The Healthcare Hangover

In this episode, Emma and David dive into the gut punch of losing a long-time client right before Thanksgiving. After saving them a jaw-dropping $85 million, the client still jumped ship, swayed by a new exec chasing the clout of a big-name broker. The conversation cuts into the disconnect between what employers think their employees want and what they actually need in healthcare.   Emma and David...

In this episode, Emma and David delve into the shocking assassination of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, exploring its implications on the American healthcare system. They discuss the public's lack of sympathy for Thompson, highlighting how his leadership contributed to a significant increase in denial rates for healthcare services. The conversation reveals a growing awareness among c...

In this thrilling episode, we dive deep into the drama of healthcare and politics, exploring how recent elections could transform the future of healthcare legislation. Our hosts dissect the heated debate around RFK’s controversial healthcare nomination, questioning the leadership behind life-altering decisions for millions. We then shift to the inspiring rise of grassroots movements fighting for a...

Hosts Emma and David pull back the curtain on the explosive $7.75 billion deal between Marsh and McGriff, unpacking what this massive consolidation means for healthcare costs, broker incentives, and the future of the industry. Is your broker really working for you? Or are big players pulling the strings? They dive into the controversial concept of employer 'Stockholm syndrome,' debate the value of...

In this episode, Emma & David break down the world of self-funding in healthcare, tackling the big myths and uncovering game-changing strategies. Employers often fear self-funding is too risky, but guess what? Many are already doing it through captives without even knowing! They’ll explain the difference between fully insured and self-funded plans, clearing up the confusion. The conversation then...

In this episode of Healthcare Hangover, Emma and David dive into a head-to-head comparison of the healthcare policies shaping the 2024 election. They break down Kamala Harris’s plan to expand the Affordable Care Act and continue Medicare price negotiations, while Donald Trump pushes for deregulation and more private Medicare options. But are either of them really addressing the root problem—runawa...

In this eye-opening episode of Healthcare Hangover, we explore the powerful, emerging world of ketamine-assisted therapy. Inspired by the Netflix documentary How to Change Your Mind, the conversation kicks off with personal stories of overcoming anxiety and panic attacks, shedding light on the emotional breakthroughs that ketamine therapy can unlock. Our hosts dive deep into their transformative e...

In this episode, David & Emma tackle the shocking truths about the U.S. healthcare system and how insurance, rather than providing financial relief, can often leave you paying far more than if you went without it. Our hosts dissect the myth of negotiated insurance discounts, explore real-world examples of inflated costs, and question why Americans continue to pay exorbitant premiums, deductibles,...

In this episode, our hosts dive into the systemic issues plaguing healthcare, from doctor compensation and broker commissions to the broader dysfunction of the benefits system. They reveal how misaligned incentives lead to inefficiency, frustration, and rising costs, all while touching on key insights from the recent Health Benefits Nation conference. Topics include the controversy around GLP-1 me...

In this eye-opening episode, David Contorno and Emma Fox dive into the harsh realities many face in accessing life-saving medications for chronic conditions. They share a heartfelt story of an 11-year-old boy desperate to help his mother, who lost access to her crucial MS medication due to an unexpected change in her health insurance plan. The discussion sheds light on the complexities of health i...

In this episode, Emma Fox and David Contorno explore the intertwined complexities of fiduciary responsibility and the hidden costs in healthcare. As employers face increasing scrutiny under ERISA and rising lawsuits, the conversation unpacks the critical roles of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and healthcare carriers in shaping healthcare pricing. They discuss spread pricing, the importance of t...

In this eye-opening episode, Emma Fox and David Contorno dive deep into the often-overlooked mechanisms that drive healthcare costs higher year after year. Emma shares her viral LinkedIn post about being "anti-BUCA" (Blue Cross, United, Cigna, Aetna) and the heated debate that followed. The conversation unveils the truth behind medical loss ratios, pre-certification practices, and the intricate sy...

In this episode, Emma Fox and David Contorno dive into the whirlwind of 2024, a year that began with optimism but quickly spiraled into a series of unexpected health challenges. David opens up about his harrowing experience with chronic pain, a spiritual trip to Costa Rica that led to a cascade of health issues, and the discovery of acute kidney failure. The duo discusses the importance of underst...

In episode 20 of The Healthcare Hangover, David Contorno and Emma Fox discuss alarming healthcare facts, including the US's high healthcare spending, lack of guaranteed health coverage, and avoidable deaths. They also touch on the impact of COVID-19 on life expectancy and vaccination rates. Tune in to gain insights into the healthcare system's financial challenges and the need for reform. TIMESTAM...

In episode 19 of The Healthcare Hangover, David Contorno and Emma Fox delve into the complexities of the healthcare system, touching on issues such as access to care, the influence of lobbyists, and the future of healthcare entities. Tune in as they explore the challenges and nuances of the healthcare industry. TIMESTAMPS [00:01:25] Disappointing Experience with Direct Primary Care (DPC). [00:06:5...

In episode 18 of The Healthcare Hangover, David Contorno and Emma Fox discuss their recent trip to Dallas and a new project they've been working on. They also talk about the challenges of the healthcare system and the need for a holistic approach to fixing it. Tune in to hear their insights and find out how you can get involved in making a difference in your own community. TIMESTAMPS [00:02:43] La...

In episode 17 of The Healthcare Hangover, David Contorno and Emma Fox discuss their frustration with employers giving up on finding effective healthcare plans. They delve into the importance of retention rates in the industry and express their concerns with consultants who seem to be giving up too easily.  Tune in to hear their passionate discussion about the need for persistence in finding altern...

In episode 16 of The Healthcare Hangover, David Contorno and Emma Fox discuss their experiences with political influences in the healthcare system. They share their frustrations with trying to make change through traditional channels and how they found themselves in high-level political circles. They talk about their background in lobbying and the lack of impact they felt.  Tune in to hear about t...

In episode 15 of The Healthcare Hangover, David Contorno and Emma Fox dive into the topic of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, exploring their effectiveness, financial implications, and the debate surrounding their accessibility for weight loss. Tune in as they navigate and share their insights through this issue. TIMESTAMPS [00:00:30]  Introduction to GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs [00:01:00]  Weight Loss and Fi...

In episode 14 of The Healthcare Hangover, David Contorno and Emma Fox discuss the challenges and headaches of the healthcare system. They dive into the busy season and the lack of breaks they’re experiencing. They also talk about their upcoming conference and the exciting topics and speakers they have lined up, including discussions on psychedelic therapy, infertility support, and the correlation...

In episode 13 of The Healthcare Hangover, David Contorno and Emma Fox discuss the deceptive practices of hospitals and the importance of consumer education in the healthcare system. They dive into topics such as the lack of transparency in hospital pricing, the need for consumers to ask the right questions, and the benefits of direct primary care.  Tune in to hear their insights on this issue in t...

The healthcare system is often a source of frustration for many, with a lack of respect and transparency being at the forefront of these grievances. David Contorno and Emma Fox, two advocates for healthcare reform, share their perspectives on this issue. They express their frustration over doctors' overbooking, rising rates, and worsening benefits, attributing these issues to unrealistic productiv...

The topic of promoting transparency and ethical conduct in healthcare benefits advising is a critical one in today's healthcare industry. David Contorno and Emma Fox, both advocates for this cause, believe that by verifying the transparency and ethical conduct of benefits advisors, employers can be directed to the right advisors, ultimately solving issues such as bad insurance and inflated healthc...

The American health insurance system, a complex and costly issue, is a topic that has been the subject of much debate and controversy. Many Americans struggle to afford health insurance, and the system is largely profit-driven, with pharmaceutical companies and insurance providers reaping billions in profits. However, there are alternatives and potential solutions to these challenges. David Contor...

In the complex world of healthcare, issues of inauthenticity and deceptive practices are becoming increasingly prevalent. David Contorno and Emma Fox, seasoned professionals in the industry, offer a unique perspective on this issue. They express their frustration with individuals and companies who claim to support certain healthcare practices without any substantial experience or evidence to back...