Impact Healthcare Podcast

Lester J. Morales
Impact Healthcare Podcast Podcast

Health benefits, one of the top 3 organizational expenses, become increasingly more costly each year with no end in sight. Health insurance disruptor Lester J. Morales interviews cutting-edge industry leaders implementing innovative strategies to lower healthcare costs by more than 20% while improving care quality for employees and their families. Need to see it to believe it? Subscribe to Impact Healthcare now!

  1. 18 SEPT

    Changing Healthcare from the Ground Up: How Direct Contracting and Data Transparency Are Revolutionizing Benefits | Featuring Daniel McCauley

    In this episode of Impact Healthcare, host Lester Morales sits down with Daniel McCauley, founder of Mac Consulting Group, to discuss how his personal experiences have shaped his passion for transforming healthcare benefits. 🚀 From aerospace engineering and tech to the healthcare benefits industry, Daniel’s journey is unique, but his insights into data transparency, direct contracting, and cash pay models are invaluable for employers and employees alike. Topics Covered in this Episode: Data Transparency & Direct Contracting 📊: Learn how direct contracting with medical providers can drastically reduce healthcare costs for both employers and employees, while improving access to high-quality care. Understanding Deductibles 💸: Why the traditional deductible model is broken and how it’s making healthcare unaffordable for many. Daniel breaks down the hidden issues behind deductibles and why they’re causing more harm than good. Personal Story Impacting Change ❤️: Daniel shares a personal story about his father’s healthcare journey, which ignited his mission to change the way employers and employees think about healthcare quality, cost, and access. Challenging the Status Quo 🏥: Lester and Daniel explore why employers, employees, and even medical providers are frustrated with the current system—and how innovative approaches like direct pay can solve these challenges for all parties involved. Guest Spotlight: Daniel McCauley 👨‍💼 Daniel McCauley is the founder of Mac Consulting Group, a firm dedicated to helping businesses take control of their healthcare costs 💼. With a background in aerospace engineering, tech, and insurance, Daniel brings a fresh perspective to the healthcare benefits industry, focusing on real solutions like cash pay options, direct contracting, and data-driven strategies that improve outcomes for everyone involved. Key Takeaways: 💡 Direct Contracting for Savings: Learn how direct contracts with healthcare providers can reduce employee out-of-pocket expenses and save employers money at the same time. 📊 Data-Driven Decisions: Using healthcare data to make smarter choices for your employees, leading to better care and lower costs. 🛑 Reevaluate Deductibles: Why the traditional deductible model doesn’t work, and how to structure a plan that benefits both the employer and the employee. ❤️ Personal Motivation for Change: How Daniel’s personal experience with his father’s medical journey has fueled his drive to improve healthcare for others. 📲 Don't Miss This Episode! If you’re an employer, HR professional, or someone navigating the complexities of healthcare benefits, this episode is packed with actionable insights that could save you thousands of dollars while offering better care for your employees. 📣 Subscribe to Impact Healthcare for more episodes on how to revolutionize your healthcare benefits 💼, and don’t forget to like 👍, share 📲, and leave a review to help more people find these game-changing strategies! Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Daniel McCauley 04:15 - How Personal Experiences Shape Healthcare Reform 09:30 - Breaking Down the Deductible Problem 16:50 - Direct Contracting: A Win for Employers, Employees, and Medical Providers 23:20 - Why Healthcare Shouldn’t Be This Expensive 30:45 - Solutions to Reduce Costs and Improve Care Quality

