Benefits Executive Roundtable Podcast
Audio Podcast Series
Industry experts break down the latest news and trends in employee benefits, healthcare reform, regulations and compliance, designed to empower executive decisions.
Dorothy Cociu will interview experts is a wide variety of fields and companies that affect your decisions. Dorothy will also share her knowledge and views on these topics. Each episode will be different and may feature a different mix of speakers.
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Download or listen to each episode here or on your favorite streaming service. Now available on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play Music, Radio Public, Listen Notes, and Whooshkaa. Coming soon to Pandora, Acast, Blubrry, Tunein, and others.
Season 6
Season 6 of the Benefits Executive Roundtable is here now and we encourage you to give past episodes another listen as well.
S6E8 – Cybersecurity and Cyber Awareness – Today’s Threat Environment
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Show Notes
S6E7 – MHPAEA Final Regulations & NQTL Analysis -What Does it All Mean?
In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu discusses the final regulations from the Mental Health Parity Act and the required NQTL Analysis with Chris Condeluci, ESQ, Washington Counsel, SIIA and Jordan Smith, Chief Compliance Officer & Practice Leader on Mental Health Parity at Healthcare Reporting. We discuss the law in general, plus the increased activity related to audits and enforcement for MHPAEA, and the requirement for a non-qualitative treatment limitation analysis. How does this affect plan sponsors and what are their requirements? When is all of this effective? This podcast should answer most, if not all, of your questions! Join us for this very informative podcast!
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S6E6 – ERISA Fiduciary Requirements Part 2
In Part 2 of our 2-part podcast on ERISA Fiduciary Requirements, host Dorothy Cociu and Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office discuss and share with our audience more excerpts from our September webinar. In this episode, we discuss the importance of the current environment of employee lawsuits against their health plan sponsors, which is one of the hottest topics in Washington and across the country related to benefit plans. In addition, we share excepts on ERISA Cybersecurity guidance, cybersecurity enforcement, potential penalties, and the importance of hiring and monitoring service providers with strong cybersecurity practices. Join us for this informative podcast episode!
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S6E5 – ERISA Fiduciary Requirements, Part 1
Host Dorothy Cociu discusses the differences between tax write-offs on IRS Section 125 cafeteria plans and income tax returns with Anne Kelly, President of Kelly & Kelly Insurance Services. Pre-tax dollars for flexible spending accounts, dependent care and qualified insurance plan contributions will be discussed, and how they compare with common income tax write-offs in various categories. Join us for this informative podcast, as we break down the differences in the options offered to employers and employees and how to maximize the tax savings.
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S6E4 – Tax Write-Offs on Cafeteria Plans vs. Income Tax Returns
Host Dorothy Cociu discusses the differences between tax write-offs on IRS Section 125 cafeteria plans and income tax returns with Anne Kelly, President of Kelly & Kelly Insurance Services. Pre-tax dollars for flexible spending accounts, dependent care and qualified insurance plan contributions will be discussed, and how they compare with common income tax write-offs in various categories. Join us for this informative podcast, as we break down the differences in the options offered to employers and employees and how to maximize the tax savings.
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S6E3 – Washington Update & Hot Topics for Self-Insured Health Plans
Host Dorothy Cociu discusses what’s going on in Washington, DC, Healthcare Policies of Presidential Candidates, a Congressional update, and the hottest topics in the self-funded health plan market with Chris Condeluci, ESQ, Washington Counsel for the Self-Insurance Institute of America (SIIA) and Anthony Murrello, SIIA Government Relations Manager. Hot topics outside of the elections include Fiduciary Issues, including monitoring of service providers, plan participant lawsuits, transparency, data sharing, artificial intelligence and PBM reforms. Join us for this informative podcast!
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S6E2 – Medicare Updates for 2025
Host Dorothy Cociu discusses Medicare updates with Maggie Stedt, Medicare Expert from Stedt Insurance. They will preview the most important things Medicare recipients and their families/friends need to know during this upcoming Open Enrollment Period, the most common questions seniors have went signing up for Medicare, plan changes for 2025, including Prescription Drug plans, and more. We also discuss the new rules this year for agents selling Medicare Plans, and new controversy, frustration and “despair” related to agent compensation for certain Medicare plans. Join us for this informative podcast!
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Show Notes
S6E1 – Celebrating ERISA’s 50th Birthday and Why It’s Important
In our season 6 opener, Host Dorothy Cociu discusses ERISA’s 50th Birthday with Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law office, its history and why it’s important to the employee benefits industry. Why did Congress want and need to pass a law like ERISA? What does ERISA do in general, and what and who does it protect? What are the advantages of ERISA-regulated plans, particularly self-funded health plans? How important was ERISA in today’s world of transparency, and what other laws came about related to ERISA? Join us for this informative podcast, as we celebrate this very special birthday!
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Season 5
Our complete season 5 has been published for your learning and enjoyment. Stay tuned for news on Season 6 of the Benefits Executive Roundtable and we encourage you to give past episodes another listen as well.
