#9: EAPs - The Future of Employee Wellness (ft. Zach Schmit and Chad Charkowski of Covenant Workplace Solutions)

#9: EAPs - The Future of Employee Wellness (ft. Zach Schmit and Chad Charkowski of Covenant Workplace Solutions)

In this episode of Community Connected Health, hosts Skip Lowe and Colton Storla welcome Zach Schmit and Chad Charkowski from Covenant Workplace Solutions to discuss Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). The guests explore how EAPs have evolved from minimal, underutilized benefits into comprehensive mental health and wellness resources. They address the growing demand for mental health support, strategies for driving employee utilization, and the importance of leadership buy-in in fostering a wellness-focused workplace culture. The conversation also highlights Covenant's innovative integration of mental health, primary care, and wellness services, offering employers a proactive, holistic approach to supporting their workforce year-round. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

#8: Replacing the Status Quo (ft. Matt Ohrt of the Free Market Medical Association)

In this episode of Community Connected Health, hosts Skip Lowe and Colton Storla welcome Matt Ohrt, Executive Director of the Free Market Medical Association (FMMA) and former HR leader. Matt shares his journey transforming employee health benefits at Merrill Steel by implementing Direct Primary Care, self-funding strategies, and bundled pricing models. He emphasizes the importance of replacing traditional, status-quo-driven advisors with transparent, aligned partners. Matt also discusses his two books on health care reform and the FMMA's mission to advance free-market health care solutions, encouraging employers to take incremental steps toward building more effective, cost-efficient health plans. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

#7: Innovation Through Collaboration (ft. Rich Green of Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons)

In this episode of "Community Connected Health," host Skip Lowe is joined by Colton Storla and Rich Green, CEO of Des Moines Orthopedic Surgeons (DMOS). The discussion explores innovative, cost-effective orthopedic care models, including urgent injury clinics and ambulatory surgery centers, and the importance of employer-sponsored health plans. The hosts and guests highlight the value of transparent pricing, bundled payments, and local provider networks in reducing healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes. The episode emphasizes collaboration among brokers, employers, and providers to deliver high-quality, affordable care and shares practical strategies for health insurance professionals and employers. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

#6: Turning Healthcare Challenges into Community Triumphs (ft. Dave Chase of Health Rosetta)

In this episode of "Community Connected Health," hosts Skip Lowe and Colton Storla interview Dave Chase, co-founder of Health Rosetta. They discuss the systemic flaws in U.S. healthcare, focusing on how traditional health plans drive up costs and reduce value for employers and employees. Dave shares Health Rosetta’s mission to create transparent, affordable, and high-quality health plans, highlighting real-world examples of employers reclaiming healthcare dollars for their communities. The conversation emphasizes practical solutions, industry innovation, and the transformative impact of better health plan design on organizations and local economies. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

#5: Understanding Self-Funded vs. Fully Insured Health Plans

In this episode of "Community Connected Health," hosts Colton Storla and Skip Lowe discuss the escalating costs and complexities of health insurance for employers. They highlight the limitations of fully insured plans, the growing appeal of self-funded and level-funded options, and the importance of transparency, data access, and customization. Drawing on personal experiences and industry insights, they emphasize the need for ongoing education and strategic partnerships to help employers control costs, improve benefits, and keep healthcare dollars within their communities. The episode encourages employers to seek expert guidance and proactive solutions. This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place. The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities. Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.