Benefits Executive Roundtable

In this week’s podcast, Host Dorothy Cociu welcomes back Chris Condeluci, ERISA Attorney and Washington Counsel and Anthony Murrello, Government Relations Manager for the Self Insurance Institute of America, to continue their discussions from Episode 5, when the Government Shutdown delayed expected activity in Washington. After a whirlwind of Congressional & The Departments’ Regulatory activity since December, they report on the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act, DOL Compensation Disclosure Regs, the 2026 Clarifications to ERISA 408(b)(2)(B), the CAA 2026: PBM Transparency and Surprise Billing updates. Join us for this highly informative update as we close out Season 7! Visit the Podcast Websitehttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/sS7e10-washington-updates-healthcare-insurance-and-self-insurance-industryDorothyCociu #ChrisCondeluci #ERISA #AnthonyMurrello #SelfInsuranceInstituteofAmerica #GovernmentShutdown #2026CongressionalRegulations #PatientsDeservePriceTagsAct #DOLCompensationDisclosureRegulations #ERISA408b2B #CAA2026 #PBMTransparencyandSurpriseBilling

In this week’s podcast, Host Dorothy Cociu discusses the use of Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans (MERPs), a specific type of HRA, to control costs in health plans with Craig Lack, President, and Sean Casey, Chief Legal Officer of Catilize Health, a TPA specializing in MERP administration. We discuss what they are, how and when they can be used, plan customization, governance, and more. We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of offering a MERP, and the legal documentation required. Join us for this informative podcast!Visit the Podcast Website:https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s7e9-understanding-merps-can-they-be-effective-cost-containment-tools-in-health-plans#DorothyCociu #MedicalExpenseReimbursementPlans #MERP #HRA #CraigLack #SeanCasey #CatilizeHealth # healthplancustomization #governance

In this week’s episode of the Benefits Executive Roundtable, Host Dorothy Cociu discusses AI Security, User Liability and Best Practices to Use AI Safely with guests Adriana Mendieta, Cyber Liability Agent and Avid AI Agile User, Eric Barricklow, a Chief Information Security Officer and owner of Stellar Cyber Solutions, and Miguel Villegas, Founder of iSecure Privacy, a Consultant who brings deep expertise in AI security, governance, and risk assessment to TPAs and health insurance industry organizations.In today’s podcast, we discuss the most common uses of AI today, the risks of using AI, how AI is changing the landscape of cybersecurity, and the differences between AI leaders like Microsoft Co-Pilot, ChatGPT and Google Gemini, and where/how they work best. We also discuss privacy laws and how they apply to Artificial Intelligence, and Best Practices when using AI in your organization. Join us for this highly informative podcast!Visit the Podcast Websitehttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s7e8-ai-security-user-liability-and-safety-best-practices#ArtificialIntelligence #Security #Liability #Best Practices #Dorothy Cociu #AI Security #Adriana Mendieta #Eric Baricklow #Miguel Villegas #AI security #Microsoft Co-Pilot #ChatGPT #Google Gemini

In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu talks last minute tips & tricks to wrap up these last weeks of the 4th quarter open enrollment period with Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office and Anne Kelly from Patrick & Patrick Insurance Services. We discuss how to stay organized, the key market impacts and compliance reminders during this very stressful time. What are the most commonly asked compliance questions? How has the One Big Beautiful Bill changed the way we look at open enrollment, and how may it effect group health plan enrollment? Join us for this informative podcast!Visit Podcast Websitehttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s7e7-last-minute-tips-to-successful-compliant-open-enrollment#DorothyCociu #tips #tricks #4thquarteropenenrollment #MarilynMonahan #MonahanLawOffice #AnneKelly #PatrickandPatrickInsurance #marketimpacts #compliance #OneBigBeautifulBill #openenrollment #grouphealthplan

In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu discusses Medicare Updates for Fall, 2025 with Maggie Stedt, Stedt Insurance, a Medicare Expert & Medicare Advisor/Task Force Emeritus Member for the National Association of Benefits & Insurance Professionals. We discuss the new rules for agents selling Medicare Plans, and why Medicare recipients should be aware of them, as well as the options available related to the types of coverage those recipients will receive in 2026. We also discuss what Seniors need to know as far as plan changes and options, as well as legislative and regulatory changes everyone involved with or on Medicare should know. Join us for this highly informative podcast!Visit Podcast Website & Download Show Noteshttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s7e6-medicare-updates-fall-2025-what-everyone-needs-to-know#DorothyCociu #Medicare #MaggieStedt #MedicareTaskForce #NationalAssociationofBenefitsandInsuranceProfessionals #rulesforagents #Medicarecoveragetypes #changeMedicareplanoptions #Medicarelegislation

In this episode, Host Dorothy Cociu discussed the hottest topics in the self-insured health industry with Chris Condeluci, ERISA Attorney and Washington Legal Counsel for the Self Insurance Institute of America (SIIA), and Anthony Murrello, SIIA’s Government Relations Manager. We discuss the latest on Price Transparency, Compensation Disclosure and Data Sharing, Fiduciary Duties and lawsuits against plan sponsors, and the latest in the Surprise Billing/No Surprises Act federal IDR portal, including a discussion on how and why providers are flooding the system with thousands of disputes, many of which are not even eligible for the Federal IDR process. Join us for this very informative podcast!Visit the podcast website and download show notes:https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s7e5-inside-self-insured-health-industry-legal-updates-regulatory-changesDorothyCociu #self-insured #Chris Condeluci #ERISA #SelfInsuranceInstituteofAmerica #SIIA #AnthonyMurrello #PriceTransparency #CompensationDisclosure #DataSharing #FiduciaryDuties #lawsuits #plansponsors #SurpriseBilling #NoSurprisesAct #FederalIDR