S5 E18 – Benefit Programs Designed to Attract and Retain Employees at All Job Tiers
In today’s market, top talent not only wants, but expects, a robust and innovative employee benefits program that will set one employer apart from the rest. Host Dorothy Cociu and guests Sue Wakamoto-Lee, ABC Director of Business Development and Jack Holder, President of EBIS, discuss how you can design a benefits program tailored to your workforce, including medical plans, dental and other plans, along with voluntary options and creating an Educational Assistance Program through which employers can help their employees pay off part of their student loan debt or current college and vocational expense each calendar year. Join us for this informative podcast, which will be our last regularly scheduled podcast of Season 5!
S5 E 17 – Holistic & Alternative Medicines, Part 2
In this week’s podcast, in a follow-up and part 2 of this series, host Dorothy Cociu discusses holistic and alternative, natural medicines and remedies for healing with Dr. Shannon Eggleston, Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and Doctor of Naturopathy, Founder of Natural Healing Center, and Ted Flittner of Live Wellness. We discuss the effectiveness of natural and plant-based medicines and healing, non-pharmaceutical options for pain and overall health, and the politics behind the barriers cannabis and other alternative and natural healing methods face in their path towards rescheduling away from current controlled substances categories in Washington. Join us for this informative podcast!
S5 E16 – Workplace Violence, Active Shooter Training and California’s New SB 553 Law
In this week’s episode, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Michael Julian, CEO, of National Business Investigations, Inc., MPS Security & Protection, author and trainer for Workplace Violence and Active Shooter Survival Training. Workplace Violence, as well as Active Shooters have become, unfortunately, very common across this country and elsewhere. California has put into law SB 553, which requires most employers in California to have a complete and comprehensive training program, effective July 1, 2024. What does SB 553 require an employer to do? If an Active Shooter enters your workplace, are you ready and are your employees safe? This podcast explores the requirements of the law as well as the reality of today’s world, and steps you can take to minimize the risk of an active shooter. Please join us for this highly informative podcast!
S5E15 – Federal -Washington Election/Politics, Legislative & Regulatory Updates 2024
Host Dorothy Cociu discusses the current state of Washington politics, legislative and regulatory updates and an insider’s look from “Inside the Beltway” with John Greene, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Association of Benefits & Insurance Professionals (NABIP). We discuss the politics in this election year, potential for future leaders, the 50th anniversary of ERISA, additional fiduciary responsibilities for employers, “site neutral” and PBM issues, and the March 8th Congressional Healthcare Package. Join us for this informative podcast!
S5 E14 – AI Security and Privacy Protections, AI & Cyber Liability, and Keeping Your Data Safe
Part 2 in our Series on Artificial Intelligence
In this episode, host Dorothy Cociu discusses with Eric Barricklow, Adriana Mendieta and Marilyn Monahan the importance of AI Security and Privacy Protections, AI & Cyber Liability, and Keeping Your Data Safe. Artificial Intelligence has left many companies wondering about what is needed to use the efficiencies of AI, but not compromise the privacy and security of the company and employees’ data. How can you do both? We will discuss the impact of workflow and production, the use of proper security and approval channels, and the dangers of using ChatGPT and other AI programs, and how those dangers can be minimized. We will also discuss the use of AI in Benefits Administration and the largest concerns related to privacy & security of data when using AI from an administrative, legal, and IT perspective, as well as a discussion on policies and procedures for AI. Join us for this informative podcast!
S5E13 – Legal Considerations of Artificial Intelligence
They predict that AI will revolutionize the workplace. But what is the legal landscape for AI use? Are there laws in place governing the use of AI? Are there risks and vulnerabilities employers should consider before adopting AI systems? In Part One of a Two-Part Series on Artificial Intelligence, host Dorothy Cociu discusses the legal considerations of AI with Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office. This podcast is designed to help you understand the existing legal landscape, identify the legal risks and vulnerabilities created by AI use, and prepare for the implementation of AI in the workplace. Join us for this very informative podcast!
S5E12 – Holistic and Alternate Medicines in Health Care, CBD, and the Path to Future Health Plan Coverage
For many years, consumers have been using Cannabis/CBD and other Holistic or Alternate Medicines and Treatments outside of their health plan, because studies have shown that they work and provide needed pain relief and treatment for conditions such as Cancer, Chronic Pain, Parkinson’s, MS, Alzheimers and Dementia, and more recently for mental health, autism, epilepsy and auto immune diseases. Host Dorothy Cociu and Sue Wakamoto-Lee discuss with guest Elisabeth Mack RN, BSN, MBA, owner of Holistic Caring, the differences between CBD and THC, microdosing, and how these products are providing relief, as well as the current system’s failures to incorporate these treatments into health plans. What does this type of alternative medicine cost today? Are they as effective or more effective than pharmaceutical drugs? When can the use of Cannabis/CBD be covered by health plans? Is there a path forward to offer these products and services in self-funded health plans and other plans, and if so, can they save overall costs in the long run? What is standing in the way and what needs to change in Washington to open the doors to health plan use? Please join us for this highly informative podcast.
