The Generous Benefits Podcast

In this episode Bret Brummitt breaks down tiered and narrow provider networks, reference-based pricing, and community-owned health plans, explaining how these models work and why employers are exploring them as cost-saving alternatives. He covers member steerage strategies, concierge support, trade-offs around access and coverage, and practical guidance HR leaders can use to align benefits with organizational goals and local providers.

Welcome to the Generous Benefits Podcast with host Amanda Brummitt. In this episode, coaches Jessica Taylor and Kenzi Judge explain what executive coaching is, how it differs from consulting, mentoring, therapy, and life coaching, and when organizations should invest in coaching for leaders. They discuss credentials like the Professional Certified Coach, internal vs. external coaches, using assessments and 360 feedback, measuring return on investment through performance and retention, and best practices for selecting and evaluating coaches. The conversation emphasizes using coaching proactively—during promotions, transitions, and for high-potential leaders—and highlights when coaching may not be appropriate, such as for remediation. Listeners will learn practical guidance for HR and employers on building a coaching program, making the business case, and choosing the right fit for their organization.

Host Amanda Brummitt talks with Joyce Odidison about reframing resilience as a systems issue, not just an individual trait. Joyce explains her nine-dimensional well-being model and how leaders, benefits, and culture can prevent burnout by addressing strain early. The episode offers practical steps for employers and employees—measuring resilience, encouraging constructive conflict, and creating psychological safety—so organizations can retain people, reduce absenteeism, and support sustainable performance.

Host Amanda Brummitt speaks with Tom Walaszek about the roles of brokers, MGUs, TPAs, medical carriers, and stop-loss carriers. Tom explains what stop-loss is, how level-funded and self-funded options differ, and why plan mirroring, runouts, and contract wording matter for employers. The episode also covers practical advice for employers evaluating funding strategies including what questions to ask, the importance of data and clinical support, and how a hardening insurance market may reduce options and raise costs. Tom recommends a multi-year approach when moving from fully insured to self-funded to manage risk and capture long-term savings.

On the Generous Benefits Podcast, host Amanda Brummitt interviews Connor Vining from ProLiant about why payroll is far more than a back-office task. They discuss payroll as the hub of employee data, the compliance and legal risks of mistakes, and how payroll affects employee trust and benefits integration. Connor explains when outsourcing or using a professional employment organization makes sense, what to expect on pricing and service models, how to evaluate technology and implementations, warning signs to watch for, and the key takeaway: don’t skimp on payroll—find the right vendor for your needs.

Host Amanda Brummitt interviews Ali Goodwin of TrueScripts on the complexities and costs of infusible and injectable drugs in employer health plans. Ali explains the difference between infusion and injection drugs, why site of care matters, what J‑code conversion is, and how pharmacy benefit managers, third party administrators, providers, and brokers must coordinate to steer care, capture savings, and improve patient access. The episode also defines white/brown/clear bagging, and concludes with a practical recommendation for employers: align incentives by carving out pharmacy to an independent, transparent pharmacy benefit manager to enable better cost control and access.

Host Amanda Brummitt talks with Bret Brummitt of Generous Benefits about Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs): what they are, how they work, and when they make sense for an employer. They cover PEO pitches like purchasing power and unemployment tax savings, variations in PEO services, master plan limitations, co‑employment liability, invoicing transparency, and common pitfalls. Bret offers practical guidance for evaluating PEOs — ask about scope of services, master plan eligibility, certified PEO status, fees and commissions, and whether the PEO’s structure actually delivers the promised savings for your specific business.

Amanda Brummitt interviews Stephanie M. Porrino, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CHVA, Director of Human Resources at Hendry Marine Industries, Inc., about practical, people-first cost containment strategies. They discuss reference-based pricing, onsite primary care clinics, independent PBMs, using data to design benefits, and how benefits shape employer brand. Stephanie shares real outcomes, implementation tips, and one key piece of advice for HR leaders.

In this episode Amanda Brummitt talks with Sachie Stover of HaloScrips about the broken traditional pharmacy model and how a transparent, service-focused approach improves member experience, adherence, and employer cost management. They explain HaloScrips' medication sync program, clear pricing, and hands-on pharmacist support, plus practical steps employers can take now to make pharmacy benefits work better for people and the business. Be sure to check out this Generous Impact episode on their non-profit side: https://generousimpact.podbean.com/e/episode-16-phil-with-good-shepherd-pharmacy/.  

Welcome to the Generous Benefits Podcast with Amanda Brummitt and guest Tracy Daniels. This episode breaks down common open enrollment misconceptions, frequent employee frustrations, and practical steps employers can take to simplify communications and support better decision-making. Tracy explains why logging in early, reviewing current coverage, using decision-support tools, and offering clear, bite-sized information can reduce stress and improve participation. Learn how simplifying systems and normalizing help can transform your next open enrollment.

On this episode of the Generous Benefits Podcast, host Amanda Brummitt speaks with benefits strategist Bret Brummitt about state continuation coverage ("mini‑COBRA"). They explain who is eligible, how it differs from federal COBRA, common employer mistakes, administrative steps, and the financial impacts for employees. Listen for practical guidance on compliance, when to outsource administration, and clear actions employers can take now to protect their organization and support transitioning employees. And, find state specific rules here.

On this episode of the Generous Benefits Podcast Amanda Brummitt talks with William "Billy" Schroeder of Just Mind Counseling about why workplace mental health is now a business and humanity imperative. They discuss the real costs of ignoring mental health, how quality care reduces ER visits and turnover, and what effective employer support looks like—from fast access and experienced clinicians to coordinated care and scalable programs for companies of all sizes. Practical takeaways include investing in high-quality EAPs or direct contracts, offering timely access to evidence-based care, and creating supportive workplace practices that improve retention, engagement, and overall wellbeing. And, here are the resources Billy mentioned:  Spring Health Study (JAMA Network Open, February 2025) 1.9x Return on Investment (ROI): For every dollar invested in mental health benefits, employers saw a return of $1.90 in reduced healthcare costs. $1,070 Net Savings per Participant: This was the average net savings per employee in the first year after implementing enhanced mental health benefits. 30% Gross Cost Reduction: Overall healthcare costs decreased by 30% due to improved mental health support. 14% Net Cost Reduction: Even after accounting for the cost of the mental health program, there was a net reduction of 14% in total healthcare expenses. PubMed Study (2021) $1,146 Savings per Adult with Chronic Conditions: Adults with chronic physical conditions who received mental health services experienced a $1,146 reduction in healthcare expenditure compared to those who did not (in 2014 dollars). $2,690 Savings with Psychotherapy & Medication: Combining psychotherapy and medication for mental health resulted in even greater savings, averaging $2,690 per person (in 2014 dollars). Milliman Report (American Psychiatric Association) $26-$48 Billion Annual Savings Potential: Effective integration of medical and behavioral healthcare could lead to annual savings in general healthcare costs within this range nationwide. "Addiction and Mental Health vs. Physical Health: Widening Disparities in Network Use and Provider Reimbursement" (Milliman, 2019) This study focuses on reimbursement and network adequacy disparities but also highlights how fragmented care and limited network coverage for mental health/substance use services lead to increased out-of-network utilization and higher overall costs (including emergency department visits). Patients often end up in higher-cost settings (e.g., the ER) when they cannot get timely outpatient mental health care. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) (Washington DSHS cites KFF) 20% Decline in Medical Costs: Managed mental health treatment was linked to a 20% reduction in overall medical costs for individuals receiving it. Medical Cost Offsets: KFF highlights that mental health treatment, especially for those with chronic conditions and depression, can lead to significant medical cost offsets. American Psychiatric Association (APA) The Collaborative Care Model & Cost Savings The APA’s reports on the Collaborative Care Model (integrating mental health specialists into primary care) show that for every dollar spent on evidence-based behavioral interventions, overall medical costs can be reduced by as much as $2–$4. One APA study highlighted that integrating mental health into primary care can significantly reduce ER visits, inpatient stays, and total medical spending for patients with mental health diagnoses. Peer-Reviewed Studies & Additional Data Points Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Psychiatry Research suggests that effective depression care management can reduce total healthcare costs by up to 20–30% for high-utilizing patients, largely through reductions in hospitalizations and ED visits. American Journal of Managed Care Studies have demonstrated that integrated behavioral health programs produce ROI in the range of 2:1 to 4:1 when factoring in reduced ER admissions and inpatient costs. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Mental illness can aggravate the severity of physical ailments such as heart disease and diabetes, driving up costs. Successful mental health interventions (therapy, medication management) can lessen that burden, indirectly reducing medical expenditures and hospital visits. Evernorth (Cigna) Evernorth research shows that behavioral health treatment can reduce healthcare costs by up to $3,321 per person over 27 months. These savings are due to fewer emergency department visits and inpatient hospital stays. Sources Evernorth Research demonstrates behavioral health care reduces medical costs - https://www.evernorth.com/articles/behavioral-health-care-reduces-medical-costs PR Newswire - Spring Health Study Published in JAMA Network Open Demonstrates 1.9x ROI of Employer-Sponsored Behavioral Health Benefits: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spring-health-study-published-in-jama-network-open-demonstrates-1-9x-roi-of-employer-sponsored-behavioral-health-benefits-302369624.html#:~:text=1.9x%20ROI%3A%20For%20every,earlier%20in%20the%20care%20continuum. PMC - Employer-Sponsored Digital Mental Health Program and Health Care Cost Savings: A Matched Group Cohort Study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11800021/ PubMed - Association of Mental Health Service Use With Healthcare Expenditure Among Adults With Chronic Physical Conditions: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33940945/ American Psychiatric Association - Economic Impact of Integrated Medical-Behavioral Healthcare: https://www.coloradocoalition.org/sites/default/files/2017-01/milliaman-apa-economicimpactofintegratedmedicalbehavioralhealthcare2014.pdf Melek, S., Norris, D., Paulus, J. (2019). "Addiction and mental health vs. physical health: Widening disparities in network use and provider reimbursement." Milliman 2019 Report (PDF): https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/addiction-and-mental-health-vs-physical-health-widening-disparities-in-network-use-and-p Kaiser Family Foundation - The Business Case for Behavioral Health: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/rda/reports/research-3-28.pdf American Psychiatric Association (APA), "The Collaborative Care Model: An Approach for Integrating Physical and Mental Health Care in Medicaid Health Homes": https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/professional-interests/integrated-care/get-paid/medicaid-payment-and-collaborative-care-model Katon, W., et al. "Cost-effectiveness of a multicondition collaborative care intervention: a randomized controlled trial." Archives of General Psychiatry 69.5 (2012): 506-514: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22566583/ "Return on Investment for Behavioral Health Integration in Primary Care" (AJMC, 2018): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11800021/

