Business Of Health With Mike Martens podcast

32:00

Dr. Jack Forbush, DO is the owner of the Osteopathic Center for Family Medicine, Maine's first Direct Primary Care practice offering comprehensive, full-spectrum medical care for all ages including obstetrical and hospital care. He is also a founding member of both the Direct Primary Care Alliance and New England Direct Primary Care Alliance. Dr. Forbush has been and remains actively involved in "all things" related to Direct Primary Care. In addtion to the Direct Primary Care community, he serves in several leadership capacities in local, state, national and international organizations including the Andrea Ritz Clinics in Paraguay. In this episode of the Business of Health podcast, Mike Martens sits down with Dr. Jack Forbush to discuss his unique perspective on medical practice and the concept of direct primary care. Dr. Forbush challenges the traditional healthcare system, encouraging listeners to think differently about how medical care is provided. He shares his personal journey and the benefits he has seen through implementing a direct primary care model in his own practice. Dr. Jack Forbush begins by highlighting the frustrations he experienced with the system based on self-feeding and colluding arrangements. He shares how he discovered that medications and lab tests can be much cheaper than expected, and how negotiating and paying upfront for services without relying on insurance can be a refreshing change. He emphasizes the patient-centric approach in direct primary care practices, prioritizing accessibility and timely appointments. The conversation delves into the growth of direct primary care organizations and their goal of providing resources, education, and support to physicians who practice this model. Dr. Forbush explains how more physicians are adopting direct primary care and how employers are becoming increasingly interested in this approach to provide affordable and accessible healthcare to their employees. Throughout the episode, Dr. Jack Forbush highlights the benefits of direct primary care, including cost savings on medications, lab testing, and diagnostic procedures. He differentiates direct primary care from concierge medicine, emphasizing that it eliminates the complexities of insurance and enables a direct relationship between patients and physicians. Join us in this informative episode as Dr. Jack Forbush shares his insights and experiences with direct primary care, challenging the traditional healthcare system and offering a new approach to providing high-quality, cost-effective care. Three Takeaways Direct primary care offers a patient-centric approach. Employers are increasingly interested in direct primary care. Direct primary care models eliminate the complexities of insurance. Quote “We really wanted to provide an avenue to get more physicians doing direct primary care and serve as resources.” - Dr. Jack Forbush Resources Email Dr. Jack Forbush: jforbush@ocfm.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jforbush Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Website: www.firststaffbenefits.com…

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Krista Martens: The Core Ingredient of Wellness 28:01

1 year ago28:01

28:01

Krista Martens, MS, RD, CDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist who has seven years of professional experience as a registered dietitian. Her graduate school experience allowed her to practice in clinical, research, food service and community settings. Krista aims to provide culturally appropriate, science based, and compassionate care to help others identify and succeed in reaching their long- term nutrition goals. In this episode of the Business of Health podcast, Mike Martens speaks with Krista Martens about the crucial role of nutrition in overall wellness. Krista, with her expertise in nutrition and experience working with clients, sheds light on the difference between 'hashtag wellness' and true wellness, emphasizing the significance of mental health in adopting a healthy lifestyle. In today's social media-driven world, there is a perception of wellness propagated by diet programs promising quick results. However, true wellness encompasses various factors, including social well-being, mental health, physical health, and dietary lifestyle. Krista also highlights the importance of recognizing real wellness beyond its superficial portrayal on social platforms. Krista Martens points out that mental health plays a vital role in individuals' journey towards a healthy lifestyle. When it comes to nutrition, many clients have underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or disordered eating. This necessitates collaboration between dieticians and mental health professionals to address these complex challenges comprehensively. The concept of a sustainable lifestyle is introduced as an alternative to fad diets. Krista emphasizes the need for long-term changes in diet and exercise that are personalized to individual needs. Unlike diets that promise quick weight loss, a healthy lifestyle leads to sustainable outcomes, preventing disordered eating behaviors and promoting overall wellness. By focusing on mental health, adopting personalized lifestyle changes, and seeking professional guidance, individuals can achieve holistic wellness. Three Takeaways Understand the changing needs of the aging population. Advocate for comprehensive long-term care coverage. Promote aging in place with dignity. Quote “If we eat and exercise a certain way, then we get to look a certain way.” - Krista Martens Resources Email Krista Martens: k2ocunningham@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/krista-cunningham-ms-rdn-cdn-037955ba Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Website: www.firststaffbenefits.com…

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Dr. Char Hu: Aging in Place with Dignity 27:42