Show Notes
S5E11 – Selecting a Benefits Broker & Consultant; A Helpful Checklist
In this week’s podcast, host Dorothy Cociu discusses the process of the employer selection of a benefits broker and consultant with guests Sue Wakamoto-Lee, Director of Business Development of Advanced Benefit Consulting and Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office. What services are important? What suits the employer’s needs? Should a broker/consultant assist an employer in benefit plan compliance, and if so, to what level? How do you properly compare, contrast and evaluate brokers and consultants? ERISA fiduciary rules, the CAA and the DOL Cybersecurity regulations and guidance have made it clear that employer plan sponsors should have a process to compare, contrast and select all service providers, including brokers/consultants, yet most employers are not even aware of these rules. Should that be a red flag? We’ll provide you with a “checklist” to help you compare benefits brokers and consultants, so that you can make the best decision and selection for your organization. Join us for this informative podcast!
Show Notes
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S5 E10 – Human Resources & Employment Law California & Federal Updates 2024
In this week’s podcast, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Kathy Ruffino, Vice President, Train Me Today, a Southern California-based Human Resources Consulting and Training firm, on the upcoming law changes for 2024 related to Human Resources and Employment Law. In this podcast, we discuss California’s SB 616 Paid Sick Leave, Cannabis Legislation SB 700 and AB 2188, SB 699 Non-Compete Agreements, SB 553 Workplace Violence, SB 497 Rebuttable Presumption of Retaliation, AB 594 Public Prosecution for Labor Code Violations, AB 1228 Fast Food Minimum Wage, SB 525 Health Care Industry Minimum Wage, SB 723 Rehire/Retention of Displaced Employees in Hospitality and Service Industries, and SB 848, Reproductive Loss Leave. In addition, we discuss Federal Laws The Pump Act and Federal Pregnant Worker Fairness Act (PWFA). Join us for this informative podcast!
S5E9 – Self-Insurance Legislative & Regulatory Hot Topics
In this week’s episode, host Dorothy Cociu discusses the self-insurance industry hot topics with Ryan Work, VP of Government Relations and Chris Condeluci, Washington Counsel, for the Self-Insurance Institute of America. We discuss the current threat to ERISA pre-emption following recent Supreme Court rulings on PBM cases that could have adverse effects on self-funded health plans, as well as updates on the Transparency in Coverage, the wide variability and incompleteness of files and inability of plan sponsors and administrators to access their claims data. In addition, we discuss the Surprise Medical Billing and Federal Independent Dispute Resolution process and issues within the portal, the lack of Independent Dispute Resolution Entities to arbitrate the cases, and recent cases that strike at the heart of the NSA rules, the QPA. We also discuss the CAA Gag Clause Prohibition & Attestation and requirements of plan sponsors. Join us for this informative podcast!
Season 4
S4 E18 – Benefit Programs to Attract and Retain Talent For All Job Tiers
In this episode, Host Dorothy Cociu shares more excerpts from ABC’s January 24th Lunch & Learn program. Dorothy Cociu and Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office discuss benefit programs that attract and retain talent in all job tiers. In today’s market, top talent not only wants, but expects, a robust and innovative employee benefits program that will set one employer apart from the rest. In this episode, we will talk about how you can design a health benefits program tailored to your workforce, including medical plans, dental and other plans, along with voluntary options, and recent changes in the law that allows employers to create an Educational Assistance Program with which employers can help their employees pay off part of their student loan debt or current college and vocational expense each calendar year. Join us for this informative podcast!
S4E17 – Recruiting Talent: Challenges & Opportunities in a Post-COVID World
In this episode, Host Dorothy Cociu shares excerpts from ABC’s January 24th Lunch & Learn program. One of the greatest challenges employers have in our post-pandemic world is recruiting talent and keeping them from moving on quickly to other employers. In this episode, Kathy Ruffino of Train Me Today and Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office provide us with helpful information and tools for recruiting and retaining quality employees, by providing them with what they are looking for now and in their future. We cover opportunities for remote work and how to design job descriptions for remote employees at all job tiers, the challenges of hiring a remote or hybrid workforce and how to overcome them, the types of benefits that attract recruits and keep them on the job, and tools to keep employees engaged long-term. Join us for this informative podcast!
S4E16 – California Employment & Workplace Laws for 2023
Host Dorothy Cociu shares excerpts from her Employment & Workplace Laws session from her January 24, 2023 Lunch & Learn this episode. Kathy Ruffino from Train Me Today and Marilyn Monahan from Monahan Law Office discuss the new employment and workplace laws in or going into effect in 2023, including The Fast Act, AB 1041 expansion of current family leave under CFRA, SB 1044 Retaliation and “Emergency Situations,” AB 1601 employment protections for call centers, AB 1949 bereavement law update, SB 523 discrimination of applicants and/or employees based on reproductive health decision making, SB 1162’s Pay Transparency Act, which requires new pay data reporting beginning May 10th, 202, and other California and Federal new and existing laws changes or updates. Join us for this informative podcast!
