare costs, the challenges of affordability for employees and the evolving landscape of benefit strategies. The conversation explores how prescription drug trends, legislative changes, and rate pressures are shaping employer decisions, and why innovation—both big and small—is critical for the future.

From curative drug therapies to simple but impactful benefits like ID theft protection and pet insurance, the team shares insights on how organizations can rethink total rewards to meet the diverse needs of a multi-generational workforce.

Whether you’re a benefits leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about workplace wellbeing, this episode delivers practical perspectives and real-world examples to help you navigate complexity and drive positive change.

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Workforce Well-being Trends | Physical, Mental, Financial Health & Employer Actions

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:01:20 +0000

The team is joined by Ellen Kelsay, President & CEO of the Business Group on Health. The discussion highlights how leading employers are responding to rising healthcare costs, global pressures, and evolving employee needs. The team explores trends in physical health, mental health and financial health . They also dive into social connectedness, community involvement, and the growing use of data and dashboards to drive accountability. The episode wraps up with actionable steps employers can take to strengthen well-being programs, boost engagement, and prepare for future challenges.

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Specialty Drugs, GLP-1s, and the New Employer Pharmacy Reality

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:01:20 +0000

In this episode of Benefits Breakdown, the team is joined by Josh Halperin, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Consulting Services at Brown & Brown. Together, they explore the rapidly changing pharmacy landscape—how the surge in specialty drug approvals, the rise of GLP-1 medications, and shifting oncology treatments are reshaping employer health plans. The conversation unpacks the financial impact of these trends, the promise of biosimilars, and the challenges posed by new legislation, direct-to-consumer pharmacy models, and drug import tariffs.

Whether you’re a benefits leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about the future of pharmacy benefits, this episode delivers actionable insights and real-world strategies to help you navigate complexity, control costs, and plan for what’s next.

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Navigating the Future of Benefits Tech: AI, Engagement & Strategy

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 06:01:12 +0000

In this episode of The Benefits Breakdown, Sean Clem and Steve Piccolino from the Brown & Brown Benefits Technology team join us to explore the rapidly evolving world of benefits technology. From the integration of AI in administration to the critical role of employee engagement, they unpack how strategic tech investments are reshaping the employee experience.

The conversation dives into emerging industry trends, the power of communication, and the future of HR technology—highlighting why organizations must adapt to stay ahead in the benefits landscape.

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Friends as Medicine

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:01:19 +0000

In this episode of Benefits Breakdown, the team is joined by Rachel Jensen from the Population Health and Well-Being team at Brown & Brown. Together, they explore the concept of "friends as medicine" and how social connection, belonging and workplace culture directly impact employee health, retention and productivity. The conversation explores the latest trends in lifestyle medicine, including food as medicine, movement as medicine and the critical role of social well-being in today's evolving work environment.

Whether you're a benefits leader, HR professional or simply passionate about workplace wellness, this episode delivers actionable insights and real-world examples to help you drive positive change.

For more information, watch our Friends as Medicine webinar.

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Navigating Cost Pressures & Finding Creative Solutions

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:01:25 +0000

Vanessa, Jared and Adam discuss the challenges and innovations shaping employee benefits during open enrollment season. With healthcare costs rising at record rates—often 10% or more—employers are exploring new funding models, direct-to-consumer pharmacy options and Centers of Excellence (COEs) to improve outcomes and control spend.

The team highlights the importance of ongoing communication, data-driven decisions and leveraging technology to help employees make informed choices. Real-world examples show how COEs and alternative care models can deliver significant savings and better experiences. Employers are encouraged to audit their plans, build year-round engagement strategies and stay open to new ideas to thrive in a rapidly changing benefits landscape.

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Beyond Benefits: Bridging Financial Stress, Mental Health & Workforce Well-Being in 2025

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:37:53 +0000

Today on the Benefits Breakdown, Vanessa Longnecker, Jared Bowcutt and Adam Compton are joined by Meghan Pistritto and Dr. Wendy Coduti from Prudential to unpack the findings of the “2025 Benefits and Beyond” study. The conversation explores the growing intersection of financial stress, mental health, and employee well-being—and how employers can better support their teams.

The episode highlights key insights from the study, including:

A disconnect between employer intentions and employee perceptions of support.
The need for holistic wellness strategies that integrate financial, mental, physical and social health.
Best practices for ongoing communication, benefit education and building trust.
The importance of leadership modeling vulnerability and mental health openness.
Real-world examples of flexible work, embedded support services and proactive manager training.

