The Benefits Playbook

Collective Health
  • 5.0 (13)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Employee healthcare represents the second-largest investment for most U.S. businesses, behind payroll. It's a highly complex system with excessive costs, frustrating member experiences, and administrative burdens. So, how can employers take control? On The Benefits Playbook: Strategies for Self-Funded Health Plans, you'll hear expert guidance from some of the best minds in the business. Learn how employers are getting more from their healthcare investments and making it easier for their employees to understand and access healthcare. Get off the sidelines and join us for The Benefits Playbook, brought to you by the team at Collective Health.

  1. 10/28/2025

    Navigating Volatility: Innovative Strategies for Cost-Effective Health Benefits with Christian Moreno, Executive Vice President at Lockton

    This episode features an interview with Christian Moreno, Executive Vice President of Lockton. With more than 20 years of experience, Christian specializes in designing health plans that are fully integrated with wellness solutions, helping employers manage the demand side of healthcare. In this episode, Kirk and Christian discuss strategies to manage healthcare cost volatility, the efficacy of wellness programs versus high-cost medications, and the potential shift towards narrower networks to contain costs while maintaining quality care. ------- “ I don't know that you can make this just an employee decision at the end of the day. It's going to have to happen further upstream if we want to have a seismic or substantial impact on cost. If we're just talking about physician A versus physician B, but I can still choose to go within any hospital system at any time with total freedom.  If we are going to leave it up to employees and just make it a broad PPO network, I don't know that they have the information just yet to make those decisions. It's going to have to have come from intelligent data tools in their hand. It's going to have to have assistance from the TPA and it's going to have to have assistance from the ecosystem around the member making those decisions.” – Christian Moreno ------- Episode Timestamps: *(00:51): Christian’s career journey *(02:31): Volatility in healthcare costs  *(10:12): Wellness programs and GLP-1s *(20:28): Network design and future strategies  *(27:49): Driving employees to high quality providers ------- Links: Connect with Christian on LinkedIn Contact Christian Connect with Kirk on LinkedIn Learn more about Collective Health ------- If you’re enjoying The Benefits Playbook, we’d love your support. Take a moment to rate and review the show wherever you’re listening — it really helps others discover us and join the conversation on the future of employee benefits. And while you’re there, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you know a colleague or friend who’d enjoy the conversation, share it with them too. Thanks so much for listening, and we’ll see you next time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    37 min

  2. 10/07/2025

    Employers as Agents of Change: Empowering Healthcare Transformation with Siobhan Nolan Mangini & Bob Kocher, Venrock

    This episode features an interview with Siobhan Nolan Mangini and Bob Kocher from Venrock. Siobhan is a Partner at Venrock, where she focuses on investments in healthcare technology and services. Prior to joining Venrock, Siobhan was an operator passionate about transforming healthcare through building and scaling innovative companies at the intersection of healthcare and technology. Also a Partner at Venrock, Bob focuses on health tech and services investments. Before joining the company, Bob served in the Obama Administration as Special Assistant to the President for Healthcare and Economic Policy on the National Economic Council and was a Partner at McKinsey & Company. In this episode, Kirk, Siobhan, and Bob explore Venrock's philosophy and approach to investing in transformative healthcare companies, the importance of aligning incentives, and the potential impact of AI and technology on healthcare delivery. ------- “ Taking these dials that we're talking about and realizing, oh, I can carve out my PBM, I can put in benefits like Lyra, for example, behavioral health solution for my entire employee population. I can layer on maybe dynamic copays or narrow network designs, high performing networks, and actually have control. That idea that I am an agent of change, of providing better care, but a lower cost for my employees, is actually there and that they have the tools. That much more empowered driver's seat, to me, is where we'd be a decade from now, if not sooner.” – Siobhan Nolan Mangini “ Changing healthcare is painful. It might be better at the other end, but the change is hard. People will have to change their insurance or change their doctors or change how they access care or it changes. We learned from the ACA and we've learned from everything since that people don't like that. You have to have something that's even stronger than the pain of changing how healthcare works. And then I think there's lots of ways to imagine how it could be better.” – Bob Kocher ------- Episode Timestamps: *(00:43): Siobhan and Bob’s paths to Venrock *(04:38): The state of US healthcare today  *(15:44): The importance of aligning incentives  *(20:14): Empowering employers as agents of change *(25:29): AI’s impact on healthcare delivery *(27:45): Headwinds and tailwinds in the healthcare system ------- Links: Contact Siobhan Contact Bob Connect with Kirk on LinkedIn Learn more about Collective Health Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    35 min

  3. 08/27/2025

    Employers & Health Systems: Navigating New Healthcare Frontiers with Scott Burton, Commercial Market President, Providence Health Plan