S4E15 – California State Legislative Updates
In this episode, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Faith Borges, Legislative Advocate, Dawn McFarlane, VP of Legislation and Sue Wakamoto-Lee, President, of the California Agents & Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP), on the current legislative environment in Sacramento. We examine our state legislature, the November elections and political impact of them, state Leadership, and the main legislative issues related to health insurance and health care in California. Will Single Payer threats be back? Join us for this informative podcast!
S4E14 – Federal Legislative Updates with Marcy Buckner, Part 2
In part two of this two-part series, host Dorothy Cociu continues her interview with Marcy Buckner, Senior VP of Government Affairs of NABIP. We discuss the CMS Proposed 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP), the ACA Employer Reporting Deadline permanent extension, the Transparency in Coverage (TiC) Guidance that clarifies Public Disclosures, and the Good Faith Effort provisions for employer CAA Prescription Drug Reporting, which has been very difficult for employers, TPAs, PBMs and others. In addition, we discuss the top issues that NABIP has working on in Washington, including preserving the employer tax exclusion and employer reporting under the ACA. We also discuss updates on Single Payer/Medicare for All discussions in Washington and Medicare Updates. Join us for the conclusion of this informative podcast!
S4E13 – Federal Legislative Updates, Part 1
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e13-federal-legislative-updates-part1In this episode, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marcy Buckner, Senior VP of Government Affairs of NABIP. They discuss the current state of affairs in Congress after the November, 2022...
S4E12 – Examining Reference Based Pricing in Self-Funded Plans, Featuring ClaimDOC
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e12-examining-reference-based-pricing-in-self-funded-plansIn this week’s episode, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Mike Sigal, VP of Sales Development and Omar Arif, Senior VO of Growth from ClaimDOC, a Reference Based Pricing...
S4E11 – Everything Employers Need to Know About Federal TiC and RX Reporting Requirements for 2022-2023
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e11-everything-employers-need-to-know-about-federal-tic-and-rx-reporting-2022-2023Host Dorothy Cociu discusses with Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office all of the Employer Requirements for the Transparency in Coverage Machine...
S4E10 – Human Resources & California Legislative Updates for 2022-2023
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e10-hr-calfornia-legislative-updates-2022-2023Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Kathy Ruffino, Vice President, Train Me Today, on Human Resources and California Legislative Updates for 2022-2023. We discuss AB 152 (COVID...
S4E9 – Voluntary Benefits & How They Can Enhance Your New Hire Offerings and Open Enrollment
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e9-how-voluntary-benefits-can-enhance-your-new-hire-offerings-and-open-enrollmentPost-COVID-19, employers are struggling to attract and retain employees, and employee benefits are one of the leading ways to sway prospective...
S4E8 – Medicare Updates for 2023 Enrollments
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e8-medicare-updates-for-2023-enrollmentsHost Dorothy Cociu interviews Maggie Stedt and Rosamaria Murrajo from the California Agents & Health Insurance Professional’s Medicare Committee on the Medicare updates needed for 2023...
S4E7 – Cybersecurity; The Need Is Here to Stay + Tips for Keeping Your Data Safe
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s437-cybersecurity-need-is-here-to-stay+tips-to-keeping-data-safeIn Part 2 of our Two-Part Series on Cybersecurity during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Adriana Mendieta, Cybersecurity and Cyber...
S4E6 – Data Security Risks and Importance of Cybersecurity, Part 1
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e6-data-security-risks-and-importance-of-cybersecurity-part-1In part 1 of this two part series, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ted Mayeshiba and Ted Flittner of Aditi Group, an IT Technology, HITECH, Electronic Security and...
S4E5 – Renewal and Open Enrollment Strategies for Self-Funded Health Plans
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e5-renewal-open-enrollment-strategies-for-self-funded-health-plansHost Dorothy Cociu interviews Dan Baker, Vice President, Sales and MaryAnn Wessel, Senior Account Manager of EBA&M Corporation, a Third-Party Administrator...
S4E4 – No Surprises Act Final Rules and DaVita vs Marietta SCOTUS update
No Surprises Act Final Rules and DaVita v. Marietta SCOTUS update from SIIA’s Ryan Work & Chris Condeluci https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e4-no-surprises-act-final-rules-and-davita-v-marietta-scotus-updateHost Dorothy Cociu interviews Ryan Work, Senior VP...
S4E3 – Health Plan Compliance: The Good, The Bad and The Scary
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s4e3-health-plan-compliance-the-good-the-bad-and-the-scaryHost Dorothy Cociu interviews Jeff Strong, Vice President, Sales, Sterling Administrators on health plan compliance, the good, the bad, and the scary! In this week’s...
