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.
Listen Now
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 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.
S5E8 – California’s Latest Single Payer Threat: SB 770
California’s Governor recently signed into law SB 770, which is a bill aimed at obtaining federal financing from Medicare and MediCal funds to be directed into a state-run single payer healthcare system in California. If a single payer system were to pass into law, we would have no more private health plans, no more Medicare, MediCal, or Covered California. In this week’s podcast, Host Dorothy Cociu discusses SB 770 and Single Payer Healthcare, and what it could mean in California, with Faith Borges, Legislative Advocate for the California Agents & Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP). Learn about what this would all mean, and the heavy tax burdens this would place on employers and individuals, if this type of legislation were put into place. Listen to this very informative podcast!
S5E7- Medicare Updates 2023-2024, Featuring Maggie Stedt
In this week’s episode, host Dorothy Cociu interviews Maggie Stedt, Medicare and Senior Care expert, who shares with us updates for Medicare enrollees and Medicare Open Enrollment Updates for 2023-2024. We discuss the new CMS Medicare Rules for agents, the highlights of the current Open Enrollment period, and important information that seniors need to know, including how they can get the help they need and sign up. Should employees over 65 continue on their group plans or enroll in Medicare? We discuss all of the latest information that can help seniors. Join us for this informative podcast!
S5E6 – US Department of Labor/EBSA Cybersecurity Guidance Panel Discussion, Part 2
In Part Two of our 2-Part Series in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Host Dorothy Cociu discusses with our Panel of Marilyn Monahan, ESQ, Ted Flittner and Ted Mayeshiba of Aditi Group, processes for selecting service providers under the DOL/EBSA Cybersecurity Guidance, what they mean by a “Cybersecurity Program,” Best Practices for Plan Sponsors, and more. We discuss some of the policies and procedures Plan Sponsor Employers must have in place, the importance of regular Risk Assessments, more details about service provider contracts, and the importance of Plan Sponsors to educate their plan participants so that they can play a part in their own benefit account security. Join us for Part Two of this informative podcast series!
Show Notes
S5E5 – US Department of Labor EBSA Cybersecurity Guidance Panel Discussion, Part 1
In Part One of a 2-Part Series, in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Host Dorothy Cociu discusses the US Department of Labor/EBSA Cybersecurity Guidance with an expert panel, including Marilyn Monahan, ESQ of Monahan Law Office, Ted Flittner and Ted Mayeshiba, Principals of Aditi Group, ABC’s partner IT, Cybersecurity and Technology firm. In part one, we discuss the background of the cybersecurity guidance, what’s included in the Guidance, who has to comply, recent court cases setting precedents, Tips for Hiring a Service Provider with strong cybersecurity practices and the role of fiduciaries in this function, including selection and monitoring. We also discuss the importance of cyber liability insurance and what you need to do to get it, and the importance of contract terms with service providers. Join us for Part One of this important and informational podcast!
Show Notes
Advanced Benefit Consulting offers its Cybersecurity Program Guide for Plan Fiduciaries and Plan Sponsors on a retail basis (this is complementary for health benefits broker clients, along with assistance completing the Cybersecurity Program documentation). If you’d like to order our Cybersecurity Program Guide, including the ABC Cybersecurity Service Provider Questionnaire and Vendor Comparison Chart, click here. If you’d like to order just our ABC Cybersecurity Service Provider Questionnaire and Comparison Chart, click here.
S5E4 – Saving Money with an HRA Wrap
Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) have been around for years, but suddenly, they are being looked at as a way to save considerable dollars for fully insured plans being hit with high renewal increases, particularly if you offer high benefit-level plans. By increasing your deductible and using an employer-funded HRA, you can design your HRA to mirror your original plan benefits, offer a Debit Card for easy use by your plan participants, and lower your overall health plan costs! In this podcast, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Sue Wakamoto-Lee, Claremont Insurance Services and David Franklin, EBA&M Corporation, on how to effectively design and use a cost-effective HRA Wrap! Join us for this informative podcast!
S5E3 – Open Enrollment Best Practices
As we enter into the 4th quarter and the busiest Benefits Open Enrollment season, this podcasts gives expert assistance to be sure your Open Enrollment goes off without a hitch! Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marilyn Monahan, ESQ, Anne Kelly and Anthony McCarren on Open Enrollment Best Practices. We discuss the legal and regulatory work that needs to be done, online enrollment and benefits administration, what’s best for heavy Hispanic-populated groups, a frank discussion on market concerns with the Ease sale to Employee Navigator, the need for employee education, and overall best practices for both fully insured and self-funded groups. Join us for this informative podcast!
S5E2 – Plan Fiduciaries Beware!