With personal stories, practical strategies and a call to action for cultural change, this episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, benefit professionals and anyone committed to helping employees thrive in 2025 and beyond.

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Digital Wellness & Employee Protection in 2025 | Strategies for HR and Cybersecurity Alignment

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:01:20 +0000

In this episode of Benefits Breakdown, Adam Compton, Jared Bowcutt, and guests Leyla Bilge, Casey Cullinan, and Paul Berryman explore the evolving landscape of digital wellness and its critical role in employee well-being and organizational resilience.

From the rise of AI-driven scams to the emotional toll of identity theft, the panel discusses how employers can proactively support their workforce through integrated HR and cybersecurity strategies. Leyla Bilge shares insights from her research on scam evolution and digital stress, while Casey Cullinan highlights the ROI of digital wellness programs and the importance of privacy, protection, and financial stability. Paul Berryman emphasizes the need for cross-functional collaboration between HR and security teams to build holistic support systems.

Real-life scenarios, best practices, and forward-looking strategies make this a must-listen for HR leaders, benefit professionals, and anyone navigating the digital frontier of work.

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Transparency, Technology & Total Rewards in a Personalized World

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:01:31 +0000

In this insightful follow-up episode, Adam and Jared are joined by Chelsea Hamilton and Sam Thomeier from herronpalmer to explore the evolving landscape of total rewards, pay transparency and the role of AI in enhancing employee experience. From digital delivery to hyper-personalization, the team discusses how employers can build trust through thoughtful communication, empathy and transparency.

With real-world examples and generational insights, this episode offers practical strategies for navigating the future of benefits with both innovation and heart.

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Pay Transparency and Total Rewards | Strategy, Compliance & Culture

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:01:22 +0000

Vanessa and Adam are joined by compensation specialists Sam Thomeier and Chelsea Hamilton to explore the evolution of pay transparency and its growing impact on workplace culture and business strategy. Together, they unpack how regulations across 20+ states reflect a broader cultural shift toward openness and fairness in compensation. The conversation highlights key strategies such as the importance of defining your market, the role of compensation in employee retention and the need to "prepare before you share." From compliance pitfalls to leadership preparation, this episode is packed with insights for HR leaders and business owners navigating today’s competitive talent landscape.

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Cancer Early Detection & Empowered Healthcare

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 05:00:20 +0000

Vanessa, Adam & the team are joined by Tricia Laursen, President & Executive Director, and Sandy Danault, Senior Director of Programs & Partnerships at DetectTogether, for a powerful conversation on the critical role of early cancer detection and the evolving healthcare landscape.

The discussion explores how employers can play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of health literacy and early detection. Through ongoing education, storytelling and accessible tools, DetectTogether helps organizations reduce healthcare costs while improving outcomes. Real-world examples illustrate how employer partnerships help save lives and curb rising premiums.

The episode also touches on the promise and limitations of emerging screening technologies, the emotional and financial impact of cancer in the workplace and how consistent, year-round engagement can drive meaningful change.

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Benefits Audits | Fiduciary Oversight, Claims Accuracy & Hidden Opportunities

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:00:18 +0000

Vanessa, Jared & Adam are joined by Tammy Miller, Executive VP of Auditing at Brown & Brown. Tammy breaks down the essentials of healthcare and pharmacy audits—why they matter, how they’re conducted and what employers often overlook. The team explores audit triggers, common findings like duplicate claims and misapplied copays and the growing importance of fiduciary responsibility. They also dive into fraud, waste and abuse detection, and how audits can benefit both plan sponsors and administrators.

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Navigating the Absence Market, PFML and the Employee Experience

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 05:00:18 +0000

The team welcomes Melanie Payton, National Practice Leader for the Brown & Brown Absence team. In this insightful podcast episode, we delve into the current state of the market, highlighting the significant impact of absence costs, which now surpass medical expenses, and the evolving regulatory climate driven by generational shifts in employee expectations. We explore the complexities of Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) legislation, with new mandates on the horizon and the decision-making process between state-run and private plans. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of enhancing the employee experience through technology and centralized resources, and the critical role of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) in providing necessary accommodations and training for supervisors. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of these pivotal topics and their implications for employers and employees alike.

