The Zemar Podcast The Zemar Podcast

In this episode, Butch Zemar delves into the intricate dynamics of the broker-employer relationship in managing employee benefits. He addresses common misconceptions among employers regarding the role of brokers and emphasizes the significance of clear communication and understanding of responsibilities throughout the year. Here are the key insights:

Introduction:

Butch Zemar sheds light on the complexities of managing employee benefits and the pivotal role of brokers in this process.
He highlights the importance of bridging the gap between employer expectations and broker responsibilities.

Employer Responsibilities:

Responsibilities and risks associated with providing employee benefits programs, particularly for small and mid-sized businesses.
Employers often view health insurance as a means to provide affordable coverage, while brokers manage the intricacies of the process.

Broker-Employer Dynamics:

Brokers are essential in assisting with managing a Benefits program, but do not handle day-to-day tasks.
There is a discrepancy between employer expectations and broker compensation, with brokers facing cuts despite rising premiums.

Financial Management and Expectations:

Benefit consultants or advisors charge fees for both planning and ongoing management, emphasizing the value of their insights and guidance. Traditionally these are baked in the premiums as a form of commissions.
Employers need to understand that brokers provide consultation and insurance products, but ultimate responsibility lies with the employer.

Action Items:

Obtain a copy of the contract between the insurance company and the broker to clarify roles and responsibilities.
Employers need to reconcile invoices for accuracy and verify enrollments to ensure proper billing.
Communicate directly with employees for enrollments, terminations, and open enrollment.
Seek broker consultation for intellectual knowledge, guidance and strategic planning, not day-to-day tasks.


Conclusion:

Zemar stresses the importance of clear communication, signed contracts, and ongoing consultation to ensure successful outcomes in benefits management.
Employers must take proactive steps to verify enrollments, reconcile invoices, and leverage broker expertise throughout the year.

For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

In this episode, Butch Zemar dives into the pressing challenges faced by midsize companies in managing healthcare costs and benefits. He sheds light on crucial strategies and proactive approaches that can help mitigate these challenges and drive cost-effective solutions. Here are the key takeaways:

Introduction:

Exploring the complexities of managing healthcare costs and benefits for midsize companies.
Underscoring the need for proactive measures, technology adoption, and strategic cost control.

Insights:

Understanding the provider network and leveraging brokers emerge as essential strategies for cost savings and effective cost management.
Errors in benefits administration are prevalent, emphasizing the necessity for more efficient solutions.

CFO’s Role:

Butch highlights the critical role of CFOs in analyzing health insurance benefits, often overlooked or delegated without adequate attention.
Proper analysis by CFOs is pivotal for achieving cost savings and generating revenue.

Action Items:

Take accountability for controlling healthcare costs.
Embrace technology for streamlined open enrollments.
Conduct thorough cost analyses akin to other major business expenses.
Invest time in understanding healthcare costs and collaborate with appropriate partners.
Seek brokers proficient in optimizing renewals to counteract rising healthcare costs.
Facilitate collaboration between HR and CFO for balanced renewal priorities.
Explore non-traditional options for cost-effective coverage.
Develop long-term strategies for sustained cost control.
Invest in expert teams for significant cost savings.
Evaluate network access alongside premium reduction efforts.
Request detailed financial reporting from insurers for informed decision-making.
Acquire a playbook for effective healthcare cost reduction strategies.

Legal Implications:

Employers must comply with the Consolidated Appropriations Act to avoid penalties, emphasizing the importance of legal adherence.

Conclusion:

Butch urges businesses to shift their mindset and seek professional assistance to combat rising healthcare costs effectively.
Analyzing financial reports and embracing proactive measures are paramount for achieving sustainable cost control.

For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Kate Dileo is no stranger to us on the podcast and marketing of your company’s brand. Success is achieved by adopting methodologies that are the least resistant to revenue. Listen in to Kate as she shares more on the Brand Trifecta, your playbook, and how you can gain access to her program at your own pace. 

For more information about the Brand Trifecta program, please visit Brandtrifecta.com. You can also reach Kate Dileo on LinkedIn. 




For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

In this episode of the Zemar Podcast, Butch Zemar discusses strategies for saving employers money on health insurance. Ken Wosczyna joins him, and they delve into various topics related to healthcare costs, renewals, self-funding, and employee incentives.

Connect with Ken Wosczyna on LinkedIn. 

For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

In this episode, host Butch Zemar is joined by Grayson Owen to delve into executive disability insurance (DI) topics. Grayson, a specialist in individual disability insurance, shares insights on bridging the gap in coverage for executives and business owners. With extensive experience in the insurance industry, Grayson emphasizes the importance of addressing gaps in coverage to protect individuals’ income and business interests.

Key Points:

Grayson Owen’s Background: Grayson shares his journey into the disability insurance space, highlighting his transition from advanced life insurance planning to focusing on employee benefits and eventually becoming a disability insurance specialist.

Executive DI Topics: The discussion focuses on the three main areas of DI planning: income protection, executive disability programs, and business succession planning risk management.

Disability Buyout Planning: Grayson explains the significance of disability buyout planning for business owners, emphasizing the need for insurance coverage to facilitate buyouts in case of disability.

Scatter Graph Analysis: Grayson introduces the scatter graph as a tool to visualize coverage gaps for executives and key employees, emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing these gaps in disability insurance planning.

Executive Disability Broker Toolkit: Grayson discusses the development of a toolkit aimed at assisting benefits consultants in selling executive DI programs, providing resources to streamline the planning process, and educating clients effectively. 

Industry Designations: Grayson highlights the value of industry certifications like the Disability Income Associate (DIA) and Disability Income Fellow (DIF) designations, which offer comprehensive training in disability insurance.
Closing Remarks:

Grayson Owen’s expertise sheds light on the critical aspects of executive disability insurance planning, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to address coverage gaps and protect individuals’ income and business interests. Stay tuned for future episodes diving deeper into DI topics.


For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.

Key Points:

Affordable Healthcare: Many seek cheaper healthcare options but overlook opportunities to save money.
Generic Drugs: Despite their potential affordability, generic drugs aren’t always priced as such.
Provider Discounts: Providers may resist offering PPO discounts for cash payments, impacting affordability.
Financial Accountability: Healthcare isn’t an unlimited credit card, urging for financial responsibility.
Big Pharma Profits: Wendall Potter exposes how big health insurance companies profit massively, often through government programs.
Lack of Transparency: Pricing estimates and ranges in healthcare leave consumers in the dark.
PBMs’ Role: Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are major profit drivers for insurance companies.
Cost Control: Controlling healthcare costs is crucial for sustainable healthcare systems.
Healthcare AtoZ: Insights into revenue value to physicians offer transparency into healthcare finances.


For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.