    37 min
  2. 21 AUG

    Rewriting the Rules of Private Equity with Patrick Staunton

    Welcome to the Impact Healthcare Podcast, where we're revolutionizing the health benefits industry with innovative ideas and game-changing strategies! In our latest episode, host Lester J. Morales has an inspiring conversation with Patrick Staunton, a partner in the Employee Benefits Group at Thompson Flanagan. Patrick's journey from starting his career at Cigna to becoming an influential figure at Thompson Flanagan is a testament to his passion for transforming the way private equity firms approach insurance!  During their conversation, Patrick takes us through the pivotal moments that shaped this transformation, including his personal experience of stepping into the world of private equity and the challenges he faced along the way.  Patrick shares the story of a company on the brink of a 60% insurance premium increase—an unsustainable burden for the business. Through innovative strategies, including the use of an independent third-party administrator and a transparent PBM, Patrick and his team were able to save the company nearly $1M. The story doesn't end there, as we explore the crucial role of communication and education in ensuring the success of these alternative plans, especially for blue-collar employees!  Join us as Patrick and Lester break down the complex world of private equity insurance, revealing how Thompson Flanagan’s hands-on approach not only provides value but also empowers employees to take control of their healthcare!   This episode is packed with insights, real-life examples, and a deep dive into the strategies that make a difference in the lives of employees and the bottom lines of businesses so whether you're in the healthcare industry or simply curious about the intersection of private equity and employee benefits, subscribe to the Impact Healthcare Podcast and don’t miss this transformative episode!

    39 min
  3. 7 AUG

    Embracing Change in Health Benefits with Lester J. Morales

    In this solo episode, Lester Morales tackles the theme of change within the health benefits landscape. Lester addresses common misconceptions and excuses that employers and advisors face, emphasizing the critical need for innovation and adaptability. By understanding the real impact of healthcare costs on both organizations and employees, Lester highlights the importance of empathy and proactive decision-making. This episode is divided into two parts: one focused on employers and the other on advisors, offering tailored insights and strategies for each audience. Lester also shares compelling statistics and personal anecdotes to illustrate the dire need for change in the industry. Tune in to discover how you can drive meaningful change and make a lasting impact on your organization and its employees. Key Takeaways: The significance of health benefits in employee recruitment and retention. Common barriers to change and how to overcome them. The financial and emotional impact of healthcare costs on employees. Strategies for making informed and empathetic decisions regarding health benefits. The role of transparency and innovation in the health benefits industry. Subscribe to "Impact Healthcare" on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated on the latest episodes and join us on the journey on your healthcare benefits through total transparency. For more information and resources, visit our website and explore our show notes for each episode. Be part of the change and help disrupt the health benefits industry for a better, more transparent future.

    24 min
  4. 24 JUL

    Disrupting Healthcare: The Quest for Authenticity and Fairness with Ray Kober

    Welcome to the Impact Healthcare Podcast, where we're revolutionizing the health benefits industry with innovative ideas and game-changing strategies! In our latest episode, host Lester J. Morales has an inspiring conversation with Ray Kober, CEO of Benefixa. If you're tired of hearing the same old promises and ready for some authentic, game-changing insights, this episode is for you!  Ray starts with a heartfelt introduction, emphasizing his dedication to putting people first. At Benefixa, it's all about balancing the needs of employers and employees, ensuring that healthcare isn't just a revenue-driving machine, but a service that truly benefits everyone involved. He shares the story behind their logo – a simple yet powerful symbol of an individual raising their hand, representing employers and employees in their quest for better healthcare solutions.   Growing up in the '70s and '80s, Ray draws inspiration from iconic underdog stories like Rocky. He resonates with the idea of competing against all odds and standing up for the little guy, a theme that drives his relentless pursuit of fairness in the healthcare industry. His disdain for a system that exploits the vulnerable fuels his mission to help organizations see that they don't have to settle for the status quo – there are better ways to achieve their goals.   Lester and Ray explore the complex relationship between insurance carriers and PBMs, revealing the financial incentives driving healthcare costs. They discuss the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) and how it inadvertently encourages higher healthcare spending, benefiting insurance companies at the expense of employers and employees. Ray's insights provide a fresh perspective on why healthcare expenses continue to rise and what can be done to reverse this trend.   Throughout the episode, Ray's authenticity and passion shine through. He challenges listeners to rethink their approach to healthcare, urging them to take control and seek better solutions. Whether you're a CEO, CFO, or HR leader, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice to help you navigate the complex world of healthcare benefits.   Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of the Impact Healthcare Podcast and join Lester and Ray as they disrupt the status quo, challenge the biggest myths in healthcare, and inspire you to take bold steps towards a more sustainable, cost-effective future.