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Check out our 2025 Employee Benefits Market Trends

People Analytics and Thriving in '25 | 2025 Employee Benefits Market Trends (Part 3 of 3)

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:56:39 +0000

Vanessa, Jared & Adam are joined by Julie Turpin, Chief People Officer of Brown & Brown to discuss the latest trends in People Analytics and how they are shaping the future of HR. Julie highlights the importance of collecting, analyzing and applying data related to employees to improve business outcomes. This enables HR departments to gain data-driven insights for decision-making on various people processes, such as recruitment, retention, performance management and diversity initiatives.

The team delves into the concept of Thriving in '25, exploring how to foster a culture of open communication and holistic development among employees. They discuss key questions to help individuals and organizations thrive, such as evaluating daily habits, addressing tolerations and focusing on internal growth.

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Check out our 2025 Employee Benefits Market Trends

Transformative Therapies and PBM Trends in 2025 | 2025 Employee Benefits Market Trends (Part 2 of 3)

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:00:24 +0000

Vanessa, Jared & Adam are joined by Katy Wong, National Pharmacy Leader for Brown & Brown, to discuss the latest trends in transformative therapies and pharmacy benefit management (PBM). Katy highlights how GLP-1s, specialty drugs and gene therapies will continue to drive up costs and how biosimilars are expected to help offset these expenses to health plans.

The team dives into the challenging landscape facing the traditional PBM model in 2025. Transparency and accountability remain critical for plan sponsors, opening the door for disruptor PBMs and non-traditional PBM delivery models. The team also addresses high-cost drugs in the pipeline, transparency concerns and the current regulatory and legislative dynamics impacting plan sponsors.

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Check out our 2025 Employee Benefits Market Trends

2025 Employee Benefits Market Trends (Part 1 of 3)

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:00:22 +0000

Vanessa, Jared & Adam highlight the latest trends impacting employers, such as rising healthcare expenses and the importance of personalized benefits. The team delves into the primary elements driving employer costs, including increased utilization of services.

They further explore the significant role of large claimants—individuals with high-cost medical claims—and the importance of stop-loss contracts in mitigating financial risks for employers.

The discussion shifts to the 'real risk' to benefit plans, encompassing financial, operational and compliance risks. Effective risk management strategies are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure the sustainability of benefit programs.

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Pharmacy Space Trends | GLP-1’s, Biosimilars, Disruptors and More!

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 06:00:30 +0000

Vanessa, Jared & Adam are joined by Josh Halperin from the Brown & Brown National Pharmacy Practice. Josh highlights the latest trends impacting employers, such as rising drug prices and the importance of transparency in PBM contracts. The team dives further into GLP-1 medications, their uses and employee demands, while also discussing the challenges and opportunities of incorporating biosimilars in health plans.

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Intelligent Automation & AI for HR Teams

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:00:29 +0000

Vanessa, Jared and Adam are joined by Julie Fernandez, Global HR Advisory Lead at herronpalmer, to examine current trends in the HR technology landscape. The team dives into what artificial intelligence can mean for HR and how intelligent automation can help organizations. Julie provides insight into how organizations can refocus their onboarding strategies to help employees feel engaged throughout their journey.

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A Benefits Blueprint for Centers of Excellence

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:00:15 +0000

Vanessa, Jared, and Adam are joined by Kelly Polinski and Zach Papalia to discuss key topics, focusing on Centers of Excellence, explaining what they are and why employers are increasingly considering them. The conversation covers how common they are becoming, and typically supported treatments. Kelly and Zach provide insight into how these issues are likely to evolve and the potential impacts on employers and employees. The team dives deeper into access, contracting, outcome metrics and employer considerations when reviewing these opportunities.

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Election Insights from James Slotnick

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 05:00:14 +0000

Vanessa, Jared & Adam are joined by James Slotnick, Head of Government Relations at Sun Life, to discuss key topics ahead of the upcoming election. The conversation covers crucial areas such as paid family leave, pharmacy benefits and stop-loss insurance. James provides insights into how these issues are likely to evolve and impact employers and employees alike. The team dives deeper into these topics, offering strategies for organizations to consider when navigating the changing landscape of employee benefits.

