The Benefits Brief

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with newly installed NABIP President Mychal Walker to discuss his vision for the association and the priorities that will guide the year ahead. Mychal shares how NABIP is focused on strengthening financial stability, improving transparency and communication, expanding professional development, and enhancing advocacy efforts. He a...

In the inaugural episode of The Benefits Brief—recorded live at the 2026 NABIP Annual Convention—host David Saltzman is joined by Katherine Hempstead, senior policy officer for healthcare at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Mike Smith, president of The Brokerage, Inc., for a wide-ranging discussion on the current state of the health insurance ecosystem. Together, they explore the key trends...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman sits down with Jim Jusko, chief strategy officer at Excel Health Plans, to explore how hospital systems, provider networks, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) shape healthcare costs, competition, and consumer choice behind the scenes. Jim discusses the impact of consolidation, limited transparency, and anti-competitive practices on em...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman sits down with Dr. Efrat LaMandre ("Dr. E"), nurse practitioner, author, and healthcare advocate, to discuss the growing issue of medical gaslighting and why so many patients feel dismissed by the healthcare system. Dr. E explores how medical training, system incentives, and communication gaps can contribute to these experiences, while...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman sits down with Bianca Saul and Chris Vanderwolk of NABIP’s Employer Working Group to explore how member-driven ideas become real policy initiatives. They discuss the group’s role in identifying challenges facing employer-sponsored health plans and developing practical solutions that can be advanced at the state and national levels. The...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman sits down with Emily Trevino, senior managing partner at Wise Partners and a leader in NABIP’s Individual Working Group, to break down the new CMS Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule. Emily discusses how the rule aims to address fraud and enrollment issues in the ACA marketplace while creating new challenges for consumers...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman speaks with communication expert and Annual Convention Keynote Speaker John Colby about how improvisation skills can improve communication, sales, leadership, and networking. John explains how improv techniques help professionals think on their feet, listen more effectively, handle objections, and build stronger relationships through au...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman sits down with Daniel Metcalf, president of CyberFin and co-leader of NABIP’s Cybersecurity & AI Task Force, to discuss how cyber threats and artificial intelligence are rapidly reshaping the health insurance and benefits industry. Daniel explains why the task force was created, the growing risks facing agencies and clients, and how inc...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman continues his conversation with Chris Orestis, president of Retirement Genius, shifting the focus from retirement planning to the intersection of healthcare policy, advocacy, and politics. Drawing on his experience in Washington, D.C., Chris reflects on how healthcare and insurance policy are shaped over time and why persistence, member...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman sits down with Chris Orestis, president of Retirement Genius, to explore the critical gaps in retirement planning—particularly when it comes to healthcare and long-term care costs. Chris explains how a lack of financial literacy and avoidance of difficult conversations leave many Americans unprepared for the realities of aging, often le...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman sits down with Lunna Lopez, senior survey manager at the Kaiser Family Foundation, to examine how rising healthcare costs are affecting consumers’ insurance decisions and overall financial well-being. Drawing on recent KFF survey data, they explore how increases in premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs are forcing many marketpl...

In this timely episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman sits down with NABIP Medicare Advisory Group Chair Chalen Jackson for an in-depth discussion on the 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule, released last week. They break down key policy changes, including updates to Star Ratings and Part D provisions, and what they mean for both beneficiaries and advisors. The conversatio...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, David Saltzman sits down with Will Johnson, CEO and co-founder of Gyde Health, to discuss how AI and modern technology are transforming the insurance broker industry. They explore the historical underinvestment in brokers despite their role as the front door to the healthcare system, and how AI can automate administrative work to free up capacity for growt...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, David Saltzman sits down with Jennifer Berman, chief legal officer of Lumelight, to break down the key provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) 2026. The discussion focuses on expanded transparency requirements, including new prescription drug reporting and significant changes to compensation disclosure rules impacting brokers, TPAs, and oth...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, David Saltzman sits down with Joshua Brooker, co-founder and chief visionary officer of SnapHealth and chair of NABIP’s Individual Market Working Group, to break down NABIP’s 28-page comment letter to CMS on the proposed 2027 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP). Drawing on the Working Group’s expertise and insights, they explore key implication...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, David Saltzman interviews Lena Chaihorsky, co-founder and senior vice president of Payer Innovation at Alva10, discussing the concept of precision medicine and its implications for healthcare delivery. They explore the importance of pharmacogenomics, the role of brokers in implementing precision medicine, and the need for education among employers regardin...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman interviews Craig Gussin, president & CEO of Auerbach & Gussin. Craig shares his journey from starting in life and disability insurance to becoming a trusted media resource in health insurance. He discusses the importance of proactive media engagement, building relationships with media outlets, and effectively communicating with the publ...

Employers and health plans continue to face rising healthcare costs driven by chronic conditions, fragmented care delivery, and delayed access to services. In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman speaks with Jon O’Toole, chief revenue officer of Recuro Health, about how integrated virtual care models—connecting primary care, urgent care, and behavioral health—are emerging as...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman speaks with Dr. Darwin Hale, founder and CEO of Advocate Health Advisors, about the critical role of brokers in the healthcare system, particularly in Medicare Advantage. Dr. Hale shares his personal journey that led him to establish his company, emphasizing the importance of localized connections and trust in helping seniors navigate t...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman engages with NABIP President Susan Rider to discuss the evolving landscape of the benefits and insurance industry. They explore the fragmentation within the industry, the importance of member engagement, and the integration of technology and AI to enhance member services. Susan shares insights on professional development, the significan...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman discusses the importance of supplemental health benefits with Diana Steinhoff, president and CEO, and John Feeney, vice president of group sales and market development, from Renaissance Life and Health. They explore the rising healthcare costs and how supplemental benefits can help cover out-of-pocket expenses for employees. The convers...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, David Saltzman speaks with Pat Kelly, executive director and CEO of Your Health Idaho. They discuss the evolution of the health exchange since its inception in 2013, the critical role of agents and brokers in the enrollment process, and how a private sector mindset has enhanced customer experience. Pat shares insights on maintaining a competitive insurance...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, sponsored by EyeMed, David Saltzman discusses the importance of vision benefits with Jason Rome, chief commercial officer, and Dr. John Lahr, senior medical director, from EyeMed. They explore how eye exams can play a crucial role in early detection of medical conditions, the impact of eye health on overall well-being and productivity, and how vision benef...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, David Saltzman interviews Ray Seaver, CEO of Zizzl Health, discussing the innovative Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) model. They explore how ICHRAs provide employers with a flexible way to offer health insurance, addressing key pain points such as affordability and employee satisfaction. The conversation delves into the employe...

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, sponsored by RxBenefits, host David Saltzman and Rick Israel, partner at Life Line Insurance Consultants, discuss the significance of in-district meetings with legislators for healthcare professionals. They explore strategies for scheduling these meetings, the importance of preparation, and how to build lasting relationships with legislators. The conversat...