In this week’s episode, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Marilyn Monahan, ESQ, of Monahan Law Office, on the dangers and pitfalls for plan fiduciaries that can cost you more than just money! We’ll talk about ERISA requirements for plan fiduciaries, the Prudent Person Rule, Parties in Interest, the DOL Guidance on plan fiduciary responsibilities for Cybersecurity, and the risks and penalties to fiduciaries if they don’t do the right things. Our discussion also includes CAA requirements, disclosure, and litigation, and more. Join us for this very informative podcast!
Show Notes
Marilyn Monahan can be reached at marilyn@monahanlawoffice.com. Dorothy Cociu can be reached at dmcociu@advancedbenefitconsulting.com.
If you would like to discuss your legal obligations as a Plan Fiduciary with Marilyn, please contact her directly. If you would like consulting help or information about broker services (which includes complimentary consulting in most cases, other than IT work), please contact Dorothy Cociu. For IT and Cybersecurity assistance, you can contact ABC’s Technology and IT/Cybersecurity partners, Aditi Group, at info@aditigroup.com.
Advanced Benefit Consulting offers its Cybersecurity Program Guide for Plan Fiduciaries and Plan Sponsors on a retail basis (this is complementary for health benefits broker clients, along with assistance completing the Cybersecurity Program documentation). If you’d like to order our Cybersecurity Program Guide, including the ABC Cybersecurity Service Provider Questionnaire and Vendor Comparison Chart, click here. If you’d like to order just our ABC Cybersecurity Service Provider Questionnaire and Comparison Chart, click here.
We encourage you to listen to Season 5, Episodes 5 and 6, for a continued, detailed discussion on the DOL/EBSA Cybersecurity Guidance with Dorothy Cociu, Marilyn Monahan, Ted Flitter and Ted Mayeshiba of Aditi Group. These episodes will air on October 10 and 17 (part 1 and 2), 2023.
A True Kind of Health Plan Cost Containment and Transparency
Dorothy Cociu interviews Dr. Keith Smith, Owner, Surgery Center of Oklahoma. Dr. Smith and his partners left the world of corporate profits in the hospital industry and started the Surgery Center of Oklahoma in 1997, and immediately started quoting actual prices over the phone. In 2009, they launched their website that posted all prices online, offering complete transparency in pricing, with drastically lower fees than nearly every other hospital or surgery center in the county! Although they began their practice marketing to self-funded health plans, they now offer these cost-effective strategies for everyone. Listen to this amazing story of true cost containment!
Show Notes
Season 4
S4E8 – Medicare Updates for 2023 Enrollments
Host 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 enrollments. We discuss the important things consumers need to know, the new rules that affect agents, and the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare provisions. In addition, we discuss what seniors themselves need to know, their most common questions, hints on how to enroll, as well as the differences in stand-alone prescription drug plans, Medicare supplement plans and more! Join us for this timely and informative podcast!
S4E7 – Cybersecurity; The Need Is Here to Stay + Tips for Keeping Your Data Safe
In Part 2 of our Two-Part Series on Cybersecurity during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Adriana Mendieta, Cybersecurity and Cyber Liability Coverage Expert, on the current state of the Cyber World… whether it’s harmful hacks or ransomware, everyone is at risk for a cyber attack. Adriana shares her thoughts as a Database Manager, member of a federal government cybersecurity task force, and cyber liability agent. We discuss the latest trends and how to mitigate your risk. Join us for part 2 of this informative series on cybersecurity!
S4E6 – Data Security Risks and Importance of Cybersecurity, Part 1
In 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 Cybersecurity firm on the current threats in electronic security, cybersecurity and the importance of risk assessments and training employees to protect your electronic data. We discuss the recent cyber and ransomware attacks and trends, the risks of remote employees and how to mitigate them, and overall electronic security tips. Join us for this informative podcast during Cybersecurity Awareness Week!
S4E5 – Renewal and Open Enrollment Strategies for Self-Funded Health Plans
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Dan Baker, Vice President, Sales and MaryAnn Wessel, Senior Account Manager of EBA&M Corporation, a Third-Party Administrator specializing in self-funded and level-funded health plans on the best practices for renewal and open enrollment, and strategies for making your upcoming renewal efficient and successful. We discuss timelines for quoting and sales steps, reporting and data analysis, funding mechanisms, employer education, and the complexities of new laws and regulations and how they impact your renewal and open enrollment. Join us for this informative podcast!
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
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ryan Work, Senior VP Government Relations and Chris Condeluci, Esquire, Washington Counsel for the Self Insurance Institute of America (SIIA), on the No Surprises Act Final Rules and how they impact health plans, including updates on the Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Process, which finally opened in April, 2022. How was the Federal Portal’s operations in its first quarter? We’ll give you the inside scoop and first quarter result summary. In addition, Chris and Ryan give us an update on how the DaVita v. Marrietta SCOTUS decision impacts self-funded health plans. This ruling was considered a huge victory for the self-insured industry! Ryan and Chris give us their insight from inside the heart of the self-insured industry!
