Health benefits strategies to manage costs, boost affordability (episode 2)

Unlocking insights from medical claims data

Medical claims data can tell a much bigger story than you might expect. In this episode, Tracy Watts and Leah Malof break down how those insights can help organizations spot trends, manage costs and make smarter decisions.

ICHRAs: Common compliance traps and how to avoid them

Mercer attorneys Wade Symons and Lindsey Sommers walk through the history, the common compliance traps, and when Individual Coverage HRAs might, or might not, be the right fit.

Decoding healthcare prices: Challenges and progress

Tracy Watts and Ryan Klapatch discuss why the promise of healthcare price transparency has been more difficult to achieve than anticipated. They examine what progress has been made and consider whether increased transparency can help reduce costs.

Mental health & AI: Can AI help and harm our well-being?

Tracy Watts sits down with Pete Rutigliano to discuss AI in mental health—from chat companions and triage to risks when guardrails fail—and practical steps employers can take to harness AI while protecting employee well‑being and preventing burnout.

Behavioral healthcare utilization is rising — how should employers respond?

Emily Ferreira speaks with Mary Beth Ryan from MercerWell to unpack trends in workplace behavioral health — from virtual care and expanded EAP sessions to on site counseling — and outlines how leaders can reduce stigma, promote work life boundaries, and make care more accessible.