S4E2 – Federal & State Legal & Regulatory Updates, Part 2, with Marilyn Monahan, Monahan Law Office
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/podcast-s4e2-federal-state-legal-regulatory-updates-p2Host Dorothy Cociu continues her discussions on federal and state legal and regulatory updates with Marilyn Monahan. In part 2 of this 2-part series, we discuss the hottest...
S4E1 – Federal & State Legal & Regulatory Updates, Part 1, with Marilyn Monahan, Monahan Law Office
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/podcast-s4e1-federal-state-legal-regulatory-updates-p1Host Dorothy Cociu interviews one of the Roundtable’s favorite guests, Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office. In part 1 of this two -part series, we discuss Federal &...
Season 3
S3 E18 – Health Plan Financing With Reference Based Pricing – The Pros and Cons – An Employer-Plan Sponsor Perspective
S3E17 – Is Self-Funding Your Health Plan The Way to Help Your Company’s Bottom Line and Help Long-Term Growth?
S3E16 – Strategies for Fully-Insured Health Plans – How to Offer Great Benefits and Maintain Your Budget
Part 1 of a 3 Part Series on Health Care & Health Plan Financing & Cost Containment
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Bob Quaid, Senior Broker Representative for California Choice, a health plan option available for small groups (under 100 employees) in California, on how their 1990’s created Assembly Bill private exchange product has developed into an effective way for fully insured employers to set their health plan budgets and stick to them, while offering employee choice. We’ll discuss budgeting techniques, carriers, administration, consolidated billing and support on these plans. Learn how it works and why it’s a cost-effective strategy for fully insured small group health plans.
S3E15 – The Value of EAP Programs in a COVID and Post-COVID World
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Elizabeth Holman, President of The Holman Group, which is a Managed Behavioral Healthcare Provider and Employee Assistance Program. We discuss the importance of providing assistance to employees in times of crisis, stress and anxiety, such as the COVID-19 era and beyond. What effects did the lack of normalcy, the economic pressures and lockdown have on employees and their families? How can employers help in times like these, and going forward, to better assist them in the future in a post-COVID world? Learn more about EAP programs and how they can help employers.
S3E14 – How Close Did We Come to Single Payer Healthcare in California?
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Faith Borges, Legislative Advocate for the California Agents and Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP) and Dawn McFarland, VP of Legislation for CAHIP, on the latest and most serious threat to our current health care system in California, with the recent single payer healthcare bill, AB-1400, and the companion Assembly Constitutional Amendment, ACA 11. This was the second serious scare of single payer in 5 years for California, but this one was a double threat, as it included the funding source to pay for Single Payer in a constitutional amendment with nearly $290 Billion in new corporate and individual taxes. What happened, why did it happen, and why did it fail? Learn why this is a continuing threat in California; how we could lose our employer sponsored coverage, individual coverage, Medicare, Medi-Cal and all other forms of healthcare coverage in California!
S3E13 – The Importance of a Business Electronic Risk Assessment in Today’s Cyber World
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e13-importance-of-business-electronic-risk-assement-in-todays-cyber-worldHost Dorothy Cociu interviews Ted Flittner and Ted Mayeshiba, principals of Aditi Group, an IT services and consulting firm, on the importance of a...
S3E12 – ACA Compliance Updates for 2022- Employer Reporting and Responsibilities, Part 2
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3-e12-aca-compliance-updates-for-2022-employer-reporting-and-responsibilities-part-2/Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office on the changes to the ACA Reporting forms and requirements for 2022 in a...
S3 E11 – ACA Compliance Updates for 2022 – Employer Reporting and Responsibilities, Part 1
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3-e11-aca-compliance-updates-for-2022-employer-reporting-and-responsibilities-part-1/Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office on the changes to the ACA Reporting forms and requirements for 2022 in a...
S3E10 – OSHA Vaccine Mandate Status and HR Legislative Updates for California
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e10-osha-vaccine-mandate-status-and-hr-legislative-updates-for-californiaEarly November saw the new OSHA guidance released on the federal Vaccine Mandate for employers with 100 or more employees, followed immediately by a rush...
S3E9 – Medicare Open Enrollment; Updates and Helpful Information for Consumers, Medicare Enrollees, Employers & Agents
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e9-medicare-open-enrollment-updates-and-helpful-info-for-consumers-medicare-enrollees-employers-agentsHost Dorothy Cociu discusses what’s new and what listeners should know about Medicare during the current Open Enrollment...
S3E8 – No Surprises Act Independent Dispute Resolution Process & How it Will Work
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e8-no-surprises-act-independent-dispute-resolution-process-how-it-will-workHost Dorothy Cociu interviews Ryan Work, Vice President, Government Relations, and Chris Condeluci, Washington Legal Counsel for the Self-Insurance...
S3E7 – COVID’s Impact on Kids With Autism; The Path Out of the Pandemic
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e7-covid-impact-on-kids-w-autism-the-path-out-of-the-pandemicPart 2 of a 2-Part series during Mental Health Awareness Month Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ruth Tello-Di Leva, MS, BCBA, on the affects of COVID on kids with Autism....
