Self-Funded

Spencer Smith

Self-Funded, hosted by Spencer Smith, is the definitive resource for benefits consultants and employers who are ready to challenge the broken healthcare status quo. Each week, you'll get an insider's playbook of actionable strategies from industry leaders that help make healthcare better, together.

  1. Why Employees Actually Use Onsite Clinics (Convenience Is King!)

    4H AGO

    Why Employees Actually Use Onsite Clinics (Convenience Is King!)

    "Whoever makes patient care more convenient is likely to win." - Chris Yarn My guest this week is Chris Yarn, Founder of Walk On Clinic, who joins me to explain why convenience is the ultimate currency in healthcare. Chris shares his journey from insurance broker to building a direct primary care (DPC) model that brings care directly to the employee's doorstep - literally. Chris breaks down the "Walk On" model, which combines mobile on-site clinics, near-site access, and virtual care to achieve utilization rates that are double the industry average. We discuss why traditional "near-site" clinics often fail to engage employees, how nurse practitioners are the key to scaling primary care, and why the human connection is what truly drives ROI. We also dive into the hard numbers, discussing how to prove ROI with real claims data (not just fuzzy math), and Chris shares his personal battle with cancer in 2024 that reinforced his belief in the importance of early detection and primary care access. Tune in to the first episode of 2026 to learn why the future of healthcare is hyper-convenient. Thank you to our 2026 sponsors! ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit ParetoHealth.com to learn more. Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more. Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more. Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com. Chapters: (00:00:00) Why Convenience is King in Healthcare  (00:07:37) The Legend of "Frank Mic Dropper"  (00:14:15) The "Walk On" Model Explained  (00:19:38) Mobile vs. Near-Site: The Utilization Difference  (00:26:24) Removing Barriers: No Build-Out Costs for Employers  (00:32:06) Scaling DPC with Nurse Practitioners  (00:39:27) How to Prove ROI with Real Data  (00:47:53) A Personal Battle: Chris's Cancer Journey  (00:53:09) The Future of Primary Care in America Key Links for Social: @SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFunded Listen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02 Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286 Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/ Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

    58 min
  2. Tier-Ranking the Biggest Healthcare Stories of 2025 | Last Month In Healthcare

    6D AGO · BONUS

    Tier-Ranking the Biggest Healthcare Stories of 2025 | Last Month In Healthcare

    If you'd like your question answered on next month's episode, call/text 469-213-6381 and leave us a voicemail/text. Each month on Last Month In Healthcare, producer Nathaniel joins me to discuss the previous month's podcasts, headlines, and listener-submitted questions. This month, we’re doing something a little different to close out 2025. Instead of just looking back at December, we are ranking the biggest healthcare stories of the entire year on a Tier List, from "Not Impactful" to "Super Impactful." We cover everything from the FTC suing the Big 3 PBMs and the J&J fiduciary lawsuit dismissal to the "bloodbath" of 2026 renewals and the explosion of GLP-1 usage. Plus, we debut a new "Explain Like I'm 5" segment where I break down complex concepts like Reference-Based Pricing, Captives, and Stop-Loss using simple analogies involving candy shops and dirt bikes. Finally, we answer a listener question about building confidence as a young professional in the industry. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: Last Year in Healthcare 0:51 - Tier List 19:05 - Explaining Insurance To A 5-year-old 24:24 - Ask Spencer Anything

    27 min
  3. Why "Co-opetition" Is The Future Of Healthcare | with Dutch Rojas

    12/23/2025

    Why "Co-opetition" Is The Future Of Healthcare | with Dutch Rojas

    “I think the next stage of American capitalism includes co-opetition." - Dutch Rojas On the last episode of Self-Funded with Spencer in 2025, Dutch Rojas joins the show to expose the financial "arbitrage" that he believes is destroying independent medical practices in America. Dutch explains how current CMS incentives allow hospitals to buy independent clinics and immediately charge 165% more for the exact same services, which is a practice that is crushing employers and patients alike. In this episode, Dutch lays out his bold vision for "Co-opetition”, a new playbook where independent practices, manufacturers, and even churches band together to leverage their collective buying power. We discuss why the traditional "HR-led" model of buying benefits is failing, why CFOs need to take the wheel, and his dream of creating a true "Healthcare Commodities Exchange" to normalize pricing. We also get personal about his journey from the Netherlands to the U.S., the importance of social media for building influence in DC, and why he believes the next 10 years will be defined by those who can master media. Tune in for a fascinating look at the future of independent medicine. Chapters: (00:00:00) What is "Co-opetition" in Healthcare?  (00:01:00) How Hospital Arbitrage Kills Private Practices  (00:06:40) Why Independent Doctors Don't Work Together (Yet)  (00:14:00) The 165% Markup (00:29:40) The Dream of a Healthcare Commodities Exchange  (00:41:00) Why HR Shouldn't Make Healthcare Decisions  (00:49:00) Aggregating Buying Power: Churches & Manufacturers  (00:57:00) The 4-Stage Plan to Fix Healthcare Key Links for Social: @SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFunded Listen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02 Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286 Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/ Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

    1h 8m
  4. 21% Of Medical Care Is Unnecessary. Here’s How We Prevent It.