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On-site Clinics

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 05:00:16 +0000

Adam and Jared are joined by Dr. Louise Short and Uthona Mikrut from the Brown & Brown Population Health team. They will share their insights on how best to understand and evaluate on-site clinics for employers. The team dives deeper into services, like physical therapy, mental health and more that are available through these clinics and offers a checklist of ideas to consider when reviewing the opportunity for your organization.

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Food as Medicine | Employers, It’s Time to EAT

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 05:00:10 +0000

Jared, Adam and Vanessa are joined by Managing Consultant and Population Health specialist, Gina Julian. Gina, a registered dietician, dives into a recent article titled ‘Food as Medicine.’ She focuses on how organizations can increase access, improve quality and remove cost barriers to nutritious foods. Using the acronym ‘EAT,’ Gina’s discusses how to Establish the right programs, Adjust your work environment and Tailor your plan design.

Read ‘Food as Medicine:’ https://www.bbrown.com/us/insight/food-as-medicine/

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https://winstonbenefits.com/

Benefits Administration and Employee Engagement

Wed, 29 May 2024 05:00:08 +0000

Adam and Vanessa are joined by Colin Bradly, CEO of Winston Benefits, part of the Brown & Brown team. Colin dives into key strategies that employers can consider when reviewing their Benefits Administration technology for their organization. The team investigates employee engagement campaigns and what employers can do to streamline customized and digital benefit solutions in a competitive market space.

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Download the Market Trends Report

Employee Benefit Market Trends with Robyn Piper

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:00:11 +0000

Adam, Jared and Vanessa are joined by Robyn Piper, Managing Partner at Piper Jordan— part of the Brown & Brown team. Robyn dives into the strategies discussed in our recently released Brown & Brown Employee Benefits Market Trends Report: Redefining Care Through Innovation. The team looks into healthcare trends, key cost drivers and considerations for employers, including a focus on chronic conditions, weight-loss drugs and innovative care delivery models.

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Leadership Insights: A Conversation with Brown & Brown CEO Powell Brown

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 05:00:08 +0000

Adam, Jared and Vanessa are joined by Brown & Brown's President and CEO, Powell Brown. Powell dives into the state of the market, sharing what he is seeing on a global scale that employers may need to consider. The team investigates the importance of culture, health and family and how they are balanced at Brown & Brown. Powell also speaks about his recent ‘Misogi’ (an ancient practice thought to purify the mind, body and spirit through physical and mental challenges)— a bike ride through the French Alps that raised more than $4 million dollars for Shifting Gears on Brain Health. For more information, visit https://shiftinggears.world/.

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Kickoff a Successful Benefits Plan Year

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 06:00:17 +0000

Vanessa, Jared and Adam lead a discussion on how to set up your benefits plan year and strategies your organization can consider. The team talks about different demographic features that you can look at to compare last year's plan year to the current one. They then discuss best-in-class practices to help set up for a successful pre-renewal and 2025 renewal.

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Genetics in the Workplace

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 06:00:14 +0000

Jared and Adam are joined by physician, scientist and professor at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Robert Green. Dr. Green leads us through a discussion on genetics in the workplace, providing insights on genetics, genomics and precision medicine. Until recently, genomics has been fragmented and expensive – it has now evolved to be offered to employees and their families. Explore what you can do as an employer to make better decisions with better data.

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Purposeful Leadership with Julie Turpin

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 06:00:12 +0000

Vanessa, Jared & Adam are joined by Brown & Brown's Chief People Officer, Julie Turpin. Julie leads a discussion around Purposeful Leadership and her 'People Lead People' Playbook. The conversation expands into building culture, focused authenticity and supporting your team's mental health. Join us on this journey with Julie and what leaders can do to support their teammates and organizations.

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Help Keep Your Workforce Healthy by Avoiding the Tripledemic

Understanding the Tripledemic

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:00:13 +0000

Vanessa, Jared and Adam are joined by Sally Patterson from the Brown & Brown Population Health Team. As a registered nurse, Sally has a deep clinical background to understand the implications of the tripledemic, the combination of the flu, RSV and COVID-19. As cases continue to go up and impact health plans, learn tips on what you can do to protect your organization.

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Understanding Breast Cancer with CEO of Susan G. Komen, Paula Schneider

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 05:00:09 +0000

Vanessa, Jared, and Adam are joined by the CEO of Susan G. Komen, Paula Schneider. Komen’s mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. In 2023, it’s estimated that 300,000 women and men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Paula explores the advocacy that Komen can provide and what your organization can do to support your employees and their families.