    This episode features an interview with Scott Burton, Commercial Market President at Providence Health Plan. Since joining the organization in 2022, Scott has been influential in the growth of central PHP business and engagement with channel partners. In his current role, Scott is responsible for state and regional commercial sales and growth strategies. In this episode, Kirk and Scott explore the impact of rising healthcare costs on employers, the shifting role of benefits administrators, and the evolving relationships between health systems and employers. ------- “ We're having conversations with many of our employers around, alright, how do we think about benefit design differently? Can we continue to move toward value-based contracting even in today's really challenging world? Employers have a lot of power to impact change, again, large employers and small. I think we're having conversations now that we haven't had in the last decade plus in healthcare and we need to. We need to move to a new paradigm because today's system is clearly broken.” – Scott Burton ------- Episode Timestamps: *(00:55): Scott’s career journey *(02:41): Why employers should care about the state of health systems *(08:36): The opportunity health systems have to work with employers *(12:09): Scott breaks down Providence Health Plan *(19:24): PHP’s role in community health plans  *(29:47): Scott's advice for employers working with local health systems ------- Links: Connect with Scott on LinkedIn Connect with Kirk on LinkedIn Learn more about Collective Health Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min

  4. 08/12/2025

    Thinking Outside the System: Redefining Employee Benefits with Suzanne Usaj, Senior Director of Total Rewards at The Wonderful Company

    This episode features an interview with Suzanne Usaj, Senior Director of Total Rewards at The Wonderful Company. Suzanne leads strategy and execution for the company’s compensation, benefits and wellness suite of programs, delivering value to over 10,000 employees globally.  In this episode, Kirk and Suzanne discuss The Wonderful Company’s unique approach to health benefits, including their focus on preventive care, direct contracting for specialty care, and the important role of their onsite wellness centers. ------- “ When someone really needs help, when they're experiencing a situation that they've never experienced before,  which is a lot of the complex conditions in our healthcare system, how do we find specialty partners that may or may not be in those broad networks? But we build our own network and incentivize our members to go to that. So you still maintain a little bit of that benefits philosophy where you feel like you need choice, but you're driving people to be able to help make it easy for them to make high quality, low cost decisions for them and for, like I mentioned, the entire healthcare system.” – Suzanne Usaj ------- Episode Timestamps: *(00:57): Suzanne’s career journey *(04:41): How The Wonderful Company serves their geographically diverse workforce *(10:16): How Suzanne works within and outside the system *(16:04): Connecting employees with suitable providers and streamlining the process *(21:11): How The Wonderful Company uses data to work upstream *(27:30): Clinics role in The Wonderful Company's strategy *(32:52): What’s next in Suzanne’s strategy ------- Links: Connect with Suzanne on LinkedIn Learn more about The Wonderful Company Connect with Kirk on LinkedIn Learn more about Collective Health Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    38 min

  5. 07/22/2025

    Resist the “Easy Button”: Why Pushing for More Leads to Better Benefits with Sara Richards, Director of Benefits at Red Bull

    This episode features an interview with Sara Richards, Director of Benefits at Red Bull. With experience spanning the consulting, TPA, and in-house side of benefits, Sara’s experience gives her a unique perspective around what’s possible when it comes to developing and administering customized health and welfare solutions.  In this episode, Kirk and Sara explore strategies for simplifying and effectively communicating benefits, the practical implementation of point solutions, and utilizing AI to improve employee engagement and fraud prevention. ------- “ I am optimistic for those who are willing and able to not stop fighting to change the status quo. I'm optimistic as long as you are willing to put in the work to not just keep going with things and to get ahead of trends and to look at the unconventional solutions.  If you dare and you don't give up, then I am optimistic that we will be able to make this better, and that we as the employers have this ability to bring our buying power to truly impact change. With a layer of pessimism of, and if you don't dare, then it's not gonna be a fun ride for you in the next five, six years.” – Sara Richards ------- Episode Timestamps: *(00:51): Sara’s career journey *(06:28): Innovative communication strategies  *(13:06): Direct contracting and primary care *(21:41): Shared savings and fraud prevention *(32:26): The role of AI in benefits *(36:41): Optimism for the future ------- Links: Connect with Sara on LinkedIn Connect with Kirk on LinkedIn Learn more about Collective Health Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    40 min

  6. 07/08/2025

    From Capitol Hill to the C-Suite: Insights on Healthcare Transformation with Robert E. Andrews, CEO of Health Transformation Alliance