    47 min
  5. 24 JUL

    From Hotels to Healthcare: Rosen's Game-Changing Journey with Ashley Bacot and Kenneth Aldridge Jr.

    Welcome to Impact Healthcare, where we're all about shaking up the health benefits industry with our fresh ideas and game-changing strategies! In this episode, our host, Lester J. Morales, has a super exciting chat with Ashley Bacot, President at RosenSure, and Kenneth Aldridge Jr., Director of Health Services at Rosen Medical Center.   Rosen Hotels, based in Orlando, FL, might not be a household name everywhere, but did you know it's the largest independent hotel chain in the Southeast? Pretty cool, right? On top of that, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary, Rosen Hotels goes beyond just hospitality – they're all about providing top-notch healthcare at a reasonable cost. Kenneth Aldridge, Director of Health Services at Rosen Medical, tells us about their amazing journey. Over 30 years ago, Rosen took a massive leap by pioneering self-funded healthcare to provide high-quality care directly to employees. They've come a long way since then, offering on-site services like physical therapy and even mobile dermatology and vision clinics, all tailored to meet their diverse workforce's needs.   Ashley and Kenneth want to make it clear: Rosen's approach isn't just about saving money – it's about boosting benefits in a major way. With zero deductibles and co-insurance, Rosen has achieved some seriously impressive results. They've slashed costs by a whopping 50% compared to traditional plans, all while making sure their employees are healthier and happier. Beyond the numbers, the impact is personal. Kenneth shares a really touching story about how early detection through Rosen's programs saved an employee's life, showing how their approach to healthcare goes way beyond just numbers.    Join us as we dive into how Rosen Hotels and RosenSure are changing the game in healthcare, proving that when care is proactive and personalized, everybody wins! Whether you're new to self-funding or looking to revamp your current strategy, this episode is jam-packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the ins and outs of healthcare benefits and get the most out of self-funding.    Don't miss out – be sure to subscribe to the Impact Healthcare Podcast and join us as we explore this innovative approach and take your healthcare strategy to the next level!

    47 min
  6. 17 JUL

    Championing Change in Healthcare: A Journey of Innovation and Impact with: Ben Conner

    Welcome to Impact Healthcare, the podcast that's all about shaking things up in the health benefits world with exciting ideas and strategies! In this episode, Lester J. Morales reconnects with Ben Conner, a trailblazer from Conner Insurance. Ben isn't just making his second appearance on the show; he's bringing a wealth of knowledge and a compelling story that spans decades and generations. Ben's journey with Conner Insurance, a third-generation family business based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is simply remarkable. Celebrating 75 years of service, Conner Insurance is a stalwart in employee benefits, commercial insurance, and personal insurance. Ben, who has been with the company for 18 years, leads with passion and a competitive spirit that traces back to his days on the basketball court, where his determination and innovative thinking set him apart. In this episode, Ben shares what fires him up about the insurance industry and his role as a change agent. He reflects on the underdog mindset that drives him to help frontline workers navigate a healthcare system that often feels like it's working against them. This drive has led Conner Insurance to not just talk the talk but walk the walk! Whether you're a broker, employer, or HR leader, this conversation promises to challenge the status quo and inspire you to take bold steps towards better healthcare solutions. Subscribe now to the Impact Healthcare Podcast and get ready to be informed, inspired, and empowered to make a difference!

    46 min

About

Health benefits, one of the top 3 organizational expenses, become increasingly more costly each year with no end in sight. Health insurance disruptor Lester J. Morales interviews cutting-edge industry leaders implementing innovative strategies to lower healthcare costs by more than 20% while improving care quality for employees and their families. Need to see it to believe it? Subscribe to Impact Healthcare now!

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