2 years ago27:42

27:42

Dr. Char Hu is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Helper Bees, an insurtech company successfully improving the home care experience for the payer and care recipient. They work with some of the world’s largest insurance carriers to deliver transformative experiences in digitization, sourcing great care options, and applying machine learning to power intelligent care and claim analytics and processing In this episode of the Business of Health podcast, Mike Martens welcomes Dr. Char Hu to discuss the topic of Aging in Place with Dignity. Dr. Char Hu, who has personal experience caring for aging parents, shares insights and expertise on the challenges and opportunities in the aging care industry. They delve into the importance of long-term care insurance, the evolving landscape of in-home caregiving, and the need for human-centered design in the aging population. As the average age in the US rises and the baby boomer generation enters their senior years, the topic of aging care has become more critical than ever before. Dr. Char Hu emphasizes the importance of long-term care insurance in ensuring a dignified aging experience. With the costs of in-home care, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities soaring, long-term care insurance provides financial security and peace of mind. Dr. Char Hu also highlights the significance of open dialogue with aging relatives and loved ones about their preferences and needs. By prioritizing choice, dignity, and well-being, we can ensure that aging individuals can age in place with the support and resources they require. Another crucial aspect discussed in the episode is the limited coverage provided by Medicare for long-term care facilities and caregivers. While Medicare does not cover custodial care, some Medicare Advantage plans have started incorporating certain non-medical services. This expansion of coverage is a positive step forward, but there is still work to be done to ensure comprehensive support for the aging population. By understanding the challenges and opportunities in the aging care industry, we can ensure the dignity and well-being of our loved ones as they navigate their golden years. Three Takeaways Understand the changing needs of the aging population. Advocate for comprehensive long-term care coverage. Promote aging in place with dignity. Quote “Since 1960, life expectancy has grown by 20 years.” - Dr. Char Hu Resources Email Dr. Char Hu: char@thehelperbees.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/charhu Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Website: www.firststaffbenefits.com…

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Adam Butcher: A Small Business ICHRA Success Story 27:00

2 years ago27:00

27:00

Adam Butcher is the owner and Vice President of Fred's Appliance LLC, an appliance repair service company that provides field service for all major home appliances in northeast Ohio with over 50 years of combined experience working on every make and model of appliance from such leading manufacturers as Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, GE, Frigidaire, Kenmore and countless others. They also offer a diverse technical training program that covers all aspects of appliance repair through the Fred’s Appliance Academy. In this episode of the Business of Health podcast, Mike Martens engages in an insightful conversation with Adam Butcher and shares his success story of utilizing Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA). Adam's experience sheds light on the challenges faced by small businesses in providing affordable and flexible health insurance options to their employees. By implementing ICHRA, Adam and his team found a solution that not only addressed these challenges but also empowered their employees to choose the coverage that best suits their individual needs. Join us as we dive into the details of Adam's journey and explore the key benefits and considerations of ICHRA. Three Takeaways Choose ICHRA for diverse, affordable plans. Use ICHRA to predict yearly health costs. Enjoy uninterrupted benefits with ICHRA. Resources Email Adam Butcher: abutcher@fredsappliance.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adam-butcher-98a78016 Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Website: www.firststaffbenefits.com Quote “In a traditional group policy, we're all experiencing incredible increases every year.” - Adam Butcher…

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Matt Noe: Improving the Broken Healthcare Space 33:41

2 years ago33:41

33:41

Matt Noe is a benefits consultant and business development executive at OneDigital with over 26 years of industry experience. Matt works with existing clients as well as develops new relationships in the challenged industry market. He works with employers to align their employee benefits programs with the employer’s goals and that high performing business leaders need to compete in the market. In January 2020, the Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) began to make waves in the group health marketplace. The ICHRA allows employers of all sizes to provide a tax-free health benefit to employees while allowing employees to select and purchase individual insurance policies that are suited to their unique needs. ICHRA can revolutionize the way businesses approach healthcare, offering a new solution for employers struggling with rising health insurance premiums. Matt Noe talks about ICHRA and its potential for reducing group health insurance costs. Matt believes that every employer has different objectives when it comes to ICHRA, and it's not always just about cost savings. Employers can modernize their approach to healthcare to attract and retain younger generations while still providing choices for Gen X and boomers. Matt also suggests that employers look at ICHRA from a global 3 to 5 year strategy and find a balance between employer objectives and cost savings. Education and communication are key in helping employees make informed decisions about their healthcare plan. Many employees have little knowledge of their current group health insurance plan and obtain information through utilization during open enrollment. Shifting the employee's understanding to know what they need and that it is different from others is simple. Although, the hardest part of ICHRA is not modeling benefits, but rather relating the information to employees who have never thought about health insurance before. Overall, ICHRA offers a new solution for employers who are tired of going through the same cycle every year to contain costs. It can help stabilize group health costs by putting employees in massive risk pools and offers various applications for businesses of any size. Employers who are challenged by the construct of their current medical plans and have reached a ceiling in certain states, regardless of vertical, become potential candidates for ICHRA. With ICHRA, healthcare should be treated like retirement plans, and employers should be given tools and a bucket of funds to make decisions on employee healthcare. Three Takeaways 1. Stabilize group health care costs. 2. Provide choices in health benefits. 3. Don’t be in the risk business. “The fact that an ICHRA plan has no participation requirement is a beautiful thing for a staffing firm..” - Matt Noe Resources Email Matt Noe: matt@mibenefits.world LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/matt-noe-251aab4a Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits…