Dr. Sarah Matt and Amy Gurske share about company culture, why trust and communication are the most important indicators, and how human-centered technology can reveal and repair problems before they escalate. They discuss practical tactics for leaders — from floor-level presence to better measurement — and explore the tradeoffs of healthcare tech such as ambient listening, closing with clear advice: stay curious, measure what matters, and pair technology with human-to-human care. RESOURCES Sarah Matt, MD: drsarahmatt.com Book: https://www.drsarahmatt.com/book Sayhii: https://www.sayhii.io/ Dr. Matt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmattmd/ Amy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amygurske/

Host Amanda Brummitt talks with Ariel Bradford and Amanda Boyer from Solar Insure about building a strong, people-first culture in a remote-first company. They explain how culture shows up day-to-day and why leadership alignment matters. The episode shares practical, repeatable tactics — what to measure, meeting cadences, onboarding touchpoints, engagement rituals, camera etiquette, and manager toolkits — so HR and people leaders can carry culture across time zones.

In this episode Amanda Brummitt interviews Sarah Borders of Benefits Compliance Solutions about the Consolidated Appropriations Act’s fiduciary expectations for health plans. They cover who qualifies as a fiduciary, how duties mirror retirement plan rules, and what employers must document, request, and monitor — including vendor fees, claims data access, and governance practices. Ideal for CFOs, HR leaders, and plan fiduciaries, the episode gives practical, step-by-step advice: request compensation disclosures, verify data access, formalize oversight (committee/minutes), and keep clear documentation to reduce legal risk and demonstrate prudence.

Today, we’re demystifying hospital billing with Dr. Kevin Stevenson, a board-certified healthcare executive that has led strategic operations in multiple health systems bringing a broad view of how hospitals actually function. In this episode, Kevin breaks down how pricing and payments really flow and shares practical ways employers can work with hospitals to improve cost, access, and the member experience.

On this episode of the Generous Benefits Podcast, host Amanda Brummitt sits down with Sean Healy, founder of Accounted4, to untangle a question every owner asks: “Am I actually making money?” Sean explains why profit ≠ cash flow, how to build forward-looking projections (not backward-looking reports), and where most companies leak dollars in labor and benefits—the true cost of a team. We also dig into aligning benefits with budget and employee expectations, the culture habits that expand capacity, and a simple cadence for turning mistakes into momentum. You’ll learn: Why you can show a profit and still struggle with payroll—and how to fix the cash flow gap The must-have planning trio: written goals, clean data, practical projections How to see labor as total compensation (wages + benefits) and budget accordingly Ways HR and Finance can partner to reduce waste and improve employee experience Common benefits missteps (and quick education wins that boost perceived value) Who this is for: CEOs, CFOs, and HR leaders who want people-first benefits that support a healthier bottom line. Resources: Accounted4: https://accounted4llc.com/ LinkedIn (Company): https://www.linkedin.com/company/accounted4-llc LinkedIn (Sean Healy): https://www.linkedin.com/in/healysean/

