Voices of Self Funding

Episode 40 Why AI pilots fail and what can you do to extract the most value from AI initiatives

In this episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Ramesh Kumar welcomes Arun Santhebennur, Co-founder and CEO of Voicegain, to explore how voice AI is reshaping healthcare operations for TPAs, payers, and health plans.

They tackle the tough truth that 95% of AI pilots fail, unpacking why — from hype and skill gaps to the “build vs. buy” dilemma and change management challenges. More importantly, they share where AI is already succeeding: automating claims status calls, streamlining utilization management, and making complex health plan information accessible to members.

Listeners will hear a roadmap for launching successful AI pilots — starting with proven use cases, aligning incentives, and using AI to augment (not replace) people. It’s a forward-looking conversation on turning AI from a risky experiment into a real value driver.

This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, visit HCAA.org.

Episode 39 Merging for Independence: How TPAs Drive Innovation and Customer Experience

In this episode of Voices of Self Funding, Jeff Walter and Jim Farley discuss their strategic merger, titled "Merging for Independence". They reveal how independent TPAs like JP Farley and PBA are uniting to drive innovation and enhance customer experience, avoiding absorption by larger firms.

Discover how this merger focuses on enhanced service with PBA's EOS system and in-house IT, improving operational efficiency, data management, and enabling quick, independent service delivery for customers. The discussion also highlights their future focus on Direct Primary Care (DPC) and the use of nurse navigators to optimize member experience and efficiency. It’s a compelling conversation for understanding how TPAs are evolving to offer superior, independent solutions and seamless third-party integration.

This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, visit HCAA.org.

Episode 38 Direct Primary Care: Unlocking Cost Savings and Improving Patient Experience for Self-Funded Plans

In this episode of Voices of Self-Funding, host Ramesh sits down with Jeffrey Bloom, a 25+ year veteran in healthcare and employee benefits, to unpack the power of Direct Primary Care (DPC) for self-funded employers.

Jeff brings deep expertise spanning underwriting, care delivery, and affinity markets — and a passion for reshaping member experiences. Together, they explore how DPC:

• Delivers hard savings: 12–18% reduction in year one healthcare spend (net of fees), plus an additional 8% stop-loss discount by deflecting high-cost claims.
• Transforms access: Members get appointments in 24–48 hours—far faster than traditional systems.
• Drives satisfaction & productivity: A scalable, capitated model that eliminates balance billing, improves engagement, and enhances workforce health.

This conversation reframes primary care not just as a benefit, but as a strategic cost-containment lever for employers committed to optimizing spend and boosting employee well-being.

This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, visit HCAA.org.

Episode 37 Culinary Medicine and the Future of Preventive Care

In this episode of Voices of Self Funding, host Ramesh welcomes Dr. Michael Fenster — better known as “Chef Dr. Mike” — interventional cardiologist, classically trained chef, and leading voice in the field of culinary medicine. Chef Dr. Mike will be familiar to many of our listeners as the keynote speaker at HCAA’s 2025 Executive Forum.

Together, they dive into what it means to move beyond basic nutrition advice toward a truly holistic food-health experience — where timing, setting, social connection, and emotional well-being are all part of the recipe. They explore how employers can build healthier ecosystems for their workforce, and why investing in food as medicine could offer meaningful returns when it comes to preventing chronic disease.

It’s a rich and energizing conversation that rethinks the role of food in well-being, as well as the role self-funded employers can play in making it work. This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, visit HCAA.org.

Episode 36 Navigating Mental Health in the Self-Funded Space

In this episode of Voices of Self Funding, host Ramesh sits down with Marjorie Morrison — renowned entrepreneur, licensed psychotherapist, and mental health innovator. With decades of clinical and business experience, Marjorie brings deep insight into how self-funded employers can better support mental health while navigating the complexity of today’s benefit landscape. She draws on her work as founder of PsychArmor and Psych Hub, as well as her policy and employer-facing advocacy efforts, to share what’s working — and what’s next. They discuss:

- The myth of one-size-fits-all mental health.