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Nancy Giacolone: Key Ingredients to a Better Small Group Health Plan 27:28

2 years ago27:28

27:28

Nancy Giacolone is a seasoned insurance broker with over 30 years of experience in the industry. As the President of Olympic Crest Insurance, she specializes in providing health insurance solutions for small businesses. As a certified Health Rosetta Benefits Associate Advisor, Nancy is committed to providing her clients with exceptional service and transparency, educating her clients on making informed decisions about their health plans, and advocating for cost-effective solutions. The world of health insurance can be complex and confusing, especially for small business owners trying to navigate their options. In this episode of the Business of Health Podcast, host Mike Martens is joined by Nancy Giacolone, President of Olympic Crest Insurance, to discuss innovative health insurance solutions for small businesses. Nancy shares her insights on self-funding, an alternative to traditional health insurance plans that allows employers to take control of their healthcare expenses. By understanding their employees' healthcare needs and working with a knowledgeable broker, small businesses can benefit from self-funding and achieve significant cost savings. Direct primary care is another innovative solution that Nancy is a huge advocate of. She explains how this model offers unlimited visits, conversations, and open access to healthcare providers, making it a simple and valuable addition to any benefits package. However, there may be challenges in some states where medical cost sharing is not allowed. In addition to these innovative solutions, Nancy highlights the importance of understanding and complying with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements, especially when transitioning to self-funded plans. Ultimately, small business owners can navigate the complex world of health insurance by staying engaged, working with a knowledgeable broker, and exploring innovative solutions like self-funding and direct primary care. By utilizing resources and fostering relationships with healthcare professionals, employers can make informed decisions about their health plans and help their employees access the care they need. Three Takeaways Understand client needs first. Present change as a long-term plan. Compare prices for savings. Resources Book a Call with Nancy: www.calendly.com/nancygiacolone-oci LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-giacolone Website: www.olympiccrest.com Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Quote “Look at your group health plan with a long-term focus, not short.” -Nancy Giacolone…

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Al Kushner: Understanding Medicare 28:56

2 years ago28:56

28:56

Al Kushner is a recognized Financial Educator, Author, Speaker, Retirement Specialist, and the Founder of Superior Mutual Inc. He specializes in Medicare plans and represents national and regional carriers. Today, he joins Mike today to talk about Medicare. They highlight the most common mistakes made by individuals during the Medicare sign-up process and provide insights on how to avoid them. They also touch on the importance of understanding Medicare plans and representational carriers. Medicare is a great option for individuals over the age of 65 who need health insurance. The coverage is comprehensive and there are many different plans to choose from. However, it is important to remember that plans and coverage can change from year to year. This means that it is important to review the plan annually to make sure that it still meets the needs of the individual. Al explains that there are many mistakes that people can make when selecting a plan. He recommends that individuals seek help from someone who is knowledgeable about Medicare and can help them choose the best plan. He also points out that independent agents like himself do not charge for their services and can provide unbiased advice. He also continues to explain that telemedicine has become much more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has allowed people to access medical care from the comfort of their own homes. Telemedicine can be a great time and money saver, and in some cases, even a lifesaver. Finally, Al emphasizes the importance of reviewing the plan annually. He warns that procrastinating or making the wrong decision could lead to permanent penalties. He encourages people to become knowledgeable about the different plans available and to seek help from an independent agent. Overall, it is important to review Medicare plans annually to ensure that the plan still meets the individual's needs. Doing research and speaking to an independent agent can help people make an informed decision and get the best coverage possible. Three Takeaways Review Medicare plans annually. Sign up for Medicare timely. Evaluate options for best coverage. Resources Todd Archer Email: todd@cbscas.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-e-archer-a311588 Website: www.cbscas.com Mike Martens Email: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Quote “Make sure you sign up for Medicare within the designated enrollment period.”- Al Kushner…