    12/16/2025

    21% Of Medical Care Is Unnecessary. Here’s How We Prevent It.

    "Healthcare has had no star score, there's been no reliable pricing. It's all been just a black box." - Will Bruhn An estimated 21% of all medical care in the U.S. is completely unnecessary. My guest this week is Will Bruhn, CEO and Co-Founder of GAM (Global Appropriateness Measures), and he joins the show to explain exactly where that waste comes from and how we can fix it. Will argues that we've been measuring quality wrong. Instead of just looking at outcomes (did the surgery go well?), we need to measure appropriateness (should the surgery have happened at all?). We discuss the perverse financial incentives driving this waste, using real-world examples like unnecessary spinal fusions and the statistical spike in C-sections on Friday afternoons. But this episode isn't just about the problem; it's about the fix. Will breaks down how GAM uses data to identify high-value providers and how employers can redesign plans to guide members away from wasteful care, potentially saving millions while protecting patients from unnecessary risks. Tune in for a blueprint on eliminating the 21% of healthcare spending that shouldn't exist. Chapters: (00:00:00) 21% Of Medical Care Is Wasteful. Here’s How We Prevent It. (00:00:34) Why 21% of Medical Care is Wasteful  (00:01:57) The Missing Metric: Appropriateness of Care  (00:08:29) How Financial Incentives Drive Bad Medicine  (00:17:02) Case Study: Unnecessary Spine Surgeries  (00:24:06) How We Fix It: Identifying the Right Doctors  (00:31:22) Changing Plan Design to Stop the Waste  (00:33:52) The ROI of Steering to High-Value Care  (00:48:44) The Debate on Government Regulation & Drug Prices  (00:53:31) The Future of Healthcare Transparency Key Links for Social: @SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFunded Listen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02 Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286 Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/ Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

    1h 1m
  5. The "Virtual Wallet" Strategy for Lowering Medical Claims

    12/09/2025

    The "Virtual Wallet" Strategy for Lowering Medical Claims

    "Why in every other industry can we just check out and know exactly what it's going to cost? Why can't it be the same in healthcare? Why are we still mailing physical checks in 2025?" - Cory Morin My guest this week is Cory Morin, Co-Founder of Benji Card, who has developed a "virtual wallet" strategy that is revolutionizing how self-funded plans pay for care. Cory joined the show to explain how giving members and care coordinators instant access to funds can drastically lower medical claim costs. Cory breaks down the mechanics of the Benji Card, a virtual payment solution that acts as the financial rails for modern cost containment. We discuss the strategy behind it: by guaranteeing providers immediate payment via a virtual card, plans can negotiate significant discounts (often cash rates) that aren't available through traditional insurance. We explore how this "virtual wallet" approach aligns incentives - providers get paid instantly without administrative bloat, and employers save 30-50% on claims. We also dive into Cory's entrepreneurial journey and why he believes this model could eventually make traditional PPO networks obsolete. Tune in to learn how a virtual wallet strategy can fix the broken economics of healthcare. Chapters: (00:00:00) The "Virtual Wallet" Strategy for Lowering Medical Claims  (00:12:16) From Insurance Agent to Fintech Founder  (00:20:59) What is the Benji Card?  (00:26:43) Why Healthcare Needs Virtual Payments  (00:29:40) How Instant Payments Negotiate Lower Rates  (00:38:51) Empowering Care Coordinators with a Virtual Wallet  (00:44:03) The Challenge of Scaling Fintech in Healthcare  (00:49:24) Will Virtual Wallets Replace Networks? Key Links for Social: @SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFunded Listen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02 Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286 Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/ Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