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Cancer: Prevent, Detect, Navigate and Support

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 05:00:20 +0000

Vanessa, Jared and Adam are joined by Abinue Fortingo and Kelly Polinski, two specialists from the Brown & Brown Population Health team. In this episode, the team discusses the direct and indirect impacts of cancer on employers and their employees. Kelly and Abinue identify four key areas to focus on: Prevent, Detect, Navigate and Support. As cancer evolves more into a chronic condition and people are living longer with the disease, it is essential to understand what you can do as an employer and plan fiduciary. From the perspective of the employee, learn how you can provide critical guidance to help them find the best care and support.

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Social Determinants of Health and How They Can Impact Health and Health Equity

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 05:00:10 +0000

Jared and Vanessa are joined by Kelly Polinski and Jared Hansen from the Brown & Brown Population Health & Well-Being team. The team led a discussion around Social Determinants of Health and spatial analytics in public health and how they can be used for health benefits. Along with insightful conversation, the team provides some to-do considerations for employers and examples of resources available in the marketplace today.

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Enrollment, Not Just ‘Open’ Annually

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 05:01:07 +0000

Jared and Adam dive into strategies for Open Enrollment and expand on innovative ideas seen in the marketplace. From an Open Enrollment Rap Song to a Branded Benefits Experience, the discussion focuses on turning off the ‘autopilot’ for Open Enrollment and adding the human element that best shares the company’s culture. In addition, the team goes into compliance considerations for everyday enrollment to help ensure the organization is protected.

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International Benefits

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 05:01:09 +0000

Vanessa, Jared and Adam are joined by Richard Scherer from the Brown & Brown International Benefits team. The team leads a discussion around the importance of International Benefits in today’s global and multinational workforce. Employers face many challenges in designing, implementing and complying with local laws and regulations. These benefits go well beyond medical and include disability plans, ancillary benefits and even pension plans that vary by country. Richard provides some important considerations and action items for employers on how to build a winning international benefits plan!

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We ‘Care’ about Long-Term Care

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 05:00:13 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by the head of AGIS Network, Kevin Sypniewski. The team leads a discussion around strategies and best practices for employers to help understand the evolving Long-Term Care industry. With 14 states looking at legislation and eight carriers launching new or improved products, employers are now evaluating the launch of new programs. Kevin helps guide this strategic discussion about what employers can do to understand and evolve in the Long-Term Care space.

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MSK, Hooray! The Musculoskeletal Industry and What Employers Can Do

Mon, 22 May 2023 05:01:12 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by Chief Population Health Officer of Airrosti, Dr. Chris Cato. The team explores the current state of the musculoskeletal (MSK) industry and how virtual care has directly impacted strategies for employers. MSK conditions make up 19% of all healthcare visits and continue to evolve and impact other forms of care. Dr. Cato also dives into the indirect costs of MSK issues such as absenteeism, productivity, lost wages and behavioral health.

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Pharmacy Market Update and Strategic Ideas for Employers

Mon, 22 May 2023 05:00:11 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by Steve Maike, Chief Pharmacy Officer for Remedy Analytics (part of the Brown & Brown team), and Alan Pannier, Vice President of Strategy with SmithRx. The team leads a discussion around strategies and best practices for employers to help confront the rising costs of pharmaceuticals for employers. Pharmacy cost increases are projected to be 9.8% with specialty drugs leading that trend, up almost 13.5% in 2023. The team covers strategies from highlighting biosimilars, gene therapy, navigational resources and recent legislation directly impacting employers on their pharmacy plans.

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Creating Real Results for Mental (Brain) Health | From the President & CEO of Brown & Brown

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 05:01:10 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by President and CEO of Brown & Brown, Powell Brown. The team explores employee benefits and how to attract and retain the best teammates from an executive viewpoint. Powell dives deeper into the importance of mental health (or brain health) and discusses the investment from the organization and how it can impact and support teammates and their families. The team also highlights a book called ‘The Comfort Crisis’ that speaks to getting ‘comfortable’ being ‘uncomfortable’. This is a great strategic look at employee benefits for anyone in an organization!