- Understanding the range of needs and solutions.

- How evidence-based practices are driving the next wave of tech-enabled mental health care.

- Why self-funded employers must take the lead in creating meaningful, flexible mental health benefit structures.

Tune in for an honest, energized conversation that reframes mental health as a strategic business priority — and learn how to turn complexity into action.

This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information, please visit HCAA.org.

Episode 35 Transformational Leadership in Self-Funding

In this episode of Voices of Self-Funding, Ramesh Kumar sits down with Kari Niblack, CEO of Boon-Chapman, and Amy Gasbarro, President of ELMCRx Solutions, to explore what transformational leadership looks like in the self-funded space.

They discuss:

• Aligning vision and execution – How successful leaders bring teams together with clear goals and strategy.
• Authenticity in leadership – The power of leading with transparency, purpose, and a parallel personal brand.
• Differentiation in self-funding – How to stand out and drive innovation in a competitive market.
• Long-term strategies for empowering teams – The mindset and tools needed to create high-performing, future-ready organizations.

Tune in for valuable insights on what it takes to lead, innovate, and inspire in the ever-evolving world of self-funded healthcare.

This episode was sponsored by WLT Software. For more information on managing risks and controlling costs, please visit HCAA.org.

Episode 34 Innovative Broker Strategies to Manage Risks and Costs

Employers need proven strategies to manage risks and control costs, but with hundreds of point solutions on the market, how do brokers know where to focus? In this episode, a leading benefits consultant shares the innovative solutions they're implementing, why these choices matter, and the pivotal role a trusted TPA plays in this process. Tune in to gain insights that can guide your own risk and cost management decisions.

This episode was sponsored by Valenz Health. For more information on managing risks and controlling costs, please visit HCAA.org.

Episode 33 How to Leverage HCAA's Resources to Help Employers Deliver Affordable Health Plans

Join me for an insightful conversation with Kirti Mutatkar, CEO of UnitedAg and President of HCAA. Discover how Kirti tripled UnitedAg’s business by leveraging the powerful resources of HCAA, and how she's bringing that same energy and passion to benefit other HCAA members. We’ll dive into the value HCAA provides to TPAs, brokers, and employers, and explore how its digital programs and live events have empowered organizations like UnitedAg to grow. Kirti will also share her vision as HCAA President and what members can expect in the next two years. Don't miss this deep dive into how HCAA helps employers offer more affordable healthcare to their employees.

This episode was sponsored by Valenz Health. For more information on HCAA, please visit HCAA.org.

 

Episode 32 Investigating PBM Contracting and Ways to Manage Rx Costs

Join us as we sit down with Paul Ashley, CEBS, a Vice President and Consultant at NFP. Paul has 22 years of experience managing health plans for upper- to middle-market employers. During the podcast, we talked about the various ways that organizations can improve transparency and reduce their pharmacy costs, as well as examining the latest trends in PBM contracting.

This episode was sponsored by Valenz Health. For more information on PBM contracting or other topics related to the self-funding industry, please visit HCAA.org. 

Episode 31 DTE, is not just an acronym. Direct-to-Employer using direct contracts works

Join us as we welcome Oliver Ayres, President Key Family, Key Benefit Administrators, to discuss the Direct-to-Employer (DTE) approach to improve health care cost containment. Oliver simplifies the complexities of DTE, empowering both employers and employees to navigate the health care benefits maze more effectively. In this episode, Oliver breaks down the intricacies of DTE and shares how it can both cut costs and boost access for self-funded employers and their teams. He will also share real-world examples of how it outperforms the Reference-Based Pricing model for employers and employees. Finally, he'll share valuable advice for brokers, employers, and TPAs considering DTE adoption.

This episode was sponsored by Valenz Health. For more information on DTE or other topics related to the self-funding industry, please visit HