McGohan Brabender Side Affects: Disrupting Health Care

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your June 2026 breakdown of Compliance in Minutes.

You’ve heard the buzzwords: accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity... but what do they actually mean? And why are they becoming such a critical part of today’s benefits strategy? As the workforce evolves, benefits are no longer just a line item -- they’re a strategic lever for attracting talent, managing risk and supporting an aging population. By 2030, there will be more people 65+ than under 18, reshaping how employers think about life insurance, long-term care and financial protection. In this episode, we’re joined by MB Supplemental and Executive Risk Solutions Consultant, Kristi Winters to break down how supplemental benefits are evolving amid rising costs, limited carrier options and increasing employee need. From the decline of traditional group LTC to the rise of hybrid solutions and voluntary benefits, we unpack what employers and employees need to know now. Tune in to learn how benefits are changing -- and what it means for the future.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your May 2026 breakdown of Compliance in Minutes.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your April 2026 breakdown of Compliance in Minutes.

Building a wellness program that actually works and stays compliant? It’s tougher than ever. Between HIPAA, EEOC, ADA, ACA and tax rules, even the best programs can stumble into costly mistakes. In this episode, we cut through the alphabet soup and break down what employers really need to know. Partner and Co-Chair of Calfee's Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, Jason Rothman joins MB Director of Population Health, Tiffany Kuck and MB CMO, Dave Homan as they dive into today’s biggest compliance risks, how wellness programs have evolved and what it takes to design something effective and penalty‑proof. If you touch wellness strategy, this is the episode you can’t skip.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your March 2026 breakdown of Compliance in Minutes.

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When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your February 2026 breakdown of Compliance in Minutes.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your January 2026 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your December 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your November 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

Side Affects host, Kenzie McEvily closes out the three-part series with MB Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan, exploring the final three of Robert Cialdini’s 7 Principles of Persuasion: Liking, Social Proof and Unity. In this episode, Dave shares how psychology and human connection can transform benefits communication — from using peer influence and authentic storytelling to fostering a shared culture that drives trust, engagement and participation. Discover how to move beyond information overload and inspire genuine connection between your employees and their benefits.

If you haven’t caught Part I, start there — MB Chief Marketing Officer, Dave and Producer, Kenzie unpacked the first rule of persuasion: reciprocity. In this episode, they continue exploring how behavioral science can transform employee engagement, diving into three new principles of persuasion: scarcity, authority and commitment. From creating urgency without fear, to leveraging expertise authentically, to building lasting commitment through small actions, this episode reveals practical ways HR and benefits professionals can apply psychology to drive connection, motivation, and trust.

Employee benefits shouldn’t feel like a burden - for HR teams to design or for employees to use. Yet, unread open enrollment emails and overlooked preventive care show a disconnect in how we communicate. In this episode, McGohan Brabender’s Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan, explores how applying behavioral science and Robert Cialdini’s 7 Principles of Persuasion can help HR and benefits professionals ethically capture attention, build trust and inspire action. Discover how reimagining communication through the lens of human behavior can turn benefits engagement from obligation to connection - motivating, empowering, and energizing your workforce.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your October 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your September 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

The power of data is reshaping how organizations deliver their benefits strategies -- especially through the lens of population health. Historically, only large employers had access to meaningful data insights. But in the last decade, this has changed. Now organizations of all sizes can use data to guide smarter decisions, improve outcomes and control costs. In this episode, MB Population Health & Data Strategist, Shelly Cherry shares why data is only as valuable as the strategy behind it. She explains how to use data to its full advantage, why organizations must be open to change and how shifting mindsets is just as critical as the numbers themselves.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your August 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your July 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

They’re the creative minds behind the curtain -- until now. In this episode, host, Kenzie McEvily and CMO, Dave Homan introduce the full Strategy & Innovation (S&I) team at McGohan Brabender. Meet the eight talented individuals who bring benefits to life through clear, engaging and customized communication strategies. From writing and design to video production and digital tools, this team helps simplify complex healthcare messaging, boost employee engagement and reduce the burden on HR teams. Whether it’s Open Enrollment or year-round communication, they specialize in making benefits not just understandable -- but fun. Tune in to hear how the S&I team supports both internal teams and clients, and why their work is crucial to a better benefits experience.

Choosing the right benefits broker is one of the most important decisions an employer can make — and we’re breaking it down with MB Chief Growth Officer Anne Marie Singleton. Hosts, Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan explore why companies go to market, what red flags to watch for and why RFPs might not tell the whole story. Anne Marie shares practical steps for evaluating brokers, the key questions to ask, and how to build lasting, strategic partnerships. Whether you're shopping for a new advisor or evaluating your current one, this episode is packed with expert advice to guide your decision.

In this episode of Side Affects, host Kenzie McEvily and guest co-host, EVP of MB Columbus, Kevin Grabeman sit down with Dr. David Lee, President of the OhioHealthy Medical Plan, to explore innovative alternatives to traditional health insurance. OhioHealthy, backed by the trusted OhioHealth system, is reshaping the benefits landscape with a focus on simplicity, value-based care and better outcomes for employers and their teams. Dr. Lee shares how OhioHealthy balances affordability with personalized support, coordinated care, and transparent pricing. Tune in to learn how this nontraditional solution could be a game-changer for your organization’s health plan strategy.

In this episode of Side Affects, hosts Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan sit down with Dr. Jeff Eichholz, VP of Pharmacy Solutions at McGohan Brabender, to unpack the rapidly evolving world of pharmacy. From the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, to the growing influence of digital pharmacies and international prescription access, Dr. Jeff shares expert insights on the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of pharmacy. Whether you’re an HR leader, benefits manager, or just curious about where pharmacy is heading, this episode offers a clear, compelling look at what’s next - and how it affects us all.

Mental health is no longer optional in the workplace - it’s essential. In this episode of Side Affects, hosts Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan sit down with Tiffany Kuck, Director of Population Health at McGohan Brabender, to discuss how Mental Health First Aid Training is transforming corporate wellness. From skyrocketing stress levels to legal landmines in wellness programs, we uncover the biggest challenges employers face - and the strategies that actually work. Plus, find out how some companies are saving on healthcare costs, boosting productivity, and staying legally compliant while creating a healthier, happier workforce. Tune in for expert insights, real-world success stories, and actionable takeaways!

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your February 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance. Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your January 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion. Segment 1: Telehealth Relief for HSAs - Where Do We Stand? Segment 2: ACA Reporting Relief - Easing the Burden Segment 3: Group Hospital Indemnity Plans - A Court Decision to Note Segment 4: PCORI Fee Adjustment for 2025 Segment 5: The Contraceptive Coverage Rule - A Pause on Changes Segment 6: Employee Leave and Benefits - FAQs

On today’s episode of Side Affects, hosts Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan explore the emerging landscape of alternative health plans with Senior Consultant Dean Stitz. As healthcare costs continue to rise, many employers and employees are searching for innovative, non-traditional options that offer flexibility and tailored solutions. Dean dives into popular alternatives like Side Car, Ohio Healthy and the ICHRA model, explaining how each approach can empower organizations and individuals to manage healthcare on their own terms. From cash-pay structures to systems where hospitals act as insurers, we’ll unpack the benefits, challenges, and the ideal fit for these plans. So, if you’re curious about new directions in healthcare, this episode is packed with insights to help you decide if non-traditional plans might be the right fit for your needs. Let’s get started!

Producer, Kenzie McEvily is back with Dave Homan, Chief Marketing Officer at McGohan Brabender, for Part 2 of his 10 Non-Negotiables for Benefit Communication. In this follow-up episode, Dave shares the remaining essentials, drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in the benefits industry and a year spent researching the psychology behind effective communication. Ever wonder why adding movement to your slides makes a difference? Or what the movie Rain Man can teach us about keeping text minimal? Tune in to find out! Dave wraps up his insights with practical tips to ensure your next open enrollment presentation captivates and engages your audience from start to finish.

In this episode, Digital Experience Producer Kenzie flips the script, interviewing co-host-turned-guest Dave Homan, Chief Marketing Officer at McGohan Brabender. With open enrollment season in full swing, it's time to rethink how we present employee benefits. Too often, these presentations are bogged down by text-heavy PowerPoints with presenters reading straight from the slides. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Join us for Part 1 of Dave’s 10 Non-Negotiables for Benefit Communication, where he shares the first five essentials for delivering impactful messages. Discover how simplicity, storytelling, and smart presentation strategies can engage your employees and transform your benefit communication. Don't miss these actionable tips to make your next presentation unforgettable!

Join us as we dive into the world of MEWAs with Liz Schneider, MB's Executive Vice President of Emerging Markets, and Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA). Discover how SOCA, an alliance of 129 Chambers of Commerce, pioneered the largest MEWA in the United States. Learn how their innovative approach is transforming access to health coverage and creating peace of mind for small businesses.

Assistant Vice President at Innovative Captive Strategies, Sara Stopulos joins Digital Experience Producer Kenzie McEvily and Chief Marketing Officer Dave Homan for the third episode in this funding arrangement series. Sara has more than 18 years of experience in employee benefits and explains how to set up a captive program, covering the risks, benefits, and challenges. Tune in now to learn why captives are "better together!"