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Obesity in the Workplace | Medical & Pharmacy Strategies for Employers

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 05:00:12 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by Brown & Brown’s National Clinical Leader, Dr. Louise Short, MD, MSc, FACOEM and Andrea Grande R. PH, Principal within the Brown & Brown Pharmacy Team. The team leads a discussion around strategies and best practices for employers to help address obesity in the workplace. Obesity costs the U.S. Healthcare system $173 Billion per year and an obese employee costs employers twice the normal amount in medical, sick days, short-term disability and workers’ compensation claims. The team covers strategies from highlighting cultural factors, digital solutions to support employees, prevention and ways to tactically react to recent press regarding drug treatment of obesity.

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The 2023 State of the Market | Fueling the Future of Work

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 06:01:08 +0000

Jared and Adam lead a discussion around strategies and best practices for employers on the heels of the Brown & Brown 2023 State of the Market being released. The team digs into strategic considerations surrounding your medical and pharmacy plan, including big updates in the specialty drug and biosimilar marketplaces. The team covers strategies from highlighting virtual primary care within the physical, mental & behavioral health space. Furthermore, strategies around increased advocacy in musculoskeletal cases, cancer care and many things fueling healthcare innovation in 2023.

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2023 Strategies with Ellen Kelsay, CEO of Business Group on Health

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 06:00:11 +0000

Vanessa and Jared are joined by Business Group on Health CEO Ellen Kelsay! Ellen has an incredible resume in the health and welfare consulting space and now helps lead the charge with the Business Group on Health. Ellen tackles various topics, including Health Equity, access to quality health care, and ways to manage the most significant driver in health care costs, cancer. This engaging conversation will make you think and drive new discussions in your organization.

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Post-Elections and What Comes Next for Employers in 2023 and Beyond

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 06:01:08 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by the Head of Government Relations for Sun Life, James Slotnick. After the recent mid-term elections, James looks at what employers can likely expect with future legislation. This includes many decisions at the state level, James looks at potential changes with paid leave, drug pricing and potential compliance challenges with the transparency laws. The team also explores recent legislation out of Massachusetts that applies a Loss Ratio to dental plans, that may create new discussions across the U.S.

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‘Caring’ About Caregiving

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 06:00:15 +0000

Vanessa, Jared and Adam are joined by Population Health Consultants Kelly Polinksi and Abinue Fortingo. The team discusses caregiving and how employers can help support the different needs throughout their population. Abinue and Kelly tackle a plethora of topics including what is caregiving, the impact it has on mental health and strategies employers can adopt to help make this an ongoing discussion. The discussion also shifts into direct and indirect costs that align with absenteeism, productivity and overall benefits expense. This fast-paced discussion will make you think about your benefits program and drive new discussions in your organization.

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HRIS, HCM and Performance Tools

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:01:07 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by Julie Fernandez, Global HR Advisory Lead for herronpalmer (part of the Brown & Brown team), a leader in sourcing HR and employee benefit program administration systems. Julie focuses on a general outlook of the industry, why companies want better Human Capital Management and are transitioning to cloud-based and more advanced systems. Julie touches on five trends that may help bring momentum to the race to the cloud by companies between 1,000 and 20,000 employees. This fast-paced discussion will help motivate you to think about your current systems and what you can do as you work toward the future.

New ‘Abilities’ with Regards to Your ‘Disability’ Plan(s)

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:02:06 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by Wes Bryan, Vice President of PGT, a national leader on disability and executive disability plans. In a working world where 1 in 4 employees will become disabled over their career, protecting employees and their ability to protect their income at time of a disability is vitally important. The team expands into broader issues with general Group Long Term Disability (LTD) and builds into to help protect those that might fall outside standard limits. As that usually involves executives and C-Suite individuals, putting in the protections not only helps protect the individual but also the organization. Don’t let your disability plans ‘sit on the bench.’ Explore what you can do to help build a best-in-class disability offering.

Time to 'Care' About Medicare

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 05:01:07 +0000

Jared and Adam are joined by Gina Schreiber, Brown & Brown's Medicare Advocacy Leader, to discuss ways employers can help manage Medicare Advocacy for their organizations. With an employee over 65+ costing 3.5x that of an employee under the age of 65, understanding the risk to a health plan is essential. The team speaks with Gina about how employers can best deploy strategies and educate employees (and their families) about navigating the Medicare space. Spoiler alert...companies can WIN, and employees can WIN by saving money and time!