S3E6 – How COVID Has Amplified the Negative Impacts of Mental Health & Behavioral Health
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e6-ho-covid-amplified-negative-impacts-of-mental-health-and-behavioral-healthPart 1 of a 2-Part series during Mental Health Awareness Month Host Dorothy Cociu interviews experts from Hines & Associates, a Utilization...
S3E5 – Federal & State Legislative Updates with Marilyn Monahan
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e5-federal-state-legislative-updates-marilyn-monahanHost Dorothy Cociu welcomes once again Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office on Federal and State Legislative Updates for fall, 2021. Marilyn will discuss the ACA Transparency...
S3E4 – No Surprises Act and its Impact on Self-Funded Health Plans – part 2 of 2
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e4-no-surprises-act-self-funded-health-plans-impactIn Part 2 of our 2-Part Series on Surprise Billing Legislation, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ryan Day, President, and Collen Dempewolf, Director, Strategic Product Development,...
S3E3 – CAA’s No Surprises Act, Part 1 of a 2 Part Series
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e3-caas-no-surprises-act-part-1-of-a-2-part-seriesHost Dorothy Cociu and special guest Marilyn Monahan, of Monahan Law office, discuss the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) interim final rule for the No Surprises Act, Part...
S3E2 – Cybersecurity Part 2
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e2-cybersecurity-part-2In Part 2 of this 2-Part Podcast, Host Dorothy Cociu continues her discussions with Ted Mayeshiba and Ted Flittner, Principals of Aditi Group, an IT Security/HIPAA Security/Cybersecurity firm, and Bruce...
S3E1 – Cybersecurity Part 1
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s3e1-cybersecurity-part-1In Part 1 of this 2-Part Podcast, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ted Mayeshiba and Ted Flittner, Principals of Aditi Group, an IT Security / HIPAA Security / Cybersecurity firm about the importance of...
Special Edition Podcasts
Special Edition Podcast – American Rescue Plan Act 2021 and Legislative Updates Spring 2021
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/se-american-rescue-plan-act-2021-and-legislative-updates-spring-2021The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 2021 and Other Legislative Updates – Spring, 2021 – A Special Off-Season Release! Host Dorothy Cociu and Guest Marilyn Monahan...
Advanced Benefit Consulting Client Webinar March 30, 2021 – American Rescue Plan Act & Outbreak Period Updates
Advanced Benefit Consulting Client Webinar March 30, 2021 – American Rescue Plan Act & Outbreak Period Updates – Updated April 7, 2021. For client viewing only. Password required.
Season 2
S2E18 – Cybersecurity in the Workplace and Home
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e18-cybersecurity-in-the-workplace-and-homeHost Dorothy Cociu interviews principals of Aditi Group, our Technology Partners, on cybersecurity in the workplace and home. Dorothy sits down with Ted Mayeshiba, Ted Flittner and...
S2E17 – Legislative & Regulatory Updates Winter 2021 Part 2
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e17-legislative-and-regulatory-updates-winter-2021-part2In part two of a two-part podcast, host Dorothy Cociu and Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law office discuss details of the new Transparency Rules for Employers and Health...
S2E16 – Legislative & Regulatory Updates Winter 2021 Part 1
Important two-part podcast with Host Dorothy Cociu and Marilyn Monahan, from Monahan Law Office, on “Legislative & Regulatory Updates, Winter, 2021.”https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e16-legislative-and-regulatory-updates-winter-2021-part1In part one of a...
S2E15 – Human Resources & Employment Updates, Including COVID Workplace Assistance & HR Certifications with Jacquelyn Thorp, MSHR, SPHR, PHRCA
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e15-human-resources-and-employment-updates-covid-workplace-assistance-and-hr-certifications-with-jacquelyn-thorpHost Dorothy Cociu interviews Jacquelyn Thorp, CEO and Founder of Train Me Today, a California-based Human Resources...
S2E14 – Being Hospitalized During COVID-19: A Nurse and Patient Perspective
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e14-being-hospitalized-during-covid-19-a-nurse-and-patient-perspective/In this last of our 3-part series on the non-benefits side of COVID-19, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Deena, a Registered Nurse, who was hospitalized for her...
S2E13 – COVID-19’s Impact on Kids With Emotional Disabilities, Including Autism
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e13-covid-19-impact-on-kids-with-emotional-disabilities-including-autism/Host Dorothy Cociu continues her 3-part series on the real-world effects of COVID-19 on the community. In part 2 of this mini-series, she interviews Ruth...
S2E12 – Remote Learning in the Age of COVID -19; How it Affects Teachers, Students & Parents
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e12-remote-learning-in-the-age-of-covid-19-affects-teachers-students-parents/In part one of our 3-part series on the effects of COVID-19, host Dorothy Cociu interviews an elementary school teacher in Orange County, California to...