In this second episode of our series on funding arrangements, we’re joined by Liz Schneider, Executive Vice President of Emerging Markets at McGohan Brabender. Liz brings her extensive knowledge on employee benefits for small businesses to discuss the increasing shift towards Level Funded Health Plans. These plans offer a flexible and cost-effective middle ground between fully insured and self-funded insurance. Liz outlines the key advantages and disadvantages of these plans and explains their growing popularity among small businesses. Tune in to understand why this innovative approach to healthcare is making waves in the industry!

Discover the ins and outs of self-funded insurance plans in this episode of Side Affects, where co-host, Dave Homan and Producer, Kenzie McEvily are joined by seasoned McGohan Brabender Consultant, Tim Rieger. With over 22 years of experience in risk management and customer service, Tim breaks down the funding arrangement, ideal employer profiles, and the pros and cons of self-funded insurance. From highlighting the importance of intentionality and diligence in decision-making to offering practical strategies for success, this episode equips listeners with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of self-funded insurance with confidence and expertise. Tune in now!

In today's episode of Side Affects, hosts Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan tackle one of the most sought-after topics in pharmacy: pricing. Joined by MB's Vice President of Pharmacy Solutions, Dr. Jeff, they explore the fundamentals of drug pricing and the transformative impact of transparency on the industry, albeit with added complexity. You’ll learn the origins of generic drugs and unravel the components comprising the cost of specialty drugs, touching on patents, research, drug ingredients and beyond.

Dr. Jeff Eichholz, MB's Director of Pharmacy Solutions, reunites with producer Kenzie McEvily and co-host Dave Homan for the third chapter of our enlightening 4-part Pharmacy podcast series. In this episode, our focus turns to Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs. Dr. Jeff navigates the intricacies of selecting a PBM or vendor and provides invaluable insights into the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. From uncovering crucial details to highlighting potential pitfalls in contract review, Dr. Jeff sheds light on the nuances of managing pharmacy benefits. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape where science, technology, pharmacy, and medications converge to form one of the most utilized healthcare benefits.

In this episode of Side Affects, our mission is to set the groundwork of pharmacy basics for listeners. Our guest, MB’s Director of Pharmacy Solutions, Dr. Jeff Eichholz does just that with his diverse expertise. Together with producer, Kenzie McEvily and co-host, Dave Homan, Dr. Jeff delves into critical topics such as PBM management, drug adherence, the evolving role of pharmacists and essential clinical programs for organizations. Whether you're an HR professional or a C-suite executive, this episode provides invaluable insights to kickstart the new year on the right foot. Tune in now!

In this episode of Side Affects, Producer, Kenzie McEvily and Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan sit down with Dr. Jeff Eichholz, MB's Director of Pharmacy Solutions. With over two decades of pharmacy experience spanning retail, PBM, and consulting, Dr. Jeff provides invaluable insights into the complexities of our topic. Tune in as we delve into the latest buzz surrounding the diabetes and weight loss medication, Ozempic. We take a look at other notable pharmacy headlines making waves in the news and get to know Dr. Jeff as he shares his background and expertise. Join us for the first installment of our four-part Pharmacy series. Listen now!

Join Side Affects Producer Kenzie McEvily, as she returns from maternity leave and hosts the first podcast of 2024. In this episode, Kenzie discusses a topic close to her heart and relevant to many: the challenges and joys of pregnancy, navigating maternity leave, and exploring postpartum resources. She is joined by her colleagues, HR Generalist, Erin Woessner and Population Health Manager, Tiffany Kuck, who bring their insights and experiences as professionals assisting employees through their parenting journey, as well as their own experiences with motherhood. Tune in to learn more about what benefits your organization can offer pregnant employees, policies on maternity leave, and mental health resources for expecting parents.

Join #SideAffects Producer, Kenzie McEvily and co-host, Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan as they continue the series about Re-Imagining Open Enrollment Meetings and Communication. Dave’s job is to find simple solutions to complex benefits problems. With over 30 years as a thought leader, he is considered a subject matter expert on employee engagement and communication. In this episode, listeners will learn how to create and present a 15 minute open enrollment meeting that still includes all of the necessary pieces of information, doesn’t overwhelm your employees and perhaps changes the way they view them entirely. Be ready to listen with an open mind – because if Dave and Kenzie do their jobs right – your job during open enrollment season will be 100 times easier. Click this link to watch the presentation Dave references in the podcast: https://youtu.be/S_DtA-qYmCs