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Todd Archer: Understanding Reference Based Pricing (RBP) 26:49

2 years ago26:49

26:49

Todd Archer is the President of Concierge Third Party Administrator, a company recognized as one of the nation’s premier industry leaders in third-party administration of self-funded health benefit plans for employer groups of all sizes. With over 35 years of experience, Todd has a proven track record in the field of health benefits third-party administration. He joins Mike today to delve into the topic of reference-based pricing, a reimbursement approach that relies on Medicare allowable rates. They discuss the origins and evolution of this concept. Reference-based pricing (RBP) is gaining traction as an effective method for employers to reduce their healthcare expenses. This pricing model emerged as a solution to the flawed US healthcare system, where consumers often remain uninformed about the cost of treatments until after receiving them. RBP operates by establishing treatment prices based on Medicare allowables. This enables employers to pay a fixed amount for treatments instead of depending on the carrier's explanation of benefits. As a result, employers have a clear understanding of treatment costs upfront, allowing them to plan accordingly. Moreover, it empowers employers to negotiate better discounts with healthcare providers, as they are aware of the maximum payable amount. In summary, reference-based pricing offers employers a viable way to cut healthcare costs while maintaining quality care for their employees. This approach gives employers greater control over expenses, facilitates better discounts with providers, and ensures upfront knowledge of treatment costs, aiding in effective planning. Due to these advantages, reference-based pricing is becoming an increasingly sought-after option for employers looking to save on healthcare costs. Three Takeaways Reference-based pricing saves money. Implement RBP with care. Communicate effectively for success. Resources Email Todd Archer: todd@cbscas.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-e-archer-a311588 Website: www.cbscas.com Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Quote “Reference-based pricing tends to have a larger pricing impact on urban areas than rural areas.”…

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Stacy Barrow: Employee Benefit Issues During Acquisition 22:02

2 years ago22:02

22:02

Stacy Barrow is a Partner at Barrow Weatherhead Lent LLP, and one of the nation’s leading experts on the Affordable Care Act. He uses a practical, business-focused approach to counsel his clients on all matters related to employee benefit plans. Today, Stacy and Mike discuss the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, particularly how two groups may end up a control group and the compliance requirements of such a situation. When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, it is important to pay attention to control groups. Control groups are created when two groups come together, and they require companies to be treated as a single unit for certain purposes of federal tax law and ERISA. This allows a single entity, treated as a single employer for ERISA purposes, to offer a single employer group health plan. There are various types of control groups. A parent-subsidiary control group is typically created when one company purchases all the stock of another, or at least 80% of it. Brother-sister control groups also require at least 80% common ownership between five or fewer of the same individuals, trusts, or estates. Additionally, there are affiliated service groups or management organizations, which can exist at an ownership of less than 80%, down to 25% or even 0%. From an HR and benefits professional perspective, they can merge the health plans into one of the existing company's plans. It is also important to pay attention to 401K plans, as there may be certain yellow flags that need to be addressed. Overall, it is important to pay attention to control groups when it comes to mergers and acquisitions. Understanding the various types of control groups, and what their implications can be, is key to ensuring a smooth transition. Three Takeaways Stay in front of your client’s acquisition. ICHRA has been growing exponentially. Know your MEWA risks. Resources Email Stacy Barrow: sbarrow@marbarlaw.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stacy-barrow-21a9133 Website: marbarlaw.com Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Quote “Make sure that you have access to all of the payroll Information that you have.”…

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Dr. Josh Umbehr, MD: The Measurable ROI Using Direct Primary Care in Your Health Insurance Plan 28:23

2 years ago28:23

28:23

Dr. Josh Umbehr is a board-certified family practice physician and the Founder and Owner of Atlas MD, a membership-based direct primary care practice company providing family healthcare that is immediate, thorough, comprehensive, specific, easily affordable, and personal. Today, Dr. Josh and Mike discuss how the U.S. healthcare system is broken and talks about the benefits of Direct Primary Care (DPC). DPC is a healthcare model that eliminates the need for health insurance and provides direct access to a primary care physician. It is an innovative approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventive care, personalized care, and cost savings. Dr. Josh Umbehr believes that there are measurable outcomes from DPC. Members of a DPC practice have access to healthcare immediately, without having to wait weeks or months for an appointment. They also have access to more affordable meds and labs, which helps to reduce the cost of healthcare. Overall, DPC is a great solution to the problem of high medication costs. By providing direct access to healthcare and more affordable medications, DPC allows patients to get the care they need without having to worry about high costs. For these reasons, DPC is becoming an increasingly popular option for those looking for a better way to access healthcare. Three Takeaways Cut healthcare costs with Direct Primary Care. Access to healthcare is important. Save money on medications with DPC. Resources Email Dr. Josh Umbehr: drjosh@atlas.md LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshumbehrmd/ Website: https://atlas.md Email Mike Martens: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Quote “With Direct Primary Care, you have access to your provider whenever you need it.”…

