Benefits Redefined Episodes

Want to learn more? Connect with Richard via our website: https://www.benefitsredefined.com Captives are gaining attention — but many employers misunderstand how they actually work. As interest grows, so does the need to separate common assumptions from real-world application. In this episode of Benefits, Redefined, Richard speaks with Don Balla about how captives fit into today’s market. You’ll learn: Why captives are becoming more relevant Common misconceptions employers have How captives can support broader risk strategy What to consider before moving forward Subscribe to stay up to date with our latest episodes.

Want to learn more? Connect with Richard via our website: https://www.benefitsredefined.com Employee benefits are no longer just an HR expense — they are becoming one of the largest and fastest-growing line items on an organization’s P&L. In this episode of Benefits, Redefined, Richard Silberstein sits down with Prabal Lakhanpal, National Practice Leader of Alternative Risk and Captives, to explore how employers are rethinking the way they fund and manage healthcare risk. The conversation covers: Why healthcare costs are rising at unsustainable levels How captives work (in plain English) The difference between underwriting income and investment income Why captives are no longer just for large employers How organizations are beginning to think about risk at an enterprise level And what employers should consider when evaluating alternative funding strategies This episode is particularly relevant for CFOs, CHROs, and executives looking to better understand how to bring more control, transparency, and long-term strategy to their health plans. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest episodes.

Want to learn more? Connect with Richard via our website: https://www.benefitsredefined.com/ Are your healthcare costs secretly out of control? Most employers are paying way more than they should—and you can fix it. In this episode, we talk about clinical oversight and advocacy—how companies can prevent huge medical bills and save money. Richard talks with Julie Kueppers, Clinical Review Director at Alera Group, about creative ways employers and employees can save on their benefits by implementing clinical review. You’ll learn: How a tiny number of employees can drive most of your healthcare costs—and how focusing on them can save hundreds of thousands. Real-world examples of big savings from reviewing high-cost claims and making smarter care decisions. How to catch mistakes, overcharges, and waste before your company pays for them. How to use claims data to turn numbers into actionable insights that improve care and reduce costs. If you work in HR, finance, or benefits, this episode is packed with simple tips and real-world examples to help your company save money and keep employees healthy. Comment below: What’s your biggest challenge with employee healthcare costs?  Subscribe to stay up to date with our latest episodes.

Want to learn more? Connect with Richard via our website: https://www.benefitsredefined.com PBM reform is gaining attention — but what does it actually change for employers? While legislation continues to evolve, many organizations are still left with the same question: what should we be doing differently today? In this episode of Benefits, Redefined, Richard speaks with Kevin Gregory about the practical implications of PBM reform. You’ll learn: What current and proposed reforms mean in practice Where transparency helps — and where it falls short How fiduciary expectations are shifting What actions employers should consider now For CFOs and HR leaders navigating an increasingly complex pharmacy landscape. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest episodes.

Want to learn more? Visit our website: https://www.benefitsredefined.com   Pharmacy spend is quickly becoming one of the largest and least understood drivers of employer healthcare costs. Many employers assume these costs are unavoidable—but that’s often not the case.   In this episode of Benefits Redefined, Richard speaks with Jennifer Perlitch, Clinical Pharmacist, about what employers are missing when it comes to pharmacy benefits and why looking “under the hood” of your PBM and drug data can reveal significant savings opportunities.   Jennifer works directly with employers reviewing pharmacy claims, contracts, and utilization patterns to uncover hidden costs, missed rebates, and opportunities to improve both outcomes and spending.   If you’re responsible for benefits strategy, healthcare budgets, or financial planning, this conversation will help you understand where pharmacy costs are really coming from—and what smart employers are doing differently.   In this episode, you’ll learn:   - Why many employers are unknowingly overpaying for GLP-1 medications and what alternatives may dramatically reduce costs.   - How PBM rebate structures actually work—and why shrinking rebates and “rebate credits” could significantly impact employer budgets in 2026 and beyond.   - What specialty drugs and biosimilars mean for your plan’s future costs, and how the right strategy can prevent unexpected spikes in spend.   - The single biggest mistake employers make during PBM reviews—and the critical questions CFOs and HR leaders should be asking instead.   For many organizations, pharmacy spend is increasing faster than any other part of their health plan. The employers who manage it well are the ones who actively analyze their data, challenge their PBM contracts, and bring clinical expertise into the decision process.   If you're a CFO, CHRO, or HR executive responsible for healthcare costs, this episode will give you a clearer picture of where risks—and opportunities—may exist in your current pharmacy strategy.   If you'd like to explore whether similar opportunities exist in your plan, you can connect with Richard through the Benefits Redefined website above.   Subscribe to stay up to date with our latest episodes.   Comment below: What has been the biggest challenge managing pharmacy costs in your organization?

Want to learn more? Visit our website: https://www.benefitsredefined.com   Fiduciary responsibility in employee benefits is evolving — and many employers may not fully understand their exposure.   In this episode of Benefits, Redefined, Richard Silberstein sits down with ERISA attorney Stacy Barrow to discuss how fiduciary risk is expanding beyond retirement plans into health plans, PBMs, and even voluntary benefits.   Topics include:   The growing wave of fiduciary litigation How PBM arrangements are being scrutinized Risks tied to voluntary benefits and vendor relationships What employers should be doing now to mitigate exposure   This conversation is essential for CFOs, CHROs, and executives responsible for governance and oversight. Subscribe to stay up to date with our latest episodes.

Want to learn more? Connect with Richard via our website: https://www.benefitsredefined.com PBM reform is gaining attention — but what does it actually change for employers? Wellbeing is evolving from a program to a strategic priority. Richard speaks with Gretchen Day about how organizations are rethinking workforce health.