S2E11 – PPP Loan Forgiveness Tips with Tax Accountant John Piekarski
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e11-ppp-loan-forgiveness-tips-with-tax-accountant-john-piekarskiIf you received a PPP loan, this podcast is a must-listen! Host Dorothy Cociu interviews tax accountant John Piekarski, who discusses the PPP loan forgiveness...
S2E10 – Employer Cost Savings Tips in RX Plans
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e10-employer-rx-plan-cost-savings-tips/Design Your Company Drug Plan with the Best Cost ContainmentHost Dorothy Cociu interviews Chris Brown, Director of Business Development of RX Benefits, a national prescription drug...
S2E9 – Medicare Open Enrollment Must Do’s
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e9--medicare-open-enrollment-must-dos/Must Do's for Annual Open Enrollment of Your Medicare Health CoverageHost Dorothy Cociu interviews Ryan Dorigan, a Medicare and Senior Care expert, who will walk you through everything you...
S2E8 – Federal Legislative Updates & Election Preview with Marcy Buckner Part 2
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e8-federal-legislative-election-preview-and-updates-2020-w-marcy-buckner-p2Election 2020 Preview with Government Affairs VPHost Dorothy Cociu interviews Marcy Buckner, VP of Government Affairs of NAHU on the legislative...
S2E7 – Federal Legislative and Election Updates 2020 from a leading Government Affairs representative
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e7-federal-legislative-election-updates-2020-from-leading-government-affairs-representativeHost Dorothy Cociu interviews Marcy Buckner, VP of Government Affairs of NAHU on the legislative successes in 2019, COVID-19 Legislative...
S2E6 – Telemedicine for Today and Tomorrow
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e6-telemedicine-for-today-and-tomorrowThis podcast examines Telemedicine from a provider’s perspective and a vendor’s perspective. Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Dr. Wendy Coling from Kaiser Health on the effectiveness of...
S2E5 – California Legislative Update August-September, 2020 – Road Map to Single Payer Health Care?
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e5-california-legislative-update-august-september-2020-road-map-to-single-payer-health-careThis special event podcast will update our listeners on current State of California legislative activities, including the upcoming...
S2E4 – Legal Update Part 2 – Federal and State Legal Updates
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e4-legal-update-part-2-federal-and-state-legal-updatesHost Dorothy Cociu interviews once again attorney Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law office. In part 2, we will start with an update from Part 1, where we discuss the newly...
S2E3 – Legal Update Part 1 – COVID-19 Legislation Updates
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/s2e3-legal-update-part-1-covid-19-legislation-updatesHost Dorothy Cociu interviews attorney Marilyn Monahan of Monahan Law Office. In part 1, we will discuss recent COVID-19 legislation and how it affects employers, the...
S2E2 – Self-Funded Health Plan Cost Containment: Reference Based Pricing and Beyond
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Larry Thompson, Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer for Advanced Medical Pricing Solutions (AMPS), one of the pioneers in reference-based pricing and medical bill review that has been in business since 2005. Starting as a medical bill...
S2E1 – Working From Home – Using Technology for Productivity & Security
Host Dorothy Cociu and Technology Consultant Ted Flittner, Principal of Aditi Group, team up to talk about how HIPAA applies to COVID-19 disclosures, other laws involved, and the challenges of employers with employees working from home. We address risks to employers,...
Season 1
2019-2020
S1E18V – Coronavirus Employer Guide Part 2 – FFCRA video podcast
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/coronavirus-employer-guide-part-2-ffcra-video-podcast/ Host Dorothy Cociu shares an overview off the Families First Coronavirus Response Act - An Employer Guide Part 2, which summarizes an overview of the law, what size employers...
S1E18 – Coronavirus Employer Guide Part 2 – FFCRA podcast
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/coronavirus-employer-guide-part-2-ffcra-podcast/ Host Dorothy Cociu shares an overview off the Families First Coronavirus Response Act - An Employer Guide Part 2, which summarizes an overview of the law, what size employers it...
S1E17 – Employer Guide to Coronavirus In the Workplace – part 1
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/employer-guide-to-coronavirus-in-the-workplace-part-1-podcast/ Podcast Host Dorothy Cociu provides an Employer Guide to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Workplace – Part One. She discusses California Dept of Labor Commissioner’s...
S1E17V – Employer Guide to Coronavirus in Workplace- Part 1
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/employer-guide-to-coronavirus-in-workplace-part-1/ Podcast Host Dorothy Cociu provides an Employer Guide to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Workplace – Part One. She discusses California Dept of Labor Commissioner’s FAQs on how...
S1E16 – An Underwriter-Actuarial Look at Cost Containment in Self-Funded Health
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/an-underwriter-actuarial-look-at-cost-containment-in-self-funded-health/ Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Rick Paul, President of US Benefits, a self-funded stop loss underwriting firm, who shares his somewhat unique and sometimes...
