Captivating Health Insights

Maddison Bezdicek

This dynamic podcast from Captive Resources focuses on strategies for a healthier workforce and bottom line. The series is designed to provide captive member-owners, brokers, consultants, and industry stakeholders with expert advice on managing healthcare costs and optimizing population health management. Hosted by Maddison Bezdicek, VP of Strategic Vendor Services at Captive Resources, the podcast will bring together thought leaders and industry experts to discuss innovative approaches to reducing healthcare costs and improving employee well-being. Each episode will focus on practical insights, equipping listeners with actionable strategies and real-world solutions for navigating the challenges of today’s healthcare landscape.

  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    Aligning Cost and Care: A New Playbook for CFOs & CHROs

    Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction(00:00:57) - Meet Pete and Windy from Duncan-Parnell(00:06:42) - Duncan Parnell's History and Workforce(00:08:22) - The Journey from Fully Insured to Self-Funded to Captive(00:10:25) - First Impressions of the CRI Captive Experience(00:12:55) - Building a Healthcare Strategy Around Wellness and Advocacy(00:19:35) - Adding Direct Primary Care and Connecting the Strategy(00:21:58) - Sharing Plan Savings Through Premium Holidays(00:23:30) - CFO and HR Collaboration: Measuring ROI and Driving Engagement(00:34:39) - What’s Next: GLP-1s, Captive Growth, and Final Advice

    40 min

  2. May 19 ·  Video

    Health Captive Fundamentals: The Ask Us Anything Live Q&A Event

    In this episode of Captivating Health Insights, host Maddison Bezdicek welcomes back Dave Gillis, Managing Director, Medical Stop Loss; Joe Parrilli, Chief Business Officer, Health Solutions; and Kevin Hallen, Managing Director, Health Solutions, for a live Ask Us Anything session following the three-part Health Captive Fundamentals series. Together, they answer real-world questions from employers and advisors, covering key topics such as eligibility, customization, reporting, and stakeholder involvement. The discussion highlights how captives operate in practice — emphasizing flexibility in plan design, transparency through financial and claims reporting, and a more collaborative, strategic approach to managing healthcare costs. The group also addresses common misconceptions, explains how captives integrate with existing health plans, and explores how employers, Chief Financial Officers, and consultants play a more active role in ongoing performance. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to the Ask Us Anything Episode(00:02:19) - Q1 - How customizable is a captive arrangement?(00:04:20) - Q2 - What reporting cadence should employers expect once inside a group captive?(00:05:00) - Q3 - What is one operational surprise employers experience after joining?(00:06:56) - Q4 - What would surprise most CFOs about captives?(00:09:51) - Q5 - How many employees need to be on the health plan for the captive solution to make sense?(00:11:05) - Q6 - What kind of claims history do employers need to share up front?(00:14:43) - Q7 - What internal stakeholders need to be involved before moving forward with a captive arrangement?(00:17:07) - Q8 - What role does a broker or consultant play once an employer joins a captive?(00:20:16) - Q9 - How do captives handle high-cost claimants from year to year?(00:23:50) - Q10 - Do I set up a separate bank account when starting a captive?(00:26:04) - Q11 - What if we have a terrible experience in the captive - can we go back to fully insured?(00:28:07) - Q12 - What questions do you get from brokers or in the field that are important to repeat?(00:28:29) - Q13 - How much of a time commitment is joining the captive?(00:29:55) - Q14 - How can employers impact health claims the way they impact casualty claims?(00:31:02) - Q15 - How does CRI support brokers and consultants with the healthcare ecosystem?