In this episode Amanda Brummitt speaks with Beth Holmes, Vice President of Hint Connect, to explain Direct Primary Care (DPC): how it differs from traditional primary care, why it’s growing, and what it offers patients and employers. They discuss how DPC pairs with existing health plans, expected cost and utilization impacts, and practical rollout advice including budgeting, employer contributions, communication strategies, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Host Amanda Brummitt interviews Miranda Haggerty of Haggerty Solutions about practical, actionable strategies employers can use to reduce turnover, increase engagement, and stabilize their workforces. They discuss diagnosing turnover with anonymous feedback, the importance of pay, benefits, trust, and clear communication, plus simple fixes employers can implement immediately. To follow Miranda's series of anonymous interviews with healthcare workers, follower her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirandahaggerty/. 

Welcome to the Generous Benefits Podcast with Amanda Brummitt and guest Bret Brummitt, discussing how to detect undisclosed kickbacks, murky revenue sharing, and other shady financial arrangements in benefits. They explain the difference between legal revenue shares and unethical kickbacks, outline common red flags (perpetual payments, secret rebates, per-script pay, aggressive product pushes), and cover problematic models like undisclosed PBM rebates and uncapped shared-savings fees. The episode gives practical advice: request full disclosure of direct and indirect compensation, have regular compensation conversations outside renewal season, and watch for evasive responses from advisors.

In this episode Amanda Brummitt speaks with ERISA attorney Lori Oliphant about the top compliance missteps employers make with retirement and health plans. They cover the importance of accurate plan documents, careful claims procedures for self-insured plans, eligibility rules, non-discrimination testing, controlled groups, stop-loss implications, and the risks of multiple employer welfare arrangements. The conversation ends with practical advice: review and update plan documents annually, document claims decisions and exceptions, keep written records of questions and vendor responses, run non-discrimination testing, and consult counsel when in doubt to protect participants and reduce risk.   Find Lori at https://www.steptoe-johnson.com/bio/lori-t-oliphant/.

Amanda Brummitt interviews Tom DeLiegro of Vero Advising about the hidden incentives and black boxes in employee benefits, including undisclosed broker compensation and percent‑of‑savings pitfalls. Learn practical questions to ask your broker, how to get a respectful second opinion, and what transparency to demand to protect your employees and budget.

On this episode Bret Brummitt breaks down easily overlooked benefits compliance items—POP (Section 125) plan documents, COBRA administration, and Medicare Part D creditable coverage notices—explaining what they are, why they matter, and common employer mistakes. Bret outlines practical steps to fix gaps, how vendors and brokers can help, and other quick compliance items to track (Form 5500, PCORI fees, RxDC reporting, gag-clause attestations). Tune in for actionable, low-cost ways to reduce risk and protect employees and employers.

In this episode Amanda Brummitt and health insurance industry expert Beverly Norman break down the difference between illustrative, conditional and final rates, and explain small-group funding options like fully insured and level-funded plans. Beverly covers how underwriting and pharmacy data influence quoted rates, why accurate census information matters, and what can change between firm quotes and final rates. Practical tips include starting the renewal process early, clearly communicating with employees about who will enroll, and understanding carrier thresholds that can trigger rate adjustments — all to avoid surprises at final enrollment.

Welcome to the Generous Benefits Podcast, where we help employers create meaningful people-first benefits that make a real impact. Join host Amanda Brummitt and special guest Bret Brummitt, founder of Generous Benefits, as they dive into the complexities of rising insurance premiums. Discover the factors driving these increases and explore actionable strategies to manage costs effectively. From understanding the impact of healthcare market dynamics to leveraging innovative solutions, this episode provides valuable insights for employers looking to build sustainable and affordable benefit plans. Don't miss this opportunity to take control of healthcare expenses and benefit your team.