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Fight Cancer | Strategies for Employers, Employees and Their Families

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 05:00:10 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by Dr. Louise Short, Brown & Brown's National Clinical Leader, to discuss cancer. This disease remains at the top of the list for large claims and plan spend. Dr. Short dives into the prevalence of cancer within organizations, cancer care and best practices to consider. The team then goes into genomic vs. genetic testing and employer strategies that involve everything from second opinion services through supporting behavioral health that integrates with cancer care.

Making Benefit Headlines and Building Health Plans

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 05:01:09 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by National Benefits Leader Robyn Piper with Piper Jordan, a recent addition to the Brown & Brown team of companies. Robyn discusses how to help build winning health plans and solve issues that employers and employees face. The team tackles a plethora of topics including Pharmacy Contracts, Social Determinants of Health, Food Deserts, Plan Discounts, High-Performance Networks, Low-Wage Plan Design and more! This fast-paced discussion will help you drive new ideas and conversations within your organization.

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Open Enrollment: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year…

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 05:00:13 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam lead a discussion around strategies and best practices for employers during open enrollment. Building off the recent article titled ‘Six Ways to Improve Open Enrollment’ from Brown & Brown, the team expands on the impact when joining technology with the human element during open enrollment. The team covers open enrollment strategies including highlighting mental and behavioral health, increasing financial wellness education and sharing company messages to help build culture.

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The Pandemic's Effect on Mental Health, Where Are We Now?

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 05:01:08 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by Brown & Brown's National Behavioral Health Leader, Dr. Joel Axler. Building on his recent white paper on Behavioral Health Trends, the team expands on the pandemic's impact and effect on our mental and behavioral health. The team will discuss behavioral health trends, employer concerns and actionable items for employers to consider. Dr. Joel also explores a reimagined employee assistance program to help drive engagement and support employees wherever they might be on their journey.

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Beyond The Medical

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 05:00:10 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam dive deeper into the recently released Brown & Brown Employee Benefits GAP Analysis and go 'BEYOND MEDICAL BENEFITS' to discuss emerging trends with non-medical plans, ancillary benefits, fringe benefits, health services and family-friendly benefits. With so many services and offerings in the marketplace, the team focuses on products that can help reach and engage employees. Finally, the team discusses actionable ways that businesses can align coverages and contracts to support employees (and families) when they need it.

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Total Rewards for Employees and How They Have Changed

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 05:01:09 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by their teammate, Rebecca Shipley, to discuss emerging trends within employee total rewards. Rebecca and the team examine how employers are finding new and innovative ways to expand the different forms of compensation, and how the world of total rewards has evolved in the last 24 months. They will also share areas where employers should be careful and pay special attention when creating a total rewards program. Finally, the team addresses areas of low-hanging fruit that any sized employer can focus on within their total rewards package.

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Evolution of Virtual Primary Care

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 05:00:10 +0000

Vanessa and Adam are joined by Dr. Eric Bricker to discuss Virtual Primary Care and how employers (and employees) can control costs and improve quality of care. Dr. Bricker dives into Virtual Primary Care, which focuses on 24/7 urgent care, chronic care and preventive screenings. These services provide quick, convenient access to a trusted doctor, helps improve access equity and promotes medication adherence. Virtual Primary Care can also reduce high-cost claims through coordinated referrals and chronic condition management.

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Diving Into the World of Pharmacy Benefit Management

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 05:00:12 +0000

Jared, Vanessa and Adam are joined by three industry specialists, Steve Maike, Laura Birkel and Frank Bacon, to talk about some of the emerging trends in pharmacy spending. Our panel jumps into all things pharmacy benefits, with the basics of what is a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) and the difference between carved in vs. carved out. They also address complicated items like managing specialty drug spend and what a copay maximizer program is.

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How to Effectively Implement a Meaningful Population Health Initiative

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 06:01:06 +0000

Jared, Vanessa, and Adam are joined by Abinue Fortingo to discuss emerging trends in population health. They dive into the difference between a program that will help create an ROI and one designed solely for culture. Abinue also discusses his passion and knowledge on behavior health and how employers can make improvements to their mental health offerings.

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The Ins and Outs of Self-Funding

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 06:00:12 +0000

Jared, Vanessa, and Adam are joined by Dave Ross. Dave is a seasoned insurance professional specializing in the self-funded space. Together they discuss self-funding from the basics to elements that even experienced professionals may not focus on.

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