S1E15 – Federal Legislative Update & Presidential Candidates Healthcare Platforms from Marcy Buckner at Capital Conference 2020
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/federal-legislative-updates-presidential-candidates-healthcare-platforms-from-marcy-buckner-capital-conference-2020 Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marcy Buckner, Vice President, Government Affairs with the National Association of...
S1E14 – Cost Containment in the Large Group Health Insurance Market
Host Dorothy Cociu is interviewed on the topic of mid-size to large group health plan cost containment, where she shares her insights and ideas on the best ways to reduce costs in a group health plan, by managing the highest cost factors in a health plan: facilities...
S1E13 – Finding The Right TPA: What to Look For and What to Ask
https://advancedbenefitconsulting.com/finding-the-right-third-party-administrator-tpa-what-to-look-for-and-ask Host Dorothy Cociu interviews principals of EBA&M, a third party administrator, on the services administrators offer, the differences between...
S1E12 – What to Do (and Not Do) When You Receive an IRS 226-J Letter
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marilyn Monahan, Esq., Monahan Law Office, on the complications of the ACA reporting process for Applicable Large Employers (ALEs), the requirements, and what to do if you receive an IRS 226-J letter or Marketplace Appeal letter. We...
S1E11 – The Hottest California HR and Employment Issues for 2020
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Jacquelyn Thorp, MSHR, SPHR, PHR ca, CEO, Founder and Trainer of Train Me Today on the Hottest California HR and Employment Issues for 2020, including Minimum Wage & Exempt Employee Salary Thresholds, Lactation Accommodation (SB 142),...
S1E10 – HIPAA Privacy & Security Part 2 – Electronic Technical
In part two of this two-part series, Dorothy Cociu interviews IT Privacy and Security Consultant Ted Flittner of Aditi Group on the technical security side of HIPAA, as well as the impact HITECH has on your firm. In addition, Ted and Dorothy will discuss some of the...
S1E9 – HIPAA Privacy and Security Part 1 – Physical & Administrative Security
In this first part of our two part episode, IT Privacy and Security expert Ted Flittner of Aditi Group interviews Dorothy Cociu on HIPAA Privacy and Security. This illuminating interview focuses on the physical and administrative security side of HIPAA. You'll learn...
S1E8 – Health Plan Cost Containment Using Utilization Review – Utilization Management
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Michael Hansen, Regional Sales Manager and Anna Hansen, Director of Sales & Client Solutions, Hines & Associates on how a good UR/UM program can save dollars for your health plan, while giving the best possible care to your health...
S1E7 – Prescription Drug Plans – How PBM Contract Considerations & Plan Design Can Lower the Cost of Your Health Plan
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Robert Shelly, PBM Consultant from LeafWing, who shares ways you can lower your health plan RX costs by finding the best PBM contracts, improving plan design and employee communications....
S1E6 – There’s Plan Money Sitting Out There – How to Get It Back Into Your Health Plan By Using Subrogation & Third Party Liability Recovery
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ron Peck, Esq., V.P. and General Counsel for The PHIA Group, on tips on how to recover funds from insurance carriers and others from auto accidents, medical mal-practice, product liability, class-action liability suits, work comp claims...
S1E5 – Federal Legislative Update: Medicare-for-All, Single Payer Options, Health Plan Terminology and Presidential Candidate Health Plan Comparisons for Employers & Consumers
Dorothy Cociu interviews Janet Trautwein, CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters, who provides a frank outlook on the current state of health care reform in Washington. Janet provides a mini glossary of terms, the differences between Universal...
S1E4 – California State Legislative Update – A Discussion on Health Plan, Health Insurance and Related State Legislation for Employers & Consumers
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Faith Borges, Cal-Advocates and Jim Morrison, V.P. of Legislation of the California Association of Health Underwriters, who update employers and consumers on state issues such as AB-5 (Independent Contractor Law), Surprise Billing Bills...
S1E3 – Should You Be Using Reference Based Pricing to Lower Your Health Plan Costs?
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ryan Day, President of HS Technologies, a reference-based pricing vendor, who shares insights and information on the option to use RBP in your health plan… Can using a percentage of Medicare Rates (Medicare-Plus) provide greater claims...
S1E2 – Self-Insurance: Is It Right Your Health Plan?
In this episode, your host Dorothy Cociu interviews guest Mike Ferguson, CEO of the Self-Insurance Institute of America, who gives us an insight into self-insurance… Mike talks frankly about the option to self-fund (or not), recent trends in the self-funded...
S1E1 – Employer Roundtable On Benefit Decision-Making
In this eposide Dorothy Cociu hosts an employer roundtable with large and small employers who share their thought process, decision-making tools, and ideas on cost containment in their health plans....
Summary of Seasons 1-5
Quickly read summaries of each of our podcast episodes from seasons 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. We’ve covered many critical topics for busy executives and company leaders, to help you make the best decisions in today’s hectic world of changing laws, people and financial challenges. And it’s easy to download and share with others in your circle.