NFP's Insights from the Experts

NFP's Insights from the Experts

NFP introduces the Insights from the Experts podcast series. Each episode will showcase timely perspective from members of the NFP community, delivering information, analysis and solutions that address our clients’ most significant challenges. You can find archived episodes of Innovation Conversations at https://soundcloud.com/user-939810789.

  1. 4D AGO

    EP 168: Two Recent Court Decisions’ Impact on Group Health Plans

    In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon discuss two recent circuit court decisions and their impact on employer-sponsored group health plans. Suzanne first discusses a Sixth Circuit decision involving a state law that attempts to regulate PBMs. Suzanne and Chase walk through Supreme Court precedent that appears to be driving states to enact PBM laws, and they explain how ERISA preemption is at the heart of it all. Suzanne concludes the podcast by outlining another federal decision relating to a fiduciary breach claim of an employer group health plan.

    18 min

  2. MAR 24

    EP 167: Three Upcoming Compliance Deadlines to Consider

    In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley review three important upcoming compliance-related deadlines. Chase highlights the three requirements, including ACA reporting, an April 15 deadline related to HSA contributions and distributions, and RxDC reporting. Chase and Suzanne discuss some practical approaches to each of those deadlines and conclude with a summary of how recent DOL enforcement priorities and ERISA fiduciary litigation come into play.

    17 min

  3. MAR 11

    EP 166: Washington Health Policy Outlook

    In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon review the outlook of health policy in the current Washington, DC environment. Suzanne leads off, setting the stage with a description of the narrow House Republican majority and its impact on enacting legislation. Suzanne and Chase discuss several pieces of legislation focused on transparency, including site-neutral payment reform and drug pricing. The two address regulatory activity that potentially targets PBMs and No Surprises Act issues. The episode concludes with a discussion of legislative and regulatory impact on employer group health plans.

    19 min

  4. FEB 24

    EP 165: 2026 DOL Enforcement Priorities for Group Health Plans

    In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley review a recent DOL announcement that outlines the agency’s enforcement priorities for group health plans. Chase provides some background on DOL enforcement and the DOL’s efforts to increase employee benefit plan compliance, address abusive practices, and protect the rights of participants and beneficiaries. Chase and Suzanne go deeper on four of the priorities, including mental health parity, cybersecurity, abuse of contributory benefit plans, and surprise billing, including important takeaways for employers to consider going forward.

    18 min

  5. JAN 13

    EP 164: Recent Litigation Highlights ERISA’s Voluntary Benefit Exception and Fiduciary Awareness

    In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss a recent wave of litigation centered on ERISA’s fiduciary obligations for health and welfare plan sponsors. Suzanne begins with an explanation of the lawsuits and how the voluntary benefit plan exception from ERISA is core to the lawsuit allegations. Suzanne and Chase continue with a close look at the exception and the criteria employers should consider to meet the exception. The two close with a discussion on employer takeaways for ERISA fiduciary and voluntary plan exception purposes.

    21 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    EP 163: Recent Guidance on Fertility Benefits Is Out, but Questions Remain

    In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss recently released guidance on fertility benefits. Chase provides the background on how employers might be able to offer fertility benefits as “excepted” or “independent, non-coordinated" benefits, which may ease some compliance burdens. Suzanne and Chase discuss the cost aspects of fertility benefits and how an excepted benefit Health Reimbursement Arrangement could potentially help provide a benefit vehicle for employers. The two finish the episode talking about how employers should stay tuned for additional guidance on developing a compliant fertility benefit plan offering.

    12 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    EP 162: Noteworthy Guidance from a Shutdown Government

    In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss recent and noteworthy guidance from the IRS despite the federal government shutdown. Chase and Suzanne dive into the recently announced IRS inflation-adjusted amounts for benefits-related items in 2026 and their impact on employer plans. The podcast winds down with a discussion on what employers should consider and a preview of the next podcast topic: fertility benefits.

    12 min

  8. 10/07/2025

    EP 161: U.S. Tariffs and Impact on Pharmaceutical Products

    In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon discuss a September 2025 presidential announcement regarding tariffs on pharmaceutical products. Suzanne provides some background on the announcement and what it might mean for the U.S. and other countries. Suzanne and Chase explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of a new website relating to prescription drugs. Suzanne closes the podcast by outlining the potential impact on employer-sponsored group health plans and drug plans.

    17 min
See All (180)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

NFP introduces the Insights from the Experts podcast series. Each episode will showcase timely perspective from members of the NFP community, delivering information, analysis and solutions that address our clients’ most significant challenges. You can find archived episodes of Innovation Conversations at https://soundcloud.com/user-939810789.

Information

  • Creator
    NFP's Insights from the Experts
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    180
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    NFP's Insights from the Experts

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