Tune in to learn how to think like a CHRO, benchmark your current programs, use technology to lighten your load, and create a workplace where people truly thrive. This episode is your no-nonsense guide to elevating HR from compliance taskmaster to strategic business driver so you and your people can win, together.

The origin story of PBMs and how it all went sideways The real story behind rebates and why “pass-through” doesn’t always mean what you think How vertical integration and offshore contracts allow PBMs to hide profits in plain sight 40 ways PBMs make money (and how to spot the red flags in your contract) Actionable strategies like international sourcing, manufacturer assistance, and 340B pricing that can drastically reduce costs without impacting employee experience

The episode navigates the complicated world of fiduciary duty and ERISA compliance, especially within the healthcare industry. We chat about the essentials of proving harm and the indispensable role that documenting decision-making processes plays in shielding your company from legal trouble.

You’ll learn: -What fiduciary duty actually looks like in practice (and in court) -Why the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 is a game-changer for -employer-sponsored plans -How to identify and eliminate conflicts of interest across your benefit ecosystem -What brokers aren’t telling you—and why that matters -Practical steps you can take today to realign incentives and protect your people

Key Topics: -Fiduciary-driven health plan design -Transparent pricing and plan accountability -Direct primary care and local care access -Employee communication and leadership trust -Real-world savings and improved outcomes

Joining Chelsea is professional liability expert Paul Hacker, who breaks down the essential insurances every fiduciary committee should have, including fiduciary insurance, directors & officers coverage, cyber insurance, errors & omissions, and fidelity bonds. With recent lawsuits personally naming HR executives and financial officers, it’s never been more critical to ensure you and your team are protected. Tune in as we unpack what these policies cover, how they’re priced, and why even fully insured plans aren’t exempt from fiduciary liability. Don’t leave yourself exposed—get the insights you need to safeguard your role and your company.

We also break down the hidden truths behind insurance pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, and hospital billing practices—exposing how businesses are often overcharged without even realizing it. Learn how Kalos Services leveraged transparency, direct primary care, and strategic cost controls to take back control of their healthcare expenses while enhancing coverage for their employees.

-Why healthcare benefits need the same due diligence as retirement plans -How compensation models drive broker behavior—and what to demand instead -A real case study showing 46% savings in broker fees -Why the current healthcare system is broken—and how litigation and legislation are forcing change -What you need to start doing now to protect your plan, your budget, and your people

-Why the 80/20 ACA rule can push premiums up, and what that means for your plan -How to move from reactive renewals to a strategic, employer-controlled model -The difference between fully insured and self funded, and why risk is often misunderstood -How nurse navigation and quality data reduce complications and total spend -Practical first steps to align incentives with an advisor who works for you -When to use bundled, direct contracting, international pharmacy, and reference based pricing -Why better quality often equals lower cost, and how to steer members to it

In this episode: -The red flag no one should ignore: being blocked from your own carrier portal -No access to your ben-admin system and why that traps you from shopping the market -Asking for compensation disclosures under CAA 2021 and getting a flat “no” -Fear tactics about big carriers and how to verify before you trust -Sticker shock: $125 PEPM broker fees and how to benchmark what is reasonable -Perks over performance: NHL boxes, steak dinners, and fiduciary duty -“Broker severance” and the myth of 250 years of benefits experience -“Local” vs. “large” broker labels and what actually matters -Being told you are a “small client” and why that is never an excuse -Shiny value-adds vs. real cost and quality outcomes Key takeaways: -It is your plan and your data. Own the logins, the reports, the invoices. -Verify before you trust. Ask for proof, not talking points. -Benchmark compensation and services against outcomes, not perks. -Hold every vendor accountable to frequency and severity of claims, not swag.