    33 min

  3. May 5 ·  Video

    Health Captive Fundamentals: Captive Structure

    In this episode of Captivating Health Insights, host Maddison Bezdicek sits down with Kevin Hallen, Managing Director, Health Solutions at Captive Resources, to conclude a captive education mini-series focused on captive structure. Kevin explains how health captives function as member-owned insurance vehicles within a self-funded model supported by stop-loss coverage and a shared reinsurance layer. He outlines how risk is structured across layers and explains the differences between pooled and risk-reward models. The conversation also explores how governance through board participation provides transparency and control, how captives help stabilize renewals and reduce exposure to market volatility, and why structure plays a key role in long-term performance. Kevin emphasizes the importance of education and alignment, highlighting how employers can evaluate whether a captive structure fits their goals, risk tolerance, and overall healthcare strategy. Chapters (00:00:00) - Why Employers Should Explore Captives(00:00:42) - Episode Introduction + Guest Background(00:02:02) - From Casualty to Health Captives: The Origin Story(00:03:30) - The Reality of Healthcare Costs(00:03:45) - What Is a Captive? (Simple Explanation)(00:04:49) - “If You’ve Seen One Captive…” (Types of Structures)(00:05:27) - Governance & Member Ownership(00:06:16) - Breaking Down Captive Layers (Pooled vs Risk/Reward)(00:08:31) - Choosing the Right Captive Structure(00:10:12) - Risk Layers, Protection & Renewal Advantage(00:12:06) - Financial Mechanics: Deductibles & Profit Distribution(00:16:57) - What Makes Captive Resources Captives Different(00:20:10) - Who Is (and Isn’t) a Fit + Getting Started(00:23:47) - Inside the Captive: Community & Engagement(00:26:28) - The Mindset Shift + Future of Captives

    32 min

  4. Apr 21 ·  Video

    Health Captive Fundamentals: Traditional Stop Loss vs. Captive Stop Loss

    In this episode of Captivating Health Insights, host Maddison Bezdicek sits down with Joe Parrilli, Chief Business Officer, Health Solutions at Captive Resources, to continue a captive education mini-series focused on traditional versus captive stop loss. Joe explains stop loss as protection against catastrophic claims and outlines how the captive model differs by providing greater transparency into premium allocation, risk sharing, and financial performance. The conversation addresses common misconceptions around pricing, highlights how captives are structured to break even with the potential return of surplus, and emphasizes the importance of managing total healthcare spend. Joe also explores how captives shift the focus from an annual shopping stop loss to a more strategic, long-term approach to controlling costs and improving outcomes. Chapters (00:00:00) - Captives vs Traditional Insurance: Why Transparency Matters(00:00:49) - Introduction & Joe Parilli Background(00:03:06) - Stop Loss 101: What It Is & Why It Matters(00:03:40) - Captive vs Traditional Stop Loss(00:04:33) - Common Captive Misconceptions(00:05:23) - Why Self-Funded Employers Join Captives(00:08:06) - Beyond Stop Loss: Managing Total Healthcare Spend(00:09:11) - The Power of the Captive Community(00:14:02) - Stop Loss Shopping vs Strategic Cost Control(00:15:07) - How to Evaluate a Captive (Financial + Strategic)(00:17:26) - Long-Term Strategy & the Future of Captives

    25 min

  5. Apr 7 ·  Video

    Health Captive Fundamentals: Moving from Fully Insured to Self-Funded

    In this episode of Captivating Health Insights, host Maddison Bezdicek sits down with Dave Gillis, Managing Director, Medical Stop Loss at Captive Resources, to kick off a captive education mini-series focused on transitioning from fully insured to self-funded health plans. Dave breaks down the foundational components of self-funding, including third-party administrators (TPAs), provider networks, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), while explaining how captives provide a more structured and supported path into this model. The conversation addresses common misconceptions about risk, outlines how stop-loss and risk-sharing help stabilize costs, and highlights the value of transparency in understanding true healthcare costs. Dave also explores why pharmacy is often a key starting point and how employers can take a phased, strategic approach to managing spend over time. A practical discussion on gaining control, improving outcomes, and building a more sustainable health plan. Chapters (00:00:00) - Mini-Series Introduction & Episode Overview(00:01:42) - Foundations of Self-Funding (TPA, Network, PBM)(00:03:11) - Why Fully Insured Falls Short(00:04:40) - What the Transition to Self-Funding Looks Like(00:06:15) - Market Pressures & Rising Healthcare Costs(00:07:47) - Captives as a More Supportive Model(00:09:14) - Common Misconceptions About Self-Funding(00:11:55) - Transparency: Seeing the True Cost of Care(00:13:44) - Pharmacy Spend as a Key Savings Lever(00:16:17) - How to Compare Costs & Evaluate Financials(00:22:18) - Understanding the Captive & Stop Loss Process(00:29:32) - Future of the Captive Market & Final Thoughts