In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Angel Onuoha, co-owner and CEO of Avelis Health, an innovative AI-driven Claims Auditing Firm. We discuss how AI can assist TPAs in their auditing of claims quickly and efficiently, and can review every single claim for billing errors, without disrupting claims or plan set-up. Specifically, we discuss how they can assist with provider overcharges, recoveries and appeals, often with no up-front costs. We also discuss data security when using such an AI system, as well as HIPAA compliance when using AI. Join us for this very informative podcast!Visit Podcast Website & View Show Noteshttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s7e4-can-ai-claims-auditing-save-plans-money-and-increase-claim-accuracy#accuracy #ai #AngelOnuoha #AvelisHealth #costcontainment #HIPAAcompliance #insuranceclaimprocessing #ThirdPartyAdministrator #TPA

In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu is excited to bring you important cyber security updates from Matt Fields, a Principal Cyber Security Consultant from Microsoft. We discuss what consumers and businesses can do to protect themselves from cyber risks, including internal and external threats, and the importance of comprehensive and ongoing risk analyses/risk assessments. We also talk about the sophistication of today’s cyber criminals, Advanced Persistent Threat groups, many coming from China, North Korea or Russia, and of course today’s greatest Artificial Intelligence threats. Lastly, we discuss the best ways overall to manage cyber security. Join us for this very important and informative podcast!Visit Podcast Website & Download Show Noteshttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s7e3-cyber- security-updates-w-microsoft-matt-fields#AdvancedPersistentThreats #China #cyberattacks #cybersecurity #Microsoft #NorthKorea #Russia #SecurityConcerns #nationstateactors #MattFields #DorothyCociu #riskassessment

In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu discusses with Steve McClung, CEO of Hines & Associates a new, and some would say much needed, way for self-funded health plans using reference-based pricing to better manage their risks of lawsuits and serious provider push-back. Offered in their new product Opus One, Hines executes agreements with providers before a service or facility stay actually happens. They combine their pre-certification process with the provider agreement activity, which lessens the risk of a legal batter after the service has been performed. Within the product, they also offer individualized human concierge service, as well as complete UM and case management services. Join us for this very informative podcast!Visit Podcast Websitehttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s7e2-cost-containment-in-self-funded-health-plans-a-new-approachDownload Show Noteshttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/Show-Notes-Hines-2025-Core-Products.pdf

In this podcast, we will discuss the provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that apply to employer sponsored health plans and individuals covered by them, including Telehealth provisions, HSA Reimbursement for Primary Care, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account increases, and employer-provided educational assistance. We also discuss the OBBB changes to the Medicaid Program and the ACA Marketplaces. In addition, we cover HR/employment law changes including No Tax on Tips or Overtime, family and medical leave tax credits, the creation of Trump Accounts, new deductions for seniors and more. Join us for this very informative podcast!Visit Podcast Websitehttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s7e1-one-big-beautiful-billDownload Show Noteshttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/Show-Notes-IRS-Tipped-Occupations-Detailed-8-27-2025.pdfhttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/One-Big-Beautiful-Bill-Act-article-ABC-Version.pdf#ACA #DependentCareFlexibleSpending #DorothyCociu #familyandmedicalleave #HSAReimbursement #MarilynMonahan #Medicaid #NoTaxonTips #OBBB #OneBigBeautifulBillAct #primarycare #TaxonOvertime #Telehealth #TrumpAccounts

Grass Roots Work in the Legislative Process; Working with Congress to Form Federal Legislation to Help the Health Benefits of Employers, Individuals and Medicare RecipientsIn this week’s podcast, which is our last episode of Season 6, Host Dorothy Cociu discusses how the National Association of Benefits & Insurance Professionals (NABIP) works with Congressional representatives and staffers to help educate them on the true issues within the health insurance industry, and ways to reduce overall cost. NABIP President Alyson Reidl, Present-Elect Susan Rider and VP of Congressional Affairs Michael Andel discuss with Dorothy recent meetings on Capitol Hill to encourage legislation to codify telehealth benefits, PBM reforms, site neutral billing practices, as well as protecting the preferred tax treatment for healthcare within the ACA Marketplace and employer-sponsored health care system. Watch or listen to this informative podcast!Visit the Podcast Websitehttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e16-grass-roots-work-legislative-process#Grassroots #Legislative #Congress #FederalLegislation #HealthBenefits #MedicareRecipients #NationalAssociationofBenefitsandInsuranceProfessionals #NABIP #costreduction #telehealth #ACAMarketplace #employersponsored #AlysonReidl #SusanRider #MichaelAndel #DorothyCociu