    1 hr
  6. Why Did They Dismiss The J&J Lawsuit? | with Chris Hamilton

    12/05/2025 · BONUS

    Why Did They Dismiss The J&J Lawsuit? | with Chris Hamilton

    If you'd like your question answered on next month's episode, call/text 469-213-6381 and leave us a voicemail/text. Each month on Last Month In Healthcare, producer Nathaniel joins me to discuss the previous month's podcasts, headlines, and listener-submitted questions. This month, we’re joined by Chris Hamilton! We talk about the J&J lawsuit being dismissed, Eli Lilly switching PBMs, AI in healthcare, and much more. We also play a Christmas game called Home Alone: The Wet Bandit's Bills, where Chris and I try to guess the average hospital price for the injuries incurred by the bandits from the Home Alone films. Chapters:  0:00 - Intro 0:42 - J&J Lawsuit Dismissed 9:20 - Eli Lily Switches PBMs 11:17 - New FDA Rules On Biosimilars 16:36 - AI Adoption In The Healthcare Industry 25:21 - Survey On At-Home Medical Devices 29:57 - Home Alone: The Wet Bandit's Bills 42:32 - Ask Spencer Anything Sources:  https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/fda-biosimilars-guidance-speed-development-comparative-efficacy-studies/804191/https://www.beckerspayer.com/legal/judge-dismisses-lawsuit-accusing-jj-of-mismanaging-employee-drug-benefits/?origin=PayerE&utm_source=PayerE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletterhttps://www.healthcare-brew.com/stories/2025/11/25/eli-lilly-switches-big-3-pbm-alternative-transparent-rivalhttps://www.fiercehealthcare.com/health-tech/amid-shutdown-health-it-vendors-say-hospitals-are-cutting-back-spendinghttps://www.techtarget.com/virtualhealthcare/news/366633680/Survey-At-home-monitoring-devices-popular-affordablehttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41265449/https://www.emarketer.com/content/ai-spending-healthcare-outpaces-overall-us-economy-

    51 min
  7. Why Private Equity is Pouring Billions Into Healthcare

    12/02/2025

    Why Private Equity is Pouring Billions Into Healthcare

    "Success leaves clues. And sometimes that clue is healthy leadership that is just able to take them from plateau to plateau." - Trey Marinello My guest this week, Trey Marinello of Houlihan Lokey, is an expert in a topic everyone is constantly talking about: Private Equity. Trey joined the show to demystify the world of investment banking and explain exactly why private equity firms are pouring billions of dollars into the employer-sponsored healthcare space. Trey breaks down the current trends, explaining why PE isn't just about leverage and debt, but about "turning the propeller faster" through distribution expertise and strategic growth. We discuss why categories like TPAs, cost containment, and innovative funding models are red-hot, while "wellness" and "population health" have struggled to prove their ROI. We also explore the potential of AI to revolutionize mental health care, why “ICHRA” is still a wild card, and how smart brokers are becoming essential value-drivers in M&A deals. Tune in for a masterclass on following the money in healthcare! Chapters: (00:00:00) Why Private Equity is Pouring Billions Into Employer Healthcare (00:00:35) Why Private Equity Loves Healthcare  (00:08:59) What Does an Investment Banker Actually Do?  (00:17:25) How PE Firms Use Distribution to Scale  (00:20:06) Is ICHRA the Future or a Fad?  (00:28:50) The Rise of Alternative Funding  (00:42:34) Why "Wellness" Investments Failed  (00:57:16) How Brokers Drive Enterprise Value  (01:02:47) The Hottest Category in Healthcare M&A Key Links for Social: @SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFunded Listen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02 Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286 Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/ Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

    1h 5m
  8. The Secret to a Perfect Broker-Partner Relationship

    11/25/2025

    The Secret to a Perfect Broker-Partner Relationship

    "I love working with people who aren't afraid to own up to their mistakes. Integrity is the most important thing to me." - Cara Kirsch What is the secret to a perfect broker-partner relationship? My guests this week, Cara Kirsch and Libby Henry, join the show to answer that question. They share the story of how a single "virtual lunch" during the pandemic sparked one of the most effective partnerships in the industry. Cara and Libby break down the ingredients of their success: radical transparency, the ability to have difficult conversations without breaking trust, and a shared commitment to integrity. We discuss why the best partnerships aren't just about the lowest spreadsheet number, but about who you can trust when things go wrong. We also dive into the results of this partnership, including how they worked together to turn a client's 74% fully insured renewal into millions in savings. Plus, we explore the reality of balancing high-powered careers with motherhood and why women need to claim their seat at the table. Tune in to learn how to build business relationships that actually last. Chapters: (00:00:00) The Secret to a Perfect Broker-Partner Relationship  (00:05:07) The "Virtual Lunch" That Started It All  (00:15:20) Why Honesty Trumps Being "Nice"  (00:18:04) Building Trust Through Intentionality  (00:21:57) Balancing Motherhood & A Career  (00:42:22) Turning a 74% Renewal into Savings  (00:44:08) Why Strong Partnerships Close More Deals Key Links for Social: @SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFunded Listen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02 Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286 Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/ Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

    1h 2m
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Trailer

5
out of 5
36 Ratings

About

Self-Funded, hosted by Spencer Smith, is the definitive resource for benefits consultants and employers who are ready to challenge the broken healthcare status quo. Each week, you'll get an insider's playbook of actionable strategies from industry leaders that help make healthcare better, together.

Information

  • Creator
    Spencer Smith
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    255
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Spencer Smith
  • Show Website
    Self-Funded

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