    This episode features an interview with Robert E. Andrews, CEO of Health Transformation Alliance (HTA), where he oversees the strategic direction of 60+ corporations that aim to fix our broken healthcare system. Prior to HTA, Robert served as a Member of the United States House of Representatives for nearly 24 years and was an original author of the Affordable Care Act. In this episode, Kirk and Robert discuss the evolving trends in health care, the potential impacts of gene therapy, and the importance of reducing friction in health benefits administration for employers. ------- “ When you have 5 million lives, which we do, and $40 billion worth of spend, we're able to go to behavioral health providers and say, people shouldn't have to wait six weeks to see a psychiatrist when they're feeling anxious or depressed. Why can't they see them in six days or less? And we're able to do that to expand the networks that are available.  So that's how we measure our effort.  Both in terms of the price that you pay and we think more importantly, the service that you get and the quality of the work that you get. So we're really all about using the leverage of collective bargaining to improve outcomes.” – Robert E. Andrews ------- Episode Timestamps: *(00:58): Reflecting on the Affordable Care Act *(02:17): Current health care system challenges *(12:50): Founding of Health Transformation Alliance *(19:08): Employer challenges and solutions  *(30:43): Future of health care and AI *(37:53): Global health care perspectives ------- Links: Connect with Rob on LinkedIn Learn more about HTA Connect with Kirk on LinkedIn Learn more about Collective Health

    42 min

  7. 06/24/2025

    GLP-1s Demystified: Strategies to Support Sustainable Behavior Change with Jen Jones & Cody Fair, Noom Health

    This episode features an interview with Jen Jones and Cody Fair from Noom Health. Jen is the Director of Clinical Solutions and supports teams with alignment on client needs and clinical programs. Cody serves as the Chief Commercial Officer leading the company’s commercial division and drives growth initiatives across all segments. In this episode, Kirk, Jen, and Cody explore the importance of integrating GLP-1 medications with behavior change programs, challenges related to yo-yo dieting and coverage, and how Noom Health employs tools like body scans and AI to enhance user engagement and outcomes. ------- “ There's just an incredible level of frustration at the employer level right now because they genuinely want to do something obviously, that is helping their employees and their members. They want to be able to provide these medications that they know can be incredibly effective. But at the same time, they have to be good stewards of the business and the cost. And that's again, really where the two come together is being able to provide a patient experience and benefit, but weighing that against the cost. And so trying to find a solution that allows them to go down that middle road where they can control the cost, but still allow an ideal patient experience and have the access to medications that can be effective.” – Jen Jones “ What AI will allow us to do is to mine these massive data sets and really start to understand human behavior deeper to where we'll know the exact time that I should reach out to this individual with the exact note that I should send them to make sure we kind of keep them on the program, so to speak. For that person that's going to fall off the wagon and we're never going to see him again. It will give us the ability to figure out the times that we should reach out and how we should reach out and that type of messaging. Something that just pure human intervention would not be able to deliver.” – Cody Fair ------- Episode Timestamps: *(01:01): Jen and Cody’s journeys to Noom Health *(06:02): The importance of behavior change  *(16:38: The role of GLP-1 medications *(25:33): Managing GLP-1 costs and access *(34:59): The future of GLP-1s and Noom Health *(38:05): Leveraging AI for better health outcomes ------- Links: Connect with Jen on LinkedIn Connect with Cody on LinkedIn Connect with Kirk on LinkedIn Learn more about Collective Health

    41 min

  8. SEASON 3 TRAILER

    The Benefits Playbook: Season 3

    The healthcare system feels broken. Costs are skyrocketing, transparency is nonexistent, and too many people are left wondering, ‘Why is this so complicated?’ Welcome to The Benefits Playbook—where we fight the good fight for a better healthcare system. This season, we are joined by new host Kirk McConnell, Commercial Leader at Collective Health. This year, Kirk sits down with the boldest minds leading the health benefits revolution: industry disruptors, fearless benefits leaders, and healthcare changemakers who are taking real action. We’re pulling back the curtain on hidden costs, exposing the inefficiencies, and revealing the playbook for a system that actually works. If you're tired of the same old healthcare nonsense and ready to take action, join us for season 3 of The Benefits Playbook, brought to you by Collective Health. -------  Links Connect with Kirk on LinkedIn Learn more about Collective Health

    1 min
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About

Employee healthcare represents the second-largest investment for most U.S. businesses, behind payroll. It's a highly complex system with excessive costs, frustrating member experiences, and administrative burdens. So, how can employers take control? On The Benefits Playbook: Strategies for Self-Funded Health Plans, you'll hear expert guidance from some of the best minds in the business. Learn how employers are getting more from their healthcare investments and making it easier for their employees to understand and access healthcare. Get off the sidelines and join us for The Benefits Playbook, brought to you by the team at Collective Health.

Information

  • Creator
    Collective Health
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Collective Health
  • Show Website
    The Benefits Playbook