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Kyle Estep: Exploring the Benefits of ICHRA 34:00

2 years ago34:00

34:00

Kyle Estep is the Vice President of Growth at Take Command Health, a company offering an end-to-end Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) platform solution for employers adopting the new individual coverage reimbursement model of employee benefits. In this episode, Mike and Kyle discuss the health care policy landscape, the impact of ICHRA on the individual market, and how employers can benefit from options like the QSEHRA. The Individual Coverage HRA (ICHRA) is a relatively new concept in the world of health care that is empowering employers to take control of their health care costs. ICHRA is a type of health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) that allows employers to provide their employees with tax-free reimbursements for health care expenses. The ICHRA was introduced in 2020, but its predecessor, the Qualified Small Employer HRA (QSEHRA), has been in existence since 2017. ICHRA is beneficial for employers because it gives them more control over their health care costs. Employers are able to customize their plans to meet the needs of their employees, rather than relying on the group market for their coverage. This allows employers to provide more cost-effective coverage to their employees and to tailor their plans to meet the specific needs of their workforce. Overall, the ICHRA program is a great option for employers looking to provide their employees with more choice and access to care. It is cost-effective, provides more options and stability, and allows employers to provide their employees with the coverage they need. Three Takeaways Shop for the best health plan. Employees need more choice. Communication is key to success. Resources Email Kyle: kyle@takecommandhealth.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kyle-estep-8048828 Contact Mike Martens: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Email: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com Quote “When the ICHRA came into being, it has grown 3.5 times in just 2 years.”…

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Mike Martens: The Great ICHRA Disruption 8:39

2 years ago8:39

8:39

Mike Martens explains voluntary disruption today. This important concept is about enabling employees to pick the health insurance they prefer with payroll deduction benefits. Between 2020 and 2022, businesses offering ICHRA escalated by three and a half times. In order to take full advantage of ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) and QSEHRA (Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement), insurance producers and HR executives need to understand them. Attending conferences, listening to podcasts, and reaching out to companies like Take Command, are a huge help in ICHRA implementation and administration. By staying up to date on the latest developments, producers can provide clients with the best possible options. The group health insurance market is in desperate need of disruption. By taking advantage of ICHRA and QSEHRA, employers and employees have more control over their health insurance benefits and have more choice in their coverage. It is up to insurance producers and HR executives to stay informed and take advantage of these opportunities in order to help clients stay healthy and stay profitable. Three Takeaways Get Group Health Insurance Back on Track Budget Your Corporate and Personal Health Care Dollars Get Your Clients Know About ICHRA Quote “Between 2020-2022, the number of people offering ICHRA went up by 3.5x.” Resources Contact Mike Martens: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Contact Mike through email: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com…

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Janet Trautwein: Post Mid-Term Election Congressional Update 25:44

2 years ago25:44

25:44

Janet Trautwein is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals and President of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals Foundation in Washington, D.C. Janet is a highly saught-after speaker who focuses on health insurance markets, the uninsured, risk pooling, and tax issues. Health insurance is impacted dramatically by state and federal policy. Janet watches elections very closely as they can sway compliance, rules, and taxes. Janet explains the importance of watching governor's races and committee chairs. These elections matter far more that even federal elections. They discuss the impacts and possibility of capping the employer tax exclusion, telemedicine, and workforce improvement. In this episode, Janet and Mike discuss the recent mid-term congressional elections. What policies could agents and brokers face in the coming years as a result? The health insurance landscape is changing, so stay up to date with each episode of Business of Health. Three Takeaways Pay attention to what is happening at your state level Know and communicate with you state and federal legislators Changes to Medicare and Medicaid trickle down to the commercial markets. Resources Email Janet: JTrautwein@nahu.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-stokes-trautwein-72670b4 Contact Mike Martens: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Contact Mike through email: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com Quote “Everytime someone mentioned they might try to do something bipartisan, it’s complete heresy to people. They get a lot of really hard pushback.”…

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Danny Creed: Power of Words and the DISC Personality System 28:47