In this week’s episode, Host Dorothy Cociu has a discussion with Phil Calhoun, owner and publisher of California Broker Magazine, as well as President/CEO of Integrity Advisors, about what’s going on around the health insurance industry and what Phil is seeing as the primary trends regarding the aging population of agents and Baby Boomers in general as they prepare for retirement and/or sales of their businesses, the young new agents and other workers that are poised to buy-out their businesses, the impact Babby Boomers have on the overall economy, and how they compare to Millenials, GenX and GenZ populations. We also discuss the move from celebrities and big businesses like Walmart and Amazon into the healthcare space, and the trends towards AI in the healthcare space. Join us for this informative podcast!Visit Podcast Websitehttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e15-health-insurance-trends-from-media-publishing-perspective#HealthInsuranceTrends #Media #Publishing #DorothyCociu #PhilCalhoun #CaliforniaBrokerMagazine #IntegrityAdvisors #agingpopulation #BabyBoomers #sellinginsuranceagency #buyout #Millenials #GenX #GenZ #Walmart #Amazon #healthcare

In this week’s podcast, Host Dorothy Cociu discusses California Legislative Updates with Faith Borges, Legislative Advocate for the California Agents & Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP). We discuss the relationship between the Trump Administration 2.0 with California and what impact the federal elections will have on California, California’s statewide elections, the Super Majority in California and what it means, budget constraints, single payer threats and other legislation that affects agents, brokers, California employers and consumers related to health care and health insurance. Join us for this informative podcast!Visit the Podcast Websitehttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e14-california-legislative-updates#DorothyCociu #CaliforniaLegislative #FaithBorges #CaliforniaAgentsandHealthInsuranceProfessionals #CAHIP #Trump #federalelections #CaliforniaSuperMajority #budgetconstraints #singlepayer #agents #brokers #employers #consumers #healthcare #healthinsurance

Recently, we all saw in the news that the stock price of Artificial Intelligence chipmaker giant NVIDA fell when the Chinese start-up DeepSeek, a new AI tool they claim can be made cheaper than its American competitor, was released. What does this really mean for the American consumers, healthcare systems and manufacturers using AI technology? The news mentioned briefly the security concerns of such a product from a foreign player in the market, but short soundbites don’t tell the whole story. In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu and her guests, Ted Flittner, Principal of Aditi Group and Eric Barricklow, Owner of Stellar Cyber Solutions, take a deep dive into what we know and what we don’t know, and provide pro tips and expert recommendations on how to protect ourselves and our organizations.Visit the Podcast Website for Show Noteshttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e13-taking-a-deep-dive-into-chinese-deepseek-and-other-artificial-intelligence#China #espionage #privacy policies #DeepSeek #ArtificialIntelligence #cybersecurity #SecurityConcerns #ProTips #ExpertRecommendations #NVIDA #OpenAI #ChatGPT #DorothyCociu #TedFlittner #AditiGroup #EricBarricklow #StellarCyberSolutions

S6E12 - HIPAA Security Proposed Rules; Important Changes and Updates for 2025 – Part 2In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu continues her discussion on the HIPAA Security Proposed Rules with Ted Flittner and Ted Mayeshiba, Principals of Aditi Group. In this podcast, we walk through the contents of the Fact Sheet of the proposed rules. We discuss the requirements for written policies, procedures, plans and analyses, including the requirement for a robust risk management plan and a compliance audit, required under the proposed rule at least every 12 months. Multi-factor authentication and encryption requirements are also discussed. Join us for this informative podcast!Visit the Podcast Website for Show Noteshttps://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e12-hipaa-security-proposed-rules-important-changes-2025-part-2#HIPAA #HITECH #proposedregulations #mandatory #compliance #HealthandHumanServices #HHS #encryption #MFA #audit #penetrationtest #pentest #riskassessment #policiesandprocedures #AditiGroup #tedflittner #tedmayeshiba #dorothycociu

In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu discusses the recently released HIPAA Security Proposed Rules with Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office and Ted Flittner, Principal of Aditi Group, an IT/HIPAA Security/Cybersecurity firm. In Part 1 of this series, we discuss the proposed requirements for written policies and procedures, establishing technical and non-technical evaluations, and a robust risk management plan. Many requirements are annual, with at least one every six months. We discuss the requirement for encryption, patch management, monitoring, incident response, testing, an annual compliance audit, and more. What’s in the new proposed rules specifically? Join us for this informative podcast. Visit the Podcast Website and View Show Notes https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e11-hipaa-security-proposed-rules-part-1 #HIPAASecurityRule #HIPAArequirements #HITECH #encryption #patchmanagement #incidentresponse #penetrationtesting #complianceaudits #robustriskmanagement #policiesandprocedures #riskassessment #compliance #tedflittner #aditigroup #marilynmonahan #dorothycociu

In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Elizabeth Holman, President of the Holman Group, a Los Angeles based EAP Program and Behavioral Assistance Provider, on the current state of the EAP and mental health/behavioral health community. Have celebrity public discussions about mental health inspired the public to get help? Are most employees seeking virtual or brick and mortar visits? How have the mental health parity act new rules impacted EAP programs? Join us for this informative podcast. Visit the Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e10-employer-eap-behavioral-health-mental-health-parity-act #EmployerEAP #BehavioralHealth #MentalHealth #MentalHealthParityAct #DorothyCociu #ElizabethHolman #BehavioralAssistance #virtual #inperson

In this week’s episode, host Dorothy Cociu discusses the requirements for Health Plan Sponsors and Business Associates for the new HIPAA Reproductive Rights rules with Marilyn Monahan, Esq, of Monahan Law Office. We discuss what’s required and when, what is prohibited related to uses and disclosures, the scope and new definitions, and the application of the prohibition, including a required Attestation. Join us for this informative podcast!