In this episode of the Generous Benefits Podcast, host Amanda Brummitt explores the transformative potential of hospital financial assistance programs under IRS 501(r). Joined by healthcare advocate Justin Leader, they delve into how nonprofit hospitals are mandated to offer financial support to eligible patients. Discover why many people are unaware of these benefits, and learn practical steps to access this relief, whether you're insured or not. This episode is essential listening for patients and employers alike, revealing how understanding hospital financial policies can lead to significant savings and foster greater healthcare transparency. For more: Justin tells the story of his Aunt Gwen that inspires much of why he does what he does. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMyhK-VFgZU 

Join Amanda Brummitt in the Generous Benefits Podcast as she delves into the complexities of workplace dynamics with HR expert Becky Goldsmith. Together, they explore the challenges of managing difficult personalities in the workplace, from chronic complainers to passive-aggressive peers, and offer practical strategies for improving workplace culture and relationships. Discover how Becky's unique path from kindergarten teacher to HR leader shapes her empathetic approach, and gain valuable insights into recognizing the difference between temporary difficult behavior and toxic patterns. Whether you're a leader, manager, or team member, this episode provides actionable advice to navigate tricky interpersonal situations and foster a more positive and productive work environment.

In this episode of the Generous Benefits Podcast, host Amanda Brummitt is joined by Topher Reynoso, the founder of Kept, a company dedicated to transforming the off-boarding process into a moment of clarity and compassion. They explore the intricacies of post-employment transitions, focusing on the often-overlooked aspect of employee benefits when someone leaves a company. Topher offers insights into COBRA, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting its critical role in supporting individuals during job transitions. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and support in off-boarding, providing practical advice for employers to make this process smoother and more humane. The conversation also covers the impact of a thoughtful off-boarding experience on company reputation and future hiring, outlining how businesses can avoid common pitfalls and maintain a positive relationship with former employees. Tune in for expert tips on turning legal complexities into opportunities for kindness and connection.

Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with respect, courage, and a willingness to grow. On the latest episode of the Generous Benefits Podcast, our host reconnects with Chris Davis, SHRM-CP—a longtime friend and one of her first-ever bosses. Today, he’s a respected HR leader, coach, and champion for people-first leadership—and the wisdom he shared is well worth a listen. Here are a few gems from our conversation: 💬  “People, process, and then profits.” 💬  “Good leaders know the way, they show the way, and they go the way.” 💬  “You can’t shy away from difficult conversations.” They talk about about: ✅ Early lessons in leadership ✅ What leadership looks like in 2025 ✅ How to give hard feedback in a constructive, respectful way ✅ What new managers need to hear—but often don’t ✅ Why leadership and culture go hand in hand This one’s for anyone trying to lead with purpose and heart. Chris’s journey shows that leadership isn’t a title—it’s daily action rooted in care, courage, and consistency.  Chris shares so much wisdom from 25+ years in HR that challenges and encourages leaders.

Heidi Rasmussen, CEO and co-founder of freshbenies, joins Amanda Brummitt to talk about the real reason employees tune out benefits messaging. And how to fix it. From “trust collapse” and culture misfires to the power of simplicity, repetition, and internal marketing, Heidi shares actionable tactics to help HR leaders and CEOs communicate benefits with clarity, consistency, and a little fun. If you're investing in great benefits but struggling to get your team to engage, this conversation should guide your playbook.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) influence a significant portion of how employers handle prescription drug costs, yet many leaders still don’t fully understand how they operate behind the scenes. In this candid conversation, Amanda Brummitt sits down with longtime collaborators and friendly competitors Bret Brummitt and Alex Dampf to explore what PBMs are, how they make money, and the conflicts of interest that can arise. The discussion covers spread pricing, rebates, contract language, and the growing interest in transparent PBM models. It’s an honest look at what’s working, what’s not, and what employers should be paying close attention to. Alex and Bret also explain how to assess the value of a PBM, what to look for in contract terms, and why some cost-saving strategies may not deliver real value. This episode is filled with clear examples, practical advice, and a few dad joke laughs along the way. Topics include: The true role of PBMs in employer health plans Conflicts of interest in integrated PBM models Spread pricing and rebates explained The promise and limitations of transparent and pass-through PBMs Key contract terms and questions employers should be asking

Not all TPAs are created equal. In this candid conversation, Amanda Brummitt sits down with Matthew McCuen of Imagine360 to unpack what a third-party administrator actually does, why employers might choose one over a traditional insurance carrier, and how transparency, flexibility, and strategy make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether TPAs are just claim processors or if they can help transform your healthcare strategy, this episode clears the air and offers a practical roadmap for making better decisions.

In this candid and refreshingly unscripted episode, Amanda Brummitt sits down with longtime friends (and supposed competitors) Josh Butler and Bret Brummitt to talk shop and call out the worst offenders in the world of employee benefits. From predatory insurance products to opaque broker compensation, no sacred cow is safe. The trio breaks down what employers need to know about ICHRAs, PBMs, commission structures, and how to spot when a broker is prioritizing profit over people. With plenty of humor, transparency, and a few coffee-fueled tangents, this is a must-listen for any employer trying to do better by their team.