2 years ago28:47

28:47

Danny Creed is a certified business executive, sales coach, and bestselling author. He is the seven-time winner of the Brian Tracy Award for Sales Excellence. Danny is also a celebrity coach and the founder of the Danny Creed Group. This episode is about The benefits of using the DISC system in various areas of life. Danny Creed learned about The benefits of using the DISC system in various areas of life from a variety of sources, including his own personal experience. The main points of the episode are that the DISC system can help you be a better communicator, understand yourself and others better, and be more successful in sales and other areas of life. Three Takeaways Learn to be a master communicator Practical applications for everyday use use DISC and watch your revenue grow! Resources Connect with Danny: linkedin.com/in/businesscoachdan Transform your business: www.realworldbusinesscoach.com Contact Mike Martens: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Contact Mike through email: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com Quote “When you adapt to their personality, then and only then can you manage the conversation.” - Danny Creed…

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David Smith: The Growth of "Wearable" Technology 24:33

2 years ago24:33

24:33

David Smith is the president and chief revenue officer of Ilumivu. Ilumivu is a company that was founded in 2009 that provides technology and research for wearable devices. These devices are used to help people with things such as mindfulness, meditation, and behavioral and mental health. David Smith has led sales at Fortune 5 companies (Optum/UnitedHealthcare) and multiple early-stage growth companies in healthcare such as Dakota Imaging, EngagePoint, and ElectrifAi. In this episode, Mike and David discuss the implications of wearable devices in the health industry. Ilumivu recently acquired Cardiogram which allows for any standard smartwatch to be used to pre-diagnose certain conditions like AFib, hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Wearable devices are going to transform the health industry in many ways, and today, we’re taking a look at the trends that impact you! Three Takeaways 1. Wearable technology can be used to pre diagnosed conditions like AFib, hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea 2. How this technology can be used to monitor and manage recovery time for athletes 3. How the data from a standard a wearable device can be used to improve emergency detection and long-term care management Quote “Democratization of wearable devices, allows this to get into the hands and on the arms of underserved populations.” Resources Connect with David Smith: linkedin.com/in/tdavidsmith Email: david@ilumivu.com Website: https://ilumivu.com Contact Mike Martens: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Contact Mike through email: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com…

Business of Health with Mike Martens

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Elizabeth Raggio: Changes to IRS ACA Reporting 32:27

2 years ago32:27

32:27

When you work with an employer or group that has 50 or more employees, at some point, you will need to understand the process of responding to IRS notifications - a process that Elizabeth Raggio walks us through in this episode. In this episode you will learn: Elizabeth Raggio is a compliance attorney with the ETC company. She has been with ETC since 2016 and is the Director of Compliance. Raggio explains that the ACA has two primary obligations for employers: to offer the right kind of coverage to the right people, and to report the type of offer made to all employees using specific forms. If an employer does not do these things, they risk exposure to a penalty. The most common letter employers receive from the IRS is the 56 99 letter, which is sent when the IRS does not have forms on file for the employer. Let’s avoid that Key Takeaways: 1. The importance of understanding the IRS notification process for employer shared responsibility penalties 2. The potential impacts of not correctly reporting information to the IRS 3. The importance of having good data to correctly calculate penalties. "You really want someone that understands the reporting obligations to make sure what you reported was correct because that's how the IRS calculates penalty." Resources: linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-raggio-a8a389a elizabeth@eligibilitytrackingcalculators.com linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits mikem@firststaffbenefits.com…

Business of Health with Mike Martens

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The Key Ingredients to Maximize Enhanced Benefits ft. Eric Silverman 32:13

2 years ago32:13

32:13

In this episode, Mike Martens welcomes Eric Silverman, one of the most innovative and influential brokers in the industry today. Eric explains the right terms applicable to enhanced benefits, which are usually provided for by the company to their employers. As an expert on employer-funded benefits, Eric shares his insights on the difference between voluntary benefits and enhanced benefits. He explains why employers should be keen and critical in integrating the benefit packages into their systems to avoid potential complications, and why companies need to promote their benefit packages to recruit people into their company instead of just promoting their company culture. Three Takeaways Ongoing benefit messaging is valuable. Enhanced benefits need to have better positioning It’s important for advisors to be an expert on the subject-matter. Quote “The destination is not as superior as the journey. The journey far outweighs the destination.” Eric’s Achievements Eric received the 2017 “Voluntary Adviser of the Year” award by Employee Benefit Adviser (EBA) magazine. He serves on the Workplace Benefits Association Advisory Board He has been honored as a “Rising Star in Advising” He was voted as 1 of the top 30 “Benefit Pros to Follow” on Twitter He can be found within EBA’s online magazine as a regularly featured commentator. Resources Connect with Eric Silverman: linkedin.com/in/silvermaneric Visit their company website: voluntarydisruption.com Contact Mike Martens: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Contact Mike through email: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com In This Episode 0:00 Introduction 2:26 What is Voluntary Disruption? 6:42 How to prioritize the benefits package 14:40 Topical messages 18:00 How soon can you start a pre-enrollment communication? 21:40 Response rates for post-enrollment survey 23:27 Key elements in creating an enhanced benefit platform 27:11 How do systems work? 30:10 Reach out to Eric Silverman…