Welcome to our newest series on #SideAffects: Re-Imagining Open Enrollment Meetings & Communication. Our goal: make OE meetings fun! Okay, maybe fun isn’t the right word… let’s say informational, stress-free and perhaps, enjoyable. MB Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan has been in the health benefits world for over 25 years with intense research in the past few about employee benefit communication strategies. Sadly, open enrollment meetings haven’t changed much when our technology and innovation has. Dave and Side Affects Producer, Kenzie are going to share how employees feel about open enrollment meetings, why they need to be re-imagined and solutions on how to turn them from a “stressor” to a “delighter.” Click this link to watch the presentation Dave references in the podcast: https://youtu.be/5DhVyciRrUg

Join #SideAffects Producer, Kenzie McEvily and co-host, Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan as they discuss artificial intelligence and how HR professionals can use it to save time, improve efficiency and enhance a job candidate's interview experience. It’s 2023 and personalization is key! From your tennis-shoes to your food order to your job offer letter, personalization can create a competitive advantage for organizations. Technology guru, Dave Homan is going to introduce us to the basics of ChatGPT and why we need to embrace this innovation. Tune in! Click this link to watch the presentation Dave references in the podcast: https://youtu.be/nJ_Zr6o0LAQ

Side Affects Producer, Kenzie McEvily and Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan welcome Director of Account Management and 100+ Segment Lead of All Markets for MB, Beth Bailey to the show to discuss an emerging HR topic, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Accounts, also known as ICHRAs. Between 2020 and 2022, ICHRA adoption doubled across all 50 states. In this episode, you'll learn the basics of this health plan, what organizations it works best for and the potential drawbacks. Tune in now!

Join Side Affects Producer, Kenzie McEvily and Chief Marketing Officer, Dave Homan as they discuss how recruiting has changed in the past five years. HR professionals are navigating new waters of virtual interviews, advanced technology, artificial intelligence and ghosting. How can they make sure they’re targeting the right candidates and guaranteeing that they will actually show up for their interview? In this episode, HR and benefit communications expert, Dave will share why applicants are ghosting their potential employers, how to avoid that and explain how to target the right generations in the hiring process.

Co-hosts, Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan welcome McGohan Brabender Shareholder and Consultant, Matt McAlpine to touch on a specialized industry - military contractors. In this episode, we unveil the world of defense contractors and the extraordinary employee benefits they offer. From top-tier healthcare plans to generous retirement packages, these employers have created a work environment that goes above and beyond. Join us as we dive into the reasons behind these special benefits, the impact they have on attracting and retaining talent, and the challenges they face. Tune in to gain insights into the perks that make these positions truly exceptional.

Join co-hosts, Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan as they take on part three of the Adulting and Insurance series with special guest, University of Cincinnati junior, Maura Homan. In this episode, you will get inside the brain of a college student when managing the task of filling a prescription from start to finish. Learn how Maura does it and what decisions have led her to knowing the perfect formula to get the right meds at the right time and the right price. Let’s get started…

Are you ready to take your healthcare journey to the next level? Join us on this episode of Side Affects as we explore four "choose your own adventure" scenarios that will help you become more active in your healthcare decisions. From researching health issues to finding a doctor who meets your needs, this episode will help you empower yourself to prioritize your health. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to take control of your health journey and revolutionize the way you think about healthcare.

It’s time to rethink the future of recruiting. Join us as we discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that come from attracting and retaining talent from different generations in the workforce, including Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. Our hosts, Dave, and Kenzie, share their insight into building a diverse workplace that appeals to the younger generation of employees. This is a must-listen episode if you are an HR professional, manager, or anyone looking to improve their workforce.

Adulting and Insurance - Part II | If you are 26, coming off your parent's health plan, or a first-time enrollee, LISTEN UP. This episode of “Side Affects” dives into the health insurance world and provides insight into what options are available when choosing your health plan.

Adulting and Insurance - Part I | Healthcare management has changed significantly, and what used to work for one generation may not be working for another. College students, listen up! This episode of “Side Affects” discusses how to navigate the healthcare process during those “adulting” years of life. Join hosts Dave Homan and Kenzie McEvily as they cover what you need to know when it comes time to use your health insurance and what healthcare decisions you need to make while you're away at college.

Life is unpredictable, and anticipating when to use your employee benefits can be stressful, but being prepared with these end-of-year maintenance tips can help alleviate that stress. This episode of “Side Affects” contains important information on how to get the most out of your benefits before the new year begins. Join hosts Dave Homan and Kenzie McEvily as they cover the three things you need to know about your FSA, HSA and prescription drug coverage. Don't be on hold for the month of January!