    32 min

  6. Mar 3 ·  Video

    The Human Side of Cancer Claims: Supporting Employees while Managing Spend

    In this episode of Captivating Health Insights, host Maddison Bezdicek sits down with Kris Atkins, President of Cancer CARE for Life & INTERLINK, and Ashley Urzendowski, MSN-L, RN, CCM, of Cancer CARE for Life & INTERLINK, to explore the growing impact of cancer on employer health plans. With decades of oncology and transplant experience, Kris and Ashley share how specialized cancer management supports employees through one of life’s most difficult diagnoses while helping employers manage rising costs. The conversation covers high-cost oncology drugs, site-of-care optimization, evidence-based treatment review, Centers of Excellence coordination, and the critical role of early detection and prevention. Through real patient stories, they illustrate how the right oversight can prevent unnecessary treatment, reduce complications, and improve return-to-work outcomes. A powerful discussion on delivering compassionate, clinically sound cancer care that protects both people and the plan. Chapters (00:00:00) - Episode Introduction(00:00:53) - Guest Overview(00:01:25) - Backgrounds in Oncology & Program Origins(00:04:18) - Intro to Cancer Care for Life(00:09:07) - Real Patient Stories & Advocacy in Action(00:13:07) - Why Cancer Costs Are Rising(00:14:59) - Drug Costs & Site of Care Strategy(00:19:04) - Challenges with Providers & Care Management(00:23:02) - Employer Strategies: Plan Design & Networks(00:25:28) - Centers of Excellence vs. Local Care(00:31:00) - Supporting Employees Beyond Treatment(00:37:19) - Prevention, Early Detection & Final Takeaways

    46 min

  7. Jan 6 ·  Video

    Leading for Well-Being: Why Healthy Leaders Build Healthy Workplaces

    In this Season 2 kickoff episode of Captivating Health Insights, host Maddison Bezdicek welcomes behavioral scientist and workplace health expert Dr. Claire Muselman for a focused conversation on leadership, wellbeing, and workplace culture. As organizations enter 2026 and navigate burnout, hybrid work realities, and rising mental health needs, the discussion reframes well-being not as a program but as a leadership responsibility. From the energy leaders bring into the workplace to boundaries around email, meetings, and PTO, Dr. Claire explains how everyday behaviors shape employee health, engagement, and trust. The episode explores why modeling healthy habits matters more than policies, how movement and visibility reinforce connection, and why benefits only work when leaders actively use and normalize them. A practical, insight-rich conversation for leaders looking to build healthier people, stronger cultures, and more resilient organizations in the year ahead. Chapters (00:00:00) - Leading for Wellbeing: Why Leadership Energy Matters(00:01:02) - Modeling Health at Work: The Power of Example Over Policy(00:02:52) - Boundaries, Burnout, and the Signals Leaders Send(00:05:36) - Visibility, Trust, and Rethinking Productivity(00:10:45) - Everyday Behaviors That Normalize Wellbeing(00:16:04) - Using Benefits, Resources, and Empathy to Support People(00:19:43) - Starting the Conversation: How Leaders Can Lead for Wellbeing Today

    24 min

  8. 12/02/2025 ·  Video

    2025 Trends Review - What’s In, What’s Out, and What’s Next

    In this year-end episode of Captivating Health Insights, host Maddison Bezdicek breaks down the most significant trends shaping self-funded employer strategies in 2025 — and what’s ahead for 2026. From the surge in high-cost claims to the evolution of virtual primary care, fiduciary risk, GLP-1 sustainability, PBM transparency, and the growing strength of captives, Maddison highlights what’s officially “in,” what’s outdated, and how employers are shifting from reactive oversight to proactive protection. She also recaps expert insights from the year’s top episodes and reveals the topics listeners want to hear next, including cost containment, captives, compliance, and employee well-being. A fast, insightful guide for employers seeking clarity, innovation, and smarter health plan strategies heading into 2026.

    23 min
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About

This dynamic podcast from Captive Resources focuses on strategies for a healthier workforce and bottom line. The series is designed to provide captive member-owners, brokers, consultants, and industry stakeholders with expert advice on managing healthcare costs and optimizing population health management. Hosted by Maddison Bezdicek, VP of Strategic Vendor Services at Captive Resources, the podcast will bring together thought leaders and industry experts to discuss innovative approaches to reducing healthcare costs and improving employee well-being. Each episode will focus on practical insights, equipping listeners with actionable strategies and real-world solutions for navigating the challenges of today’s healthcare landscape.

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