Business of Health with Mike Martens

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Solving the Disconnect in Healthcare Technology ft. Stephen Dean 23:16

2 years ago23:16

23:16

Stephen Dean co-founded Keona Health to simplify the tedious process that providers have to go through with healthcare technology. With his background in information technology, Stephen and his co-founders came up with a systematic customer relationship software built for healthcare. In this episode, Mike and Stephen discuss the major disconnect in the medical community such as fragmented technical systems, inaccessible providers for immediate needs, and inconsistencies in data sources. Keona Health addresses these gaps with the aid of artificial intelligence so that patients can easily access solutions to their inquiries and problems at all times. Three Takeaways Efficient CRM systems simplify the complexities of healthcare technology. Healthcare systems can help provide a smooth customer experience. Keona Health focuses on customer input rather than corporate direction. “At the end of the day, we provide a positive patient experience and make everybody's life easier.” - Stephen Dean Stephen’s Achievements With his experience and expertise in information technology, he built several start-ups. He co-founded Keona Health to simplify healthcare technology’s complicated process. He received his MBA from Duke. Resources Contact Steven Dean through email: stephen@keonahealth.com Visit Keona Health’s Official Website: https://www.keonahealth.com/ Contact Mike Martens: linkedin.com/in/firststaffbenefits Contact Mike through email: mikem@firststaffbenefits.com In This Episode 0:00 Introduction 1:33 Overview of Keona Health 3:28 Major disconnect in the medical community 11:33 Pivoting to a full-blown healthcare CRM 13:07 Measurable patient satisfaction 19:48 Long-term plans 21:54 Reach out to Stephen Dean…

Business of Health with Mike Martens

1
NAHU CEO Addresses the Health Care Issues Ft. Janet Trautwein 21:36

2 years ago21:36

21:36

Janet Trautwein is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU). Also serving as the president of the NAHU Education Fund in Washington DC, she oversees the activities affiliated with employee benefits programs in the design, implementation and management of health plans. Janet shares details about the NAHU’s current activities, initiatives and prospects. Pushing to address the issues in the industry, NAHU continues to coordinate with government agencies in regulating and providing plans and resolving penalties. Their annual conferences also offer an opportunity where their members learn and network. Resources Visit the NAHU website: http://nahu.org/ Connect with Janet Trautwein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-stokes-trautwein-72670b4/ Learn more about Business of Health here: www.firststaffbenefits.com In This Episode 0:00 Introduction 1:56 Significant topics covered at the NAHU Conference 3:50 Addressing the industry’s issues 7:35 Mental health parity 8:33 Changes in employer requirements 10:42 Penalties 12:33 Areas with most inquiry 16:50 The next annual meeting…

Business of Health with Mike Martens

1
Amp up your Client’s EAP ft. John Troutman 25:06

2 years ago25:06

25:06

The pandemic has seen a global spike for solutions to address mental health issues. Whether the issues stem from personal or work-related causes, solutions need to be accessible for people and organizations that need them most. In this episode, Mike welcomes John Troutman, the National Marketing Director for Mazzitti and Sullivan EAP Services. They provide employee assistance programs by conducting onsite training from the c-suite level down to the employees. With a focus on mental health solutions, they integrate innovative approaches in their programs, such as utilizing AI to address cognitive behavioral problems. Stressors include not just health and employment, but they come from the consequences of the pandemic such as inflation and economic gaps and insecurity. They ensure that their programs particularly address the specific needs of their clients. Resources Connect with John Troutman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntroutmaneapsolutions/ Visit the Official MS EAP website: https://www.mseap.com/ Read more about the mental health issues spike here: https://insurancenewsnet.com/innarticle/ebri-finds-higher-spending-on-mental-health-disorders-from-2013-to-2020 In This Episode 0:00 Introduction 1:00 Introducing John Troutman 2:30 Statistics of mental health needs 4:00 What can EAP do to resolve mental health services gaps? 5:02 High increase of mental health solutions 7:02 Key points for solutions 8:40 Addressing c-suite work-site violence 9:30 Measurement tools to benchmark progress 11:06 Addressing personal problems 13:47 The future is AI 16:56 Campus Program 21:27 The best approach in carrying out their services 23:19 What happened with telemedicine?…

