Ep. 17 - Union Healthcare, Mental Health & Benefits: Live from IBEW-NECA EBC 2026

Recorded at the 2026 IBEW-NECA Employee Benefits Conference, this episode weaves together insights from leaders across labor and management on healthcare, mental health, rising drug costs, and supporting today’s workforce. From apprenticeships to recovery programs, these rapid-fire perspectives reveal how benefits shape real lives. Tune in to this episode as we explore: (00:07) Why benefits must show up on time(00:55) Defusing conflict and normalising mental health(03:07) Do younger workers fully understand their benefits?(04:02) Healthcare costs and the 10-10-10 rule for perspective(05:23) Should healthcare be for profit?(06:07) The primary care gap no one talks about(07:54) Instant benefits verification for contractors(09:14) Tackling addiction and stigma in the trades(11:31) The fight for affordable prescriptions(11:56) Apprenticeships as a career launchpad Links mentioned in the episode:IBEW-NECA Employee Benefits Conference Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at [email protected] Learn more at www.eprlive.com