In this episode of Side Affects, our mission is to set the groundwork of pharmacy basics for listeners. Our guest, MB’s Director of Pharmacy Solutions, Dr. Jeff Eichholz does just that with his diverse expertise. Together with producer, Kenzie McEvily and co-host, Dave Homan, Dr. Jeff delves into critical topics such as PBM management, drug adherence, the evolving role of pharmacists and essential clinical programs for organizations. Whether you're an HR professional or a C-suite executive, this episode provides invaluable insights to kickstart the new year on the right foot. Tune in now!

Side Affects Episode 131 | Pharmacy Essentials Unveiled: Insights from Dr. Jeff Eichholz

Dr. Jeff Eichholz, MB's Director of Pharmacy Solutions, reunites with producer Kenzie McEvily and co-host Dave Homan for the third chapter of our enlightening 4-part Pharmacy podcast series. In this episode, our focus turns to Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs. Dr. Jeff navigates the intricacies of selecting a PBM or vendor and provides invaluable insights into the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. From uncovering crucial details to highlighting potential pitfalls in contract review, Dr. Jeff sheds light on the nuances of managing pharmacy benefits. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape where science, technology, pharmacy, and medications converge to form one of the most utilized healthcare benefits.

Side Affects Episode 132 | PBMs and RFPs: The Devil is in the Details

In today's episode of Side Affects, hosts Kenzie McEvily and Dave Homan tackle one of the most sought-after topics in pharmacy: pricing. Joined by MB's Vice President of Pharmacy Solutions, Dr. Jeff, they explore the fundamentals of drug pricing and the transformative impact of transparency on the industry, albeit with added complexity. You’ll learn the origins of generic drugs and unravel the components comprising the cost of specialty drugs, touching on patents, research, drug ingredients and beyond.

Side Affects Episode 133 | From Patents to Prices: A Deep Dive into Drug Pricing

Discover the ins and outs of self-funded insurance plans in this episode of Side Affects, where co-host, Dave Homan and Producer, Kenzie McEvily are joined by seasoned McGohan Brabender Consultant, Tim Rieger. With over 22 years of experience in risk management and customer service, Tim breaks down the funding arrangement, ideal employer profiles, and the pros and cons of self-funded insurance. From highlighting the importance of intentionality and diligence in decision-making to offering practical strategies for success, this episode equips listeners with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of self-funded insurance with confidence and expertise. Tune in now!

Side Affects Episode 134 | Empowering Employers: Pros and Cons of Self-Funded Health Plans

In this second episode of our series on funding arrangements, we’re joined by Liz Schneider, Executive Vice President of Emerging Markets at McGohan Brabender. Liz brings her extensive knowledge on employee benefits for small businesses to discuss the increasing shift towards Level Funded Health Plans. These plans offer a flexible and cost-effective middle ground between fully insured and self-funded insurance. Liz outlines the key advantages and disadvantages of these plans and explains their growing popularity among small businesses. Tune in to understand why this innovative approach to healthcare is making waves in the industry!

Side Affects Episode 135 | Finding Middle Ground: Exploring Level Funded Health Plans

Assistant Vice President at Innovative Captive Strategies, Sara Stopulos joins Digital Experience Producer Kenzie McEvily and Chief Marketing Officer Dave Homan for the third episode in this funding arrangement series. Sara has more than 18 years of experience in employee benefits and explains how to set up a captive program, covering the risks, benefits, and challenges. Tune in now to learn why captives are "better together!"

Side Affects Episode 136 | Exploring How Captive Strategies Can Empower Risk Management

Join us as we dive into the world of MEWAs with Liz Schneider, MB's Executive Vice President of Emerging Markets, and Matt Appenzeller, President and CEO of the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance (SOCA). Discover how SOCA, an alliance of 129 Chambers of Commerce, pioneered the largest MEWA in the United States. Learn how their innovative approach is transforming access to health coverage and creating peace of mind for small businesses.

Side Affects Episode 137 | Navigating Group Health Plans: What is a MEWA?

In this episode, Digital Experience Producer Kenzie flips the script, interviewing co-host-turned-guest Dave Homan, Chief Marketing Officer at McGohan Brabender. With open enrollment season in full swing, it's time to rethink how we present employee benefits. Too often, these presentations are bogged down by text-heavy PowerPoints with presenters reading straight from the slides. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Join us for Part 1 of Dave’s 10 Non-Negotiables for Benefit Communication, where he shares the first five essentials for delivering impactful messages. Discover how simplicity, storytelling, and smart presentation strategies can engage your employees and transform your benefit communication. Don't miss these actionable tips to make your next presentation unforgettable!

Side Affects Episode 138 | Non-Negotiables for Benefit Communication: Part I

Producer, Kenzie McEvily is back with Dave Homan, Chief Marketing Officer at McGohan Brabender, for Part 2 of his 10 Non-Negotiables for Benefit Communication. In this follow-up episode, Dave shares the remaining essentials, drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in the benefits industry and a year spent researching the psychology behind effective communication.

Ever wonder why adding movement to your slides makes a difference? Or what the movie Rain Man can teach us about keeping text minimal? Tune in to find out! Dave wraps up his insights with practical tips to ensure your next open enrollment presentation captivates and engages your audience from start to finish.

Side Affects Episode 139 | Non-Negotiables for Benefit Communication: Part II

When employees hear “employee benefits,” they might think of healthcare, perks, wellness programs, PTO, 401(k) plans or disability coverage. But when HR professionals hear “employee benefits,” they’re likely thinking about cost management, compensation strategies, open enrollment, and—most importantly—compliance.

Compliance is a cornerstone of today’s insurance landscape. With that in mind, let’s dive into your January 2025 breakdown of Compliance in Motion.

Segment 1: Telehealth Relief for HSAs - Where Do We Stand?
Segment 2: ACA Reporting Relief - Easing the Burden
Segment 3: Group Hospital Indemnity Plans - A Court Decision to Note
Segment 4: PCORI Fee Adjustment for 2025
Segment 5: The Contraceptive Coverage Rule - A Pause on Changes
Segment 6: Employee Leave and Benefits - FAQs

Side Affects Episode 141 | Compliance in Minutes - January 2025

Side Affects Producer Kenzie McEvily, joined by her guest hosts, spotlights invited industry experts to discuss their best practices that disrupt the norm of health care, leadership, and business. Side Affects: A podcast that prompts you, as an employer, to think differently about the needs of your people and your company. We encourage you to take action by taking a deep look into benefit strategies that will transform your workforce engagement, i.e., diversity, compliance, mental health, and modern reporting. Kenzie and her guests bring these subjects and more to light to better health and productivity. Tune in and learn more!

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