Show Notes
S4E3 – Health Plan Compliance: The Good, The Bad and The Scary
Host 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 episode, Jeff and Dorothy discuss ERISA disclosure requirements, the best tools for and preparing for audits, fiduciary liability, the Prudent Man Rule, Form 5500 filing and auditing, COBRA, ICHRAs, and more compliance information. In addition, we discuss the recent SCOTUS case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, which took away the constitutional right to an abortion, along with the liability of crossing state lines for abortions, aiding and abetting, and employer use of Travel Benefits for abortion expenses.
S4E2 – Federal & State Legal & Regulatory Updates, Part 2, with Marilyn Monahan, Monahan Law Office
Host 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 two Supreme Court cases that were settled this past summer, including Dobbs v. Jackson Health (which overturned Roe v. Wade) and Marietta v Davita (which was a huge victory for self-funded health plans). What happened and what can employers do about abortion coverages? What kind of civil and criminal penalties are at stake if employees cross state lines for abortions? How does the DaVita case help self-funded plans with cost containment? We also discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and a number of California state legal and regulatory updates. Join us for part 2 to discuss these sometimes emotional and controversial subjects!
S4E1 – Federal & State Legal & Regulatory Updates, Part 1, with Marilyn Monahan, Monahan Law Office
Host 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 & California State Leave Laws and how they inter-relate, updates on the current and future employer requirements for the Transparency in Coverage (TiC) rules, including Machine Readable File and online self-service tool requirements and need for vendor contracts, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) updates, including the No Surprises Act, including changes to ID Card and Provider Directory requirements, NSA notices, good faith estimates, and the Independent Dispute Resolution Process. Join us for this informative and timely podcast!
Season 3
S3E13 – The Importance of a Business Electronic Risk Assessment in Today’s Cyber World
Host Dorothy Cociu interviews Ted Flittner and Ted Mayeshiba, principals of Aditi Group, an IT services and consulting firm, on the importance of a Business Electronic Risk Assessment in today’s cyber world. We examine the applications of HIPAA and other privacy laws, plus the day-to-day business needs across all industries, in protecting business data against breaches, cyber-attacks, and ransomware, and the importance of business continuity amidst all of these risks. This podcast is a must for COOs, CEOs, Risk Managers, IT Professionals and many others invested in protecting their organization’s data. Learn the importance of conducting regular risk assessments and how to start the process.
Show Notes
Security Risk Assessment Tool (SRA Tool)
Aditi Group mentioned this onine resource from the Federal goverment This Risk Assessment Tool is small software program that is offered for free and is intended to help guide groups that want to conduct their own risk assessment. Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) created this to help guide small and medium sized organizations through required risk assessment, per HIPAA.
http://www.healthit.gov/topic/privacy-security-and-hipaa/security-risk-assessment-tool
S3E12 – 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 2-Part Series. In Part 2, they discuss recent increasing activities with IRS 226-J letters and Marketplace Appeals, and how to best handle them, the penalties for 2022 (2021 forms), and state filing requirements for those states with similar reporting requirements, including California, and more.
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 2-Part Series. In Part 1, they will discuss the latest changes to ACA Reporting Forms 1094 and 1095; who needs to file, ALEs and full-time employment clarifications, affordability safe harbors, and all of the latest developments with reporting, including changes to the actual reporting forms.
S3E10 – OSHA Vaccine Mandate Status and HR Legislative Updates for California
Early November saw the new OSHA guidance released on the federal Vaccine Mandate for employers with 100 or more employees, followed immediately by a rush of lawsuits, resulting in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issuing a temporary stop on the guidance going into effect. Where do we stand now? Should employers be preparing for this mandate? Hear the latest from HR Consultant and Trainer Kathy Ruffino, Vice President of Train Me Today. Kathy will also update us on the new California employment-HR-related legislation going into effect January 2022, including Warehouse Distribution AB 701, CFRA expansion AB 1033, COVID-reporting AB 654, Silenced No More Act SB 331, Criminalization Wage Theft Act AB 1003, Electronic Workplace Notices SB 657, and CA Supreme Court ruling on meal period rounding. Join us for this informative podcast. A MUST for Human Resources Management!
S3E9 – Medicare Open Enrollment; Updates and Helpful Information for Consumers, Medicare Enrollees, Employers & Agents
Host Dorothy Cociu discusses what’s new and what listeners should know about Medicare during the current Open Enrollment Period between October 15th and December 7th with Medicare experts Maggie Stedt, Immediate Past President of the California Association of Health Underwriters (CAHU) and Medicare Agent, and David Garcia, Medicare Specialist and CAHU Medicare Chair. We discuss what’s new for 2022, answer the most common questions from seniors, how to sign up, and the pros and cons of dropping off of an employer sponsored group plan and enrolling in Medicare. Join us for this informative and timely podcast!
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Special Edition Podcasts
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Season 2
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Season 1
2019-2020
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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.