Benefits Breakdown

Specialty Drugs, GLP-1s, and the New Employer Pharmacy Reality

In this episode of Benefits Breakdown, the team is joined by Josh Halperin, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Consulting Services at Brown & Brown. Together, they explore the rapidly changing pharmacy landscape—how the surge in specialty drug approvals, the rise of GLP-1 medications, and shifting oncology treatments are reshaping employer health plans. The conversation unpacks the financial impact of these trends, the promise of biosimilars, and the challenges posed by new legislation, direct-to-consumer pharmacy models, and drug import tariffs.  Whether you’re a benefits leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about the future of pharmacy benefits, this episode delivers actionable insights and real-world strategies to help you navigate complexity, control costs, and plan for what’s next. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-bowcutt-321a856/] Vanessa Longnecker [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-longnecker-9899301/] Adam Compton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamccompton/]

Navigating the Future of Benefits Tech: AI, Engagement & Strategy

In this episode of The Benefits Breakdown, Sean Clem and Steve Piccolino from the Brown & Brown Benefits Technology team join us to explore the rapidly evolving world of benefits technology. From the integration of AI in administration to the critical role of employee engagement, they unpack how strategic tech investments are reshaping the employee experience.   The conversation dives into emerging industry trends, the power of communication, and the future of HR technology—highlighting why organizations must adapt to stay ahead in the benefits landscape. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-bowcutt-321a856/] Vanessa Longnecker [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-longnecker-9899301/] Adam Compton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamccompton/]

Friends as Medicine

In this episode of Benefits Breakdown, the team is joined by Rachel Jensen from the Population Health and Well-Being team at Brown & Brown. Together, they explore the concept of "friends as medicine" and how social connection, belonging and workplace culture directly impact employee health, retention and productivity. The conversation explores the latest trends in lifestyle medicine, including food as medicine, movement as medicine and the critical role of social well-being in today's evolving work environment. Whether you're a benefits leader, HR professional or simply passionate about workplace wellness, this episode delivers actionable insights and real-world examples to help you drive positive change. For more information, watch our Friends as Medicine [https://www.bbrown.com/us/insight/friends-as-medicine-2025-summer-webinar-series/] webinar. Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-bowcutt-321a856/] Vanessa Longnecker [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-longnecker-9899301/] Adam Compton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamccompton/]

Navigating Cost Pressures & Finding Creative Solutions

Vanessa, Jared and Adam discuss the challenges and innovations shaping employee benefits during open enrollment season. With healthcare costs rising at record rates—often 10% or more—employers are exploring new funding models, direct-to-consumer pharmacy options and Centers of Excellence (COEs) to improve outcomes and control spend.   The team highlights the importance of ongoing communication, data-driven decisions and leveraging technology to help employees make informed choices. Real-world examples show how COEs and alternative care models can deliver significant savings and better experiences. Employers are encouraged to audit their plans, build year-round engagement strategies and stay open to new ideas to thrive in a rapidly changing benefits landscape.  Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-bowcutt-321a856/] Vanessa Longnecker [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-longnecker-9899301/] Adam Compton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamccompton/]

Beyond Benefits: Bridging Financial Stress, Mental Health & Workforce Well-Being in 2025

Today on the Benefits Breakdown, Vanessa Longnecker, Jared Bowcutt and Adam Compton are joined by Meghan Pistritto and Dr. Wendy Coduti from Prudential to unpack the findings of the “2025 Benefits and Beyond” study. The conversation explores the growing intersection of financial stress, mental health, and employee well-being—and how employers can better support their teams.  The episode highlights key insights from the study, including:  * A disconnect between employer intentions and employee perceptions of support.  * The need for holistic wellness strategies that integrate financial, mental, physical and social health.  * Best practices for ongoing communication, benefit education and building trust.  * The importance of leadership modeling vulnerability and mental health openness.  * Real-world examples of flexible work, embedded support services and proactive manager training.  With personal stories, practical strategies and a call to action for cultural change, this episode is a must-listen for HR leaders, benefit professionals and anyone committed to helping employees thrive in 2025 and beyond.  Connect with the hosts: Jared Bowcutt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-bowcutt-321a856/] Vanessa Longnecker [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-longnecker-9899301/] Adam Compton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamccompton/]