In this week’s podcast episode, host Dorothy Cociu discusses Cybersecurity and Cyber Awareness in Today’s Threat Environment with Adriana Mendieta, Tech Coordinator, Cyber Insurance Solutions, Miguel (Mike) Villegas, Founder and President of iSecurePrivacy, LLC, and Carl Griftka, Managing Director, SL Business Informatics. We discuss why it is important for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and data privacy, internal and external security threats, the importance of ongoing risk analyses, and the overall threat environment for businesses today and in the future. What are the best ways to manage Cybersecurity? Why is it important that everyone in the company understand cyber risks? How can your company be best protected? Join us for this highly informative podcast! Visit the Podcast Website for Show Notes https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s638-cybersecurity-and-awareness-todays-threat-environment #cybersecurity #dataprivacy #cyberthreats #cyberrisks #AdrianaMendieta #CyberInsuranceSolutions #MiguelVillegas #iSecurePrivacy #CarlGriftka #SLBusinessInformatics

In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu discusses the final regulations from the Mental Health Parity Act and the required NQTL Analysis with Chris Condeluci, ESQ, Washington Counsel, SIIA and Jordan Smith, Chief Compliance Officer & Practice Leader on Mental Health Parity at Healthcare Reporting. We discuss the law in general, plus the increased activity related to audits and enforcement for MHPAEA, and the requirement for a non-qualitative treatment limitation analysis. How does this affect plan sponsors and what are their requirements? When is all of this effective? This podcast should answer most, if not all, of your questions! Join us for this very informative podcast! Visit Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e7-mhpaea-final-regs-and-nqtl-analysis #MHPAEA #NQTL #MentalHealthParityAct #ChrisCondeluci #JordanSmith #non-qualitativetreatmentlimitation #DorothyCociu

In Part 2 of our 2-part podcast on ERISA Fiduciary Requirements, host Dorothy Cociu and Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office discuss and share with our audience more excerpts from our September webinar. In this episode, we discuss the importance of the current environment of employee lawsuits against their health plan sponsors, which is one of the hottest topics in Washington and across the country related to benefit plans. In addition, we share excepts on ERISA Cybersecurity guidance, cybersecurity enforcement, potential penalties, and the importance of hiring and monitoring service providers with strong cybersecurity practices. Join us for this informative podcast episode! Visit the Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e6-erisa-fiduciary- requirements-part2 #ERISA #Cybersecurity #cybersecurityguidance #enforcement #erisapenalties #ITprovider #MSP

In part 1 of this two-part podcast, host Dorothy Cociu and guest Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office share with you excerpts from their September webinar on ERISA’s Fiduciary Requirements. In part 1, we discuss some background on ERISA and its importance, major components of ERISA, the role of a fiduciary, understanding fiduciary actions and how not understanding them can harm a plan and its fiduciaries, the duties of a fiduciary, ERISA’s prudent person standard, applying the standards to service providers, prohibited transactions under ERISA, and some new and expanding roles of fiduciaries. Part 1 sets the stage for next week’s Part 2, which gets into the current environment for fiduciaries, important litigation and more. Please join us for this informative podcast! Visit Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e5-erisa-fiduciary-requirements-part1 #MonahanLaw #ERISA #Fiduciary #prudentperson #litigation #DorothyCociu #MarilynMonahan

Host Dorothy Cociu discusses the differences between tax write-offs on IRS Section 125 cafeteria plans and income tax returns with Anne Kelly, President of Kelly & Kelly Insurance Services. Pre-tax dollars for flexible spending accounts, dependent care and qualified insurance plan contributions will be discussed, and how they compare with common income tax write-offs in various categories. Join us for this informative podcast, as we break down the differences in the options offered to employers and employees and how to maximize the tax savings. Visit Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e4-tax-write-offs-on-cafeteria-plans-vs-income-tax-returns #taxwrite-offs #IRSsection125 #cafeteriaplans #incometax #Pre-tax #flexiblespendingaccount #FSA #dependentcare #qualifiedinsuranceplan #DorothyCociu #AnneKelly

Host Dorothy Cociu discusses what’s going on in Washington, DC, Healthcare Policies of Presidential Candidates, a Congressional update, and the hottest topics in the self-funded health plan market with Chris Condeluci, ESQ, Washington Counsel for the Self-Insurance Institute of America (SIIA) and Anthony Murrello, SIIA Government Relations Manager. Hot topics outside of the elections include Fiduciary Issues, including monitoring of service providers, plan participant lawsuits, transparency, data sharing, artificial intelligence and PBM reforms. Join us for this informative podcast! Visit Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e3-washington-update&hot-topics-for-self-insured-health-plans Download show notes https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/Show-Notes-S6-E3-Washington-Update-Health-Care-Policies-of-Candidates-Self-Insurance-Hot-Topics.pdf #AnthonyMurrello #ChrisCondeluci #DorothyCociu #fiduciary #healthcarebenefits #insuranceplans #SelfInsuranceInstituteofAmerica #selfinsured

Host Dorothy Cociu discusses Medicare updates with Maggie Stedt, Medicare Expert from Stedt Insurance. They will preview the most important things Medicare recipients and their families/friends need to know during this upcoming Open Enrollment Period, the most common questions seniors have went signing up for Medicare, plan changes for 2025, including Prescription Drug plans, and more. We also discuss the new rules this year for agents selling Medicare Plans, and new controversy, frustration and “despair” related to agent compensation for certain Medicare plans. Join us for this informative podcast! Podcast Website & Show Notes https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e2-2025-medicare-updates #medicare, #prescriptiondrugplans #openenrollment

In our season 6 opener, Host Dorothy Cociu discusses ERISA’s 50th Birthday with Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law office, its history and why it’s important to the employee benefits industry. Why did Congress want and need to pass a law like ERISA? What does ERISA do in general, and what and who does it protect? What are the advantages of ERISA-regulated plans, particularly self-funded health plans? How important was ERISA in today’s world of transparency, and what other laws came about related to ERISA? Join us for this informative podcast, as we celebrate this very special birthday! Visit Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s6e1-celebrating-erisas-50th-birthday-and-why-its-important #ERISA #DorothyCociu #MarilynMonahan #Benefits

In today’s market, top talent not only wants, but expects, a robust and innovative employee benefits program that will set one employer apart from the rest. Host Dorothy Cociu and guests Sue Wakamoto-Lee, ABC Director of Business Development and Jack Holder, President of EBIS, discuss how you can design a benefits program tailored to your workforce, including medical plans, dental and other plans, along with voluntary options and creating an Educational Assistance Program through which employers can help their employees pay off part of their student loan debt or current college and vocational expense each calendar year. Join us for this informative podcast, which will be our last regularly scheduled podcast of Season 5! Visit the Podcast Website for Show Notes: https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s5e18-benefit-programs-designed-to-attract-retain-employees #attractingtalent #benefitprograms #benefits #dental #DorothyCociu #EBIS #EducationalAssistanceProgram #employeebenefits #JackHolder #studentloans #recruitingtalent #vocationalexpenses

In this week’s podcast, in a follow-up and part 2 of this series, host Dorothy Cociu discusses holistic and alternative, natural medicines and remedies for healing with Dr. Shannon Eggleston, Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and Doctor of Naturopathy, Founder of Natural Healing Center, and Ted Flittner of Live Wellness. We discuss the effectiveness of natural and plant-based medicines and healing, non-pharmaceutical options for pain and overall health, and the politics behind the barriers cannabis and other alternative and natural healing methods face in their path towards rescheduling away from current controlled substances categories in Washington. Join us for this informative podcast! Visit the Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s5e17-holistic-alternative-medicines-part-2 #holistic #alternative #naturalmedicines #Naturopathy #NaturalHealingCenter #plantmedicine #politics #cannabis #THC #CBD #DrShannonEggleston #TedFlittner #DorothyCociu

In this week’s episode, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Michael Julian, CEO, of National Business Investigations, Inc., MPS Security & Protection, author and trainer for Workplace Violence and Active Shooter Survival Training. Workplace Violence, as well as Active Shooters have become, unfortunately, very common across this country and elsewhere. California has put into law SB 553, which requires most employers in California to have a complete and comprehensive training program, effective July 1, 2024. What does SB 553 require an employer to do? If an Active Shooter enters your workplace, are you ready and are your employees safe? This podcast explores the requirements of the law as well as the reality of today’s world, and steps you can take to minimize the risk of an active shooter. Please join us for this highly informative podcast! Visit Podcast Website & Download Show Notes #workplaceviolence #activeshootertraining #SB553 #michaeljulian #nationabusinessinvestigations

Host Dorothy Cociu discusses the current state of Washington politics, legislative and regulatory updates and an insider’s look from “Inside the Beltway” with John Greene, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Association of Benefits & Insurance Professionals (NABIP). We discuss the politics in this election year, potential for future leaders, the 50th anniversary of ERISA, additional fiduciary responsibilities for employers, “site neutral” and PBM issues, and the March 8th Congressional Healthcare Package. Join us for this informative podcast! Visit Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s5e15-federal-washington-election-politics-legislative-regulatory-updates-2024 #DorothyCociu #Washington #politics #legislative #regulatory #JohnGreene #NABIP #ERISA #fiduciary #CongressionalHealthcare

Part 2 in our Series on Artificial Intelligence In this episode, host Dorothy Cociu discusses with Eric Barricklow, Adriana Mendieta, and Marilyn Monahan, the importance of AI Security and Privacy Protections, AI & Cyber Liability, and Keeping Your Data Safe. Artificial Intelligence has left many companies wondering about what is needed to use the efficiencies of AI, but not compromise the privacy and security of the company and employees’ data. How can you do both? We will discuss the impact of workflow and production, the use of proper security and approval channels, and the dangers of using ChatGPT and other AI programs, and how those dangers can be minimized. We will also discuss the use of AI in Benefits Administration and the largest concerns related to privacy & security of data when using AI from an administrative, legal, and IT perspective, as well as a discussion on policies and procedures for AI. Join us for this informative podcast! Visit Podcast Website for Show Notes https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s5e14-ai-security-privacy-protection-cyber-liability-and-data-safety #chatgpt #ai #aidanger #aisecurity #artificialintelligence #aidataprivacy #aiforbenefits #healthcareai

