The Benefits Brief

Latest Episodes:

Long-Term Care Planning: A Growing Need and Opportunity for Advisors Sep 17, 2026

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In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Lori Martin, principal at Envision Benefit Specialists and chair of NABIP’s Long-Term Care Working Group, to discuss America’s growing long-term care challenge and the role benefits professionals can play in helping clients prepare. Lori explores the importance of planning before a care crisis occurs, common misconceptions about Medicare and long-term care, and the evolving individual, group and short-term care markets. She also shares how advisors can incorporate long-term care into their practices, partner with specialists, create new opportunities with employer clients, and help individuals and families better prepare for the financial realities of extended care.

Public Option Plans: What’s at Stake for Consumers and Advisors Sep 10, 2026

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In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Meagan Fearing, chair of NABIP’s State Public Option Working Group and Region 7 vice president, to discuss the growing debate around government-sponsored health plans and what public option proposals could mean for consumers, employers, and the private insurance market. Drawing on her experience in Colorado, Meagan explores NABIP’s concerns around consumer choice, provider reimbursement, market competition, network access, and employer-sponsored coverage, while sharing lessons from states where public option programs are already underway. She also highlights the work NABIP is doing to monitor emerging proposals and equip state chapters and benefits professionals with resources to engage policymakers and advocate for the consumers they serve.

The Fiduciary Risk Employers May Be Missing Sep 03, 2026

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In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Frank Pennachio, principal with Gaffney Hill Consulting, to explore the often-overlooked fiduciary risks facing employers with self-funded health plans. Frank explains why stop-loss insurance does not protect plan fiduciaries from personal liability, how the Consolidated Appropriations Act has increased expectations around transparency and oversight, and where fiduciary exposure can hide in contracts and vendor relationships. He also shares practical guidance for benefits advisors on documenting a prudent process, coordinating with property and casualty professionals and ERISA counsel, reviewing fiduciary liability coverage, and helping clients better understand and manage their risk.

When Healthcare Policy Becomes Personal: A Perspective on Single-Payer Healthcare Aug 27, 2026

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In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with NABIP Past President Beth Ashmore to share the deeply personal story of losing her mother while she was visiting England—an experience that profoundly shaped Beth’s perspective on single-payer healthcare. More than 30 years later, Beth reflects on that experience and the important questions it raises as conversations continue around Medicare for All, single-payer healthcare, and the public option, including healthcare access, cost, resource allocation, and patient advocacy. She also discusses why benefits professionals have an important role in these conversations and encourages NABIP members to stay informed, get involved, and use their voices to help shape the future of healthcare policy.

Protecting the Paycheck: The Strategic Role of Life & Disability Coverage Aug 20, 2026

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In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Judy Buczek, director of group product management at Humana, to explore the strategic role life and disability insurance can play in protecting employees’ financial well-being. Judy discusses how employer-paid and voluntary coverage can work together to protect families from unexpected income loss and highlights the importance of both short- and long-term disability coverage. She also shares strategies for benefits advisors to help employers strengthen their benefits packages, improve employee understanding and engagement, and better protect their workforce from financial uncertainty.

Turning Advocacy into Action: NABIP's Legislative Priorities Aug 06, 2026

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In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Chris Vanderwolk, chairman of NABIP's Legislative Council, to discuss the association's legislative strategy and how members can play an active role in shaping healthcare policy. Chris explains NABIP's three-pronged approach: advancing model legislation, using the association's voice to influence federal policy, and responding quickly to state and local issues. He also highlights key legislative initiatives, the importance of grassroots advocacy, and practical ways benefits professionals can engage with lawmakers to help improve healthcare affordability, transparency, and consumer access.

Helping Clients Understand What’s Really Driving Pharmacy Costs Jul 30, 2026

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In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Zac Hanson, vice president of growth at RxPreferred, to discuss why pharmacy benefits remain one of the least transparent areas of healthcare spending—and what benefits advisors can do about it. Zac explains the factors driving pharmacy costs, including specialty medications and plan design, while exploring the importance of data transparency, proactive pharmacy management, and asking the right questions of PBMs. He also shares practical strategies to help advisors better understand their clients' pharmacy spend and make more informed recommendations that improve outcomes and control costs.

Smarter Strategies for Managing Group Medicare Costs Jul 23, 2026

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In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Dr. Rebecca Colon, chief medical officer for Humana's Group Medicare Division, to discuss the key drivers behind rising healthcare costs in the group Medicare market and the strategies helping to improve outcomes while controlling expenses. Dr. Colon explores the growing role of value-based care, preventive services, pharmacy management, and virtual care in reducing costs and enhancing member health. She also shares practical guidance for benefits advisors and plan sponsors on using data, engaging retirees, and partnering with health plans to build sustainable, long-term healthcare strategies.

Forward Together: Mychal Walker's Vision for NABIP Jul 09, 2026

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In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with newly installed NABIP President Mychal Walker to discuss his vision for the association and the priorities that will guide the year ahead. Mychal shares how NABIP is focused on strengthening financial stability, improving transparency and communication, expanding professional development, and enhancing advocacy efforts. He also highlights key initiatives across membership, technology, media, and leadership, while emphasizing the importance of collaboration as NABIP moves Forward Together to better serve members and advance the health insurance profession.

State of the Health Insurance Ecosystem Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

In the inaugural episode of The Benefits Brief—recorded live at the 2026 NABIP Annual Convention—host David Saltzman is joined by Katherine Hempstead, senior policy officer for healthcare at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Mike Smith, president of The Brokerage, Inc., for a wide-ranging discussion on the current state of the health insurance ecosystem. Together, they explore the key trends shaping healthcare today, including rising costs, affordability, ACA marketplace dynamics, Medicare, ICHRAs, long-term care, AI, and the evolving role of benefits advisors. The conversation offers valuable insights into where the industry stands today and the policy, market, and innovation trends that will shape its future.

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