Business of Health with Mike Martens

1
Set up for Success ft. Danny Creed 25:32

3 years ago25:32

25:32

The pandemic brought devastating challenges to many industries and individuals. For Danny Creed and his clients, the last two years brought an opportunity for growth. As a professional and certified business and executive coach, Danny encourages his clients to bear a positive mindset and maintain an enthusiastic attitude in any phase and facet in their careers. Entrepreneurs and business executives consider his advice and guidance factors to achieve lucrative success. Having written multiple best-selling books while excelling as a business coach, Danny may seem to wear many hats. But he discourages anyone from doing everything all at once. Priority management is key towards achieving one’s long-term goal. Danny believes that there are always opportunities in any given situation. One just has to seek them every day when possibilities are endless. Resources: Get a FREE Copy of Dan's E-Book Power of Words by shooting an email to mikem@firststaffbenefits.com Connect with Danny Creed: linkedin.com/in/businesscoachdan Visit Real World Business Coach Website: www.realworldbusinesscoach.com Connect with First Staff Benefits on Linked In: https://bit.ly/3RmwWla Visit First Staff Benefits’ Official Website: www.firststaffbenefits.com In This Episode 0:00 Introduction 2:00 Growth During the Pandemic 3:41 The Worst Times in Business History 4:29 Two Types of Mindset 7:50 The Number One Goal 10:40 Priority Management 12:36 Goal Setting 14:38 DiSC Program 16:00 Benefits of Communication 18:24 Case Study 22:51 Free Copy of Danny’s Book 23:00 Summer of Success Series 23:57 Overdrive…

Business of Health with Mike Martens

1
Managing ACA IRS filings ft. Matt Scott 30:20

3 years ago30:20

30:20

How long does the IRS notify companies about possible penalties? ETC Companies Director of Sales Matt Scott knows the timeline and the exact ways to prevent and reduce them. Serving clients in Houston, Texas and beyond, ETC Companies assists employers in their ACA IRS filing. While the IRS’ response can lead up to two years from the filing date, every information that a company provides is crucial. Matt stresses the importance of data and indicator codes. These will determine whether or not the company has complied with their provisions. To prevent or reduce penalties, the business has to be specific in their reports. They also need to archive their company records because these can be the best defense against miscalculated penalties. Matt shares more of the process in this episode. Resources: ETC Companies: www.eligibilitytrackingcalculators.com Email: matt@etctracking.com Connect with First Staff Benefits on Linked In: https://bit.ly/3RmwWla Visit First Staff Benefits’ Official Website: www.firststaffbenefits.com In This Episode 0:00 Introduction 1:50 Two Equal Aspects to ACA Compliance 2:36 IRS Reporting 4:00 Timing of Penalties 8:10 Time Period of Potential Issues 10:28 Reducing Penalties 12:10 Role of ACA 14:51 Understanding ACA 16:17 Benefits of an Excellent Team 19:22 Prospecting Tool 22:12 Connect with Matt 22:58 Get To Know More About Matt…

Business of Health with Mike Martens

1
Managing ERISA Reporting Profitability ft. Jay Rodney 16:57

3 years ago16:57

16:57

Jay Rodney is the co-founder and CEO of RTO Benefits LLC. The company specializes in developing custom solutions, compliance documents, and nondiscrimination testing for their clients in all markets. Jay explains how his company streamlines the tedious process and crucial documentation that employers have to go through for their extensive and inclusive benefit plans. Federal laws like the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) often have a rigorous compliance process, but RTO Benefits LLC can help companies comply easily with the right documents. Catering to the needs of brokers, human resource companies, and insurance agents, RTO Benefits LLC simplifies every complex requirement and paperwork down to the last detail. Depending on the demands of the market, Jay makes sure that their clients have the resources they need for compliance and completion. Resources: Official website: https://rtobenefits.com/ Linked In: Jay S. Rodney II Email address: jay@rtocompany.com Connect with First Staff Benefits on Linked In: https://bit.ly/3RmwWla Visit First Staff Benefits’ Official Website: www.firststaffbenefits.com In this Episode: 0:00 Introduction 1:16 RTO Benefits 2:45 Compliance Documents 3:40 ICHRA Opportunities 5:35 Streamlined Processes 6:37 ERISA’s Coverage 7:47 Exclusion 8:20 Penalties for Non-Compliance 10:57 Steps to Consider With an Employer 12:45 Enforcements 15:08 Get To Know Jay…

Business of Health with Mike Martens

1
About the Business of Health & Mike Martens 4:33

3 years ago4:33