They predict that AI will revolutionize the workplace. But what is the legal landscape for AI use? Are there laws in place governing the use of AI? Are there risks and vulnerabilities employers should consider before adopting AI systems? In Part One of a Two-Part Series on Artificial Intelligence, host Dorothy Cociu discusses the legal considerations of AI with Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office. This podcast is designed to help you understand the existing legal landscape, identify the legal risks and vulnerabilities created by AI use, and prepare for the implementation of AI in the workplace. Join us for this very informative podcast! Visit Podcast Website Download Show Notes #AI #artificialintelligence #marilynmonahan #legal #AIrisk #aidangers

For many years, consumers have been using Cannabis/CBD and other Holistic or Alternate Medicines and Treatments outside of their health plan, because studies have shown that they work and provide needed pain relief and treatment for conditions such as Cancer, Chronic Pain, Parkinson’s, MS, Alzheimers and Dementia, and more recently for mental health, autism, epilepsy and auto immune diseases. Host Dorothy Cociu and Sue Wakamoto-Lee discuss with guest Elisabeth Mack RN, BSN, MBA, owner of Holistic Caring, the differences between CBD and THC, microdosing, and how these products are providing relief, as well as the current system’s failures to incorporate these treatments into health plans. What does this type of alternative medicine cost today? Are they as effective or more effective than pharmaceutical drugs? When can the use of Cannabis/CBD be covered by health plans? Is there a path forward to offer these products and services in self-funded health plans and other plans, and if so, can they save overall costs in the long run? What is standing in the way and what needs to change in Washington to open the doors to health plan use? Please join us for this highly informative podcast. Visit Podcast Website Download show notes including Free Medical Cannabis Guide https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s5e12-holistic-alternate-medicines-in-healthcare-cbd-future-health-plan-coverage #cannabis #CBD #THC #Holistic #Alternate healthcare #Medicine #painrelief #Cancer #Parkinson's #Dementia #autism #epilepsy #autoimmune #DorothyCociu #ElisabethMack #HolisticCaring #GreenNurse #microdosing

In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu discusses the process of the employer selection of a benefits broker and consultant with guests Sue Wakamoto-Lee, Director of Business Development of Advanced Benefit Consulting and Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office.  What services are important?  What suits the employer’s needs?  Should a broker/consultant assist an employer in benefit plan compliance, and if so, to what level?  How do you properly compare, contrast and evaluate brokers and consultants?  ERISA fiduciary rules, the CAA and the DOL Cybersecurity regulations and guidance have made it clear that employer plan sponsors should have a process to compare, contrast and select all service providers, including brokers/consultants, yet most employers are not even aware of these rules.  Should that be a red flag?  We’ll provide you with a “checklist” to help you compare benefits brokers and consultants, so that you can make the best decision and selection for your organization.  Join us for this informative podcast! Visit Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s5e11-selecting-benefits-broker-and-consultant-helpful-checklist Download Show Notes / Forms #benefitplancompliance #benefitsbroker #selectionchecklist #DOL #Cybersecurity #ERISA #healthcarebenefits #hiringguide #MarilynMonahan #SueWakamoto-Lee #DorothyCociu

In this week’s podcast, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Kathy Ruffino, Vice President, Train Me Today, a Southern California-based Human Resources Consulting and Training firm, on the upcoming law changes for 2024 related to Human Resources and Employment Law. In this podcast, we discuss California’s SB 616 Paid Sick Leave, Cannabis Legislation SB 700 and AB 2188, SB 699 Non-Compete Agreements, SB 553 Workplace Violence, SB 497 Rebuttable Presumption of Retaliation, AB 594 Public Prosecution for Labor Code Violations, AB 1228 Fast Food Minimum Wage, SB 525 Health Care Industry Minimum Wage, SB 723 Rehire/Retention of Displaced Employees in Hospitality and Service Industries, and SB 848, Reproductive Loss Leave. In addition, we discuss Federal Laws The Pump Act and Federal Pregnant Worker Fairness Act (PWFA). Join us for this informative podcast! Visit the Podcast Website #DorothyCociu #KathyRuffino #HumanResources #EmploymentLaw #SB616 #SickLeave #Cannabis #SB700 #AB2188 #SB699 #SB553 SB497 #AB594 #AB1228 #SB525 #SB723 #SB848 #PumpAct #PWFA

In this week’s episode, host Dorothy Cociu discusses the self-insurance industry hot topics with Ryan Work, VP of Government Relations and Chris Condeluci, Washington Counsel, for the Self-Insurance Institute of America. We discuss the current threat to ERISA pre-emption following recent Supreme Court rulings on PBM cases that could have adverse effects on self-funded health plans, as well as updates on the Transparency in Coverage, the wide variability and incompleteness of files and inability of plan sponsors and administrators to access their claims data. In addition, we discuss the Surprise Medical Billing and Federal Independent Dispute Resolution process and issues within the portal, the lack of Independent Dispute Resolution Entities to arbitrate the cases, and recent cases that strike at the heart of the NSA rules, the QPA. We also discuss the CAA Gag Clause Prohibition & Attestation and requirements of plan sponsors. Join us for this informative podcast! Visit Podcast Website Download show notes #DorothyCociu #self-insurance #RyanWork #ChrisCondeluci #self-fundedhealthplans #Transparency #SurpriseMedicalBilling #Federal IndependentDisputeResolution #NSA #QPA #GagClause

California’s Governor recently signed into law SB 770, which is a bill aimed at obtaining federal financing from Medicare and MediCal funds to be directed into a state-run single payer healthcare system in California. If a single payer system were to pass into law, we would have no more private health plans, no more Medicare, MediCal, or Covered California. In this week’s podcast, Host Dorothy Cociu discusses SB 770 and Single Payer Healthcare, and what it could mean in California, with Faith Borges, Legislative Advocate for the California Agents & Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP). Learn about what this would all mean, and the heavy tax burdens this would place on employers and individuals, if this type of legislation were put into place. Listen to this very informative podcast! Visit the Podcast Website Download show notes

In this week’s episode, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Maggie Stedt, Medicare and Senior Care expert, who shares with us updates for Medicare enrollees and Medicare Open Enrollment Updates for 2023-2024. We discuss the new CMS Medicare Rules for agents, the highlights of the current Open Enrollment period, and important information that seniors need to know, including how they can get the help they need and sign up. Should employees over 65 continue on their group plans or enroll in Medicare? We discuss all of the latest information that can help seniors. Join us for this informative podcast! Visit Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.coms/5e7-medicare-updates-2023-2024-with-maggie-stedt #DorothyCociu #MaggieStedt #Medicare #Senior #OpenEnrollment #CMS #GroupPlans

In Part Two of our 2-Part Series in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Host Dorothy Cociu discusses with our Panel of Marilyn Monahan, ESQ, Ted Flittner and Ted Mayeshiba of Aditi Group, processes for selecting service providers under the DOL/EBSA Cybersecurity Guidance, what they mean by a “Cybersecurity Program,” Best Practices for Plan Sponsors, and more. We discuss some of the policies and procedures Plan Sponsor Employers must have in place, the importance of regular Risk Assessments, more details about service provider contracts, and the importance of Plan Sponsors to educate their plan participants so that they can play a part in their own benefit account security. Join us for Part Two of this informative podcast series! Visit Podcast Website Download show notes #AditiGroup #compliance #CyberLiability #cybersecurity #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth #DepartmentofLabor #DorothyCociu #EBSA #fiduciaryresponsibility #hackers #MarilynMonahan #TedFlittner #TedMayeshiba

In Part One of a 2-Part Series, in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Host Dorothy Cociu discusses the US Department of Labor/EBSA Cybersecurity Guidance with an expert panel, including Marilyn Monahan, ESQ of Monahan Law Office, Ted Flittner and Ted Mayeshiba, Principals of Aditi Group, ABC’s partner IT, Cybersecurity and Technology firm. In part one, we discuss the background of the cybersecurity guidance, what’s included in the Guidance, who has to comply, recent court cases setting precedents, Tips for Hiring a Service Provider with strong cybersecurity practices and the role of fiduciaries in this function, including selection and monitoring. We also discuss the importance of cyber liability insurance and what you need to do to get it, and the importance of contract terms with service providers. Join us for Part One of this important and informational podcast! Visit Podcast Home Download Show Notes (PDF) #AditiGroup #compliance #CyberLiability #cybersecurity #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth #DepartmentofLabor #DorothyCociu #EBSA #fiduciaryresponsibility #hackers #MarilynMonahan #TedFlittner #TedMayeshiba

Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) have been around for years, but suddenly, they are being looked at as a way to save considerable dollars for fully insured plans being hit with high renewal increases, particularly if you offer high benefit-level plans. By increasing your deductible and using an employer-funded HRA, you can design your HRA to mirror your original plan benefits, offer a Debit Card for easy use by your plan participants, and lower your overall health plan costs! In this podcast, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Sue Wakamoto-Lee, Claremont Insurance Services and David Franklin, EBA&M Corporation, on how to effectively design and use a cost-effective HRA Wrap! Join us for this informative podcast! Visit the Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s5e4-saving-money-with-an-hra-wrap Read the Show Notes #HealthReimbursementAccounts #HRA #costeffective #costoptimization #employers #employerfunded #retirement

As we enter into the 4th quarter and the busiest Benefits Open Enrollment season, this podcasts gives expert assistance to be sure your Open Enrollment goes off without a hitch! Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marilyn Monahan, ESQ, Anne Kelly, and Anthony McCarren on Open Enrollment Best Practices. We discuss the legal and regulatory work that needs to be done, online enrollment and benefits administration, what’s best for heavy Hispanic-populated groups, a frank discussion on market concerns with the Ease sale to Employee Navigator, the need for employee education, and overall best practices for both fully insured and self-funded groups. Join us for this informative podcast! For Show Notes, visit https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s5e3-open-enrollment-best-practices #BenefitsOpenEnrollment #DorothyCociu #MarilynMonahan #AnneKelly #AnthonyMcCarren #BestPractices #legal #regulatory #onlineenrollment #benefitsadministration #Hispanic #EmployeeNavigator #EmployeeEducation #fullyInsured #selfFunded

In this week’s episode, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marilyn Monahan, ESQ, of Monahan Law Office, on the dangers and pitfalls for plan fiduciaries that can cost you more than just money!  We’ll talk about ERISA requirements for plan fiduciaries, the Prudent Person Rule, Parties in Interest, the DOL Guidance on plan fiduciary responsibilities for Cybersecurity, and the risks and penalties to fiduciaries if they don’t do the right things.  Our discussion also includes CAA requirements, disclosure and litigation, and more.  Join us for this very informative podcast! Read Show Notes: https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s5e2-plan-fiduciaries-beware Download Show Notes (PDF)

Dorothy Cociu interviews Dr. Keith Smith, Owner, Surgery Center of Oklahoma.  Dr. Smith and his partners left the world of corporate profits in the hospital industry and started the Surgery Center of Oklahoma in 1997, and immediately started quoting actual prices over the phone. In 2009, they launched their website that posted all prices online, offering complete transparency in pricing, with drastically lower fees than nearly every other hospital or surgery center in the county!  Although they began their practice marketing to self-funded health plans, they now offer these cost-effective strategies for everyone.  Listen to this amazing story of true cost containment! #DorothyCociu #DrKeith Smith, SurgeryCenterofOklahoma #pricetransparency #selffunded #healthplan #costcontainment #FreeMarketMedicalAssociation Show Notes https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/a-true-kind-of-health-plan-cost-containment-and-transparency/

In this episode, Host Dorothy Cociu shares more excerpts from ABC’s January 24th Lunch & Learn program. Dorothy Cociu and Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office discuss benefit programs that attract and retain talent in all job tiers. In today’s market, top talent not only wants, but expects, a robust and innovative employee benefits program that will set one employer apart from the rest. In this episode, we will talk about how you can design a health benefits program tailored to your workforce, including medical plans, dental and other plans, along with voluntary options, and recent changes in the law that allows employers to create an Educational Assistance Program with which employers can help their employees pay off part of their student loan debt or current college and vocational expense each calendar year. Join us for this informative podcast! Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e18-benefit-programs-attract-retain-talent-for-all-job-tiers #DorothyCociu #MarilynMonahan #jobtalent #employeebenefits #healthbenefitsprogram #custom #medical #dental #EducationalAssistanceProgram #studentloans #vocational expense

In this episode, Host Dorothy Cociu shares excerpts from ABC’s January 24th Lunch & Learn program. One of the greatest challenges employers have in our post-pandemic world is recruiting talent and keeping them from moving on quickly to other employers. In this episode, Kathy Ruffino of Train Me Today and Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office provide us with helpful information and tools for recruiting and retaining quality employees, by providing them with what they are looking for now and in their future. We cover opportunities for remote work and how to design job descriptions for remote employees at all job tiers, the challenges of hiring a remote or hybrid workforce and how to overcome them, the types of benefits that attract recruits and keep them on the job, and tools to keep employees engaged long-term. Join us for this informative podcast! Podcast website: https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e17-recruiting-talent-challenges-opportunities-post-covid

Host Dorothy Cociu shares excerpts from her Employment & Workplace Laws session from her January 24, 2023 Lunch & Learn this episode. Kathy Ruffino from Train Me Today and Marilyn Monahan from Monahan Law Office discuss the new employment and workplace laws in or going into effect in 2023, including The Fast Act, AB 1041 expansion of current family leave under CFRA, SB 1044 Retaliation and “Emergency Situations,” AB 1601 employment protections for call centers, AB 1949 bereavement law update, SB 523 discrimination of applicants and/or employees based on reproductive health decision making, SB 1162’s Pay Transparency Act, which requires new pay data reporting beginning May 10th, 202, and other California and Federal new and existing laws changes or updates. Join us for this informative podcast! Podcast Website: https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e16-california-employment-workplace-laws-for-2023

In this episode, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Faith Borges, Legislative Advocate, Dawn McFarlane, VP of Legislation and Sue Wakamoto-Lee, President, of the California Agents & Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP), on the current legislative environment in Sacramento. We examine our state legislature, the November elections and political impact of them, state Leadership, and the main legislative issues related to health insurance and health care in California. Will Single Payer threats be back? Join us for this informative podcast! Read Show Notes on Podcast Website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e15-california-state-legislative-updates #healthinsurance #healthcare #SinglePayer  #CaliforniaAgentsHealthInsuranceProfessionals #CAHIP #CaliforniaLegislature #elections #FaithBorges #Legislative #DawnMcFarlane #SueWakamotoLee 

In part two of this two-part series, host Dorothy Cociu continues her interview with Marcy Buckner, Senior VP of Government Affairs of NABIP. We discuss the CMS Proposed 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP), the ACA Employer Reporting Deadline permanent extension, the Transparency in Coverage (TiC) Guidance that clarifies Public Disclosures, and the Good Faith Effort provisions for employer CAA Prescription Drug Reporting, which has been very difficult for employers, TPAs, PBMs and others.  In addition, we discuss the top issues that NABIP has working on in Washington, including preserving the employer tax exclusion and employer reporting under the ACA. We also discuss updates on Single Payer/Medicare for All discussions in Washington and Medicare Updates. Join us for the conclusion of this informative podcast! Podcast website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e14–federal-legislative-updates-with-marcy-buckner-part2

In this episode, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marcy Buckner, Senior VP of Government Affairs of NABIP.  They discuss the current state of affairs in Congress after the November, 2022 elections, the end of the year Omnibus Package, the Inflation Reduction Act, the ACA Family Glitch resolution, Medicare Marketing Final Rule and Proposed Rule, and the proposed Notice of Benefit Payment Parameters.  This is part 1 of a two-part series.  Join us for this informative podcast! Podcast website https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e13-federal-legislative-updates-part1 keywords Marcy Buckner, Government Affairs, NABIP, Congress, Omnibus Package, Inflation Reduction Act, ACA Family Glitch resolution, Medicare Marketing Final Rule, Proposed Rule, Notice of Benefit Payment Parameters