Voices of Self Funding

Episode 46 Secrets of saving and delivering a good healthcare experience on a self-funded plan

Are you tired of the "lazy way" to cut healthcare costs—just increasing deductibles and co-pays? In this episode, we’re talking to someone who calls that approach what it is: the definition of insanity. Host Ramesh Kumar welcomes Adam V. Russo, Esq.—co-founder and visionary of The Phia Group, LLC, an innovative cost containment leader and attorney who represents employers and plan fiduciaries across the U.S. Adam is here to break down the secrets of delivering a great healthcare experience on a self-funded plan. You'll learn: * Why Direct Primary Care (DPC) is being called the "best" plan design choice for both employee retention and health, with studies showing a 13% reduction in overall claim spend in the first year. * How Adam's company, a successful self-funded employer, leveraged DPC to personally circumvent a $6,000 to $10,000 ER bill for just $80 a month. * The critical need for a complete employee mindset shift and a five-year education plan to truly win at cost management. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on why increasing cost-sharing measures has failed, and how DPC offers a path to long-term success. Tune in now! This episode is sponsored by zakipoint Health [https://www.zakipointhealth.com/].

Episode 45 How do you really motivate a broker to work with the TPA?

In this episode of "Voices of Self-Funding," host Ramesh Kumar sits down with Trey Hinson, Founder of Goliath Sales Strategies and a seasoned marketing and sales leader with over 24 years in the healthcare benefits space. Trey unpacks what authentic, research-driven sales and marketing look like in today’s self-funded ecosystem. You’ll learn: * Why modern brokers are demanding measurable outcomes, value-aligned proof, and a disciplined ICP strategy—and how carriers and TPAs can better meet those expectations. * The shift from feature-centric pitching to case-study-backed storytelling. * The importance of rep enablement for building a sales system that scales sustainably. This is a must-listen conversation for anyone looking to strengthen broker relationships, improve retention, and build sales systems that last. Tune in now! This episode is sponsored by zakipoint Health [https://www.zakipointhealth.com/].

Episode 44 How stop loss carriers are looking at small group funding, and how has this changed

In this episode of "Voices of Self-Funding," host Ramesh Kumar welcomes Jonathan Socko, President of East Coast Underwriters, LLC, a Managing General Underwriter (MGU) specializing in Stop Loss insurance. Jonathan shares his perspective on stop-loss underwriting for small groups and unveils the blueprint for a remarkable success story: a 30-life employer group that has been successfully self-funded for 10 years with their PMPM costs increasing only 10% over that decade. You'll learn: - The crucial role of partner cohesion between the broker, TPA, and stop-loss carrier to manage claims proactively. - Why data transparency and a specific data flow are non-negotiable for effective claim prediction and management. - The essential mindset shift—and commitment to aggressively attacking costs—that ensures a small group’s self-funded plan remains successful and sustainable. Don't miss this conversation for an insider's view on stop-loss and the strategy that delivers long-term savings.  This podcast is sponosred by zakipoint Health [https://www.zakipointhealth.com/].

Episode 43 From HR Leader to Healthcare Reformer: Matt Ohrt on Employer Power and Free Market Medicine

In this episode of Voices of Self Funding, host Tom Testa sits down with Matt Ohrt, National Executive Director of the Free Market Medical Association (FMMA), to explore how employers can take back control of healthcare costs and quality through free market principles. Matt shares his personal journey – from a 25-year HR career and near-fatal accident to leading national reform movements like Self Fund Health, Rise Up Health, and Healthcare Best Practice Group. Together, they explore how self-funded employers can drive meaningful change by demanding transparency and value, the rise of direct primary and specialty care as cost-saving, patient-centered alternatives, and why breaking healthcare’s “monopoly mindset” is key to restoring competition, affordability, and trust – all while looking ahead to what’s next for self-funding and free market reform in 2026 and beyond. This episode is sponsored by zakipoint Health [https://www.zakipointhealth.com/].

Voices of Executive Forum -- Mike Strong

In this preview episode of Voices of Self‑Funding, host Tom Testa sits down with Mike Strong, Director of Policy & Operations Strategy, Health Plan Cost Containment at Reliant Health Partners, to discuss his upcoming Executive Forum 2026 session: “Who Really Wins? Transforming the TPA Playbook for IDR.” Mike offers a candid look at how the Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process is evolving, why traditional arbitration strategies may no longer be enough, and what TPAs can do now to protect margins while strengthening payer‑provider relationships. Hear the full session live at Executive Forum 2026 — register now [https://www.hcaa.org/page/executiveforum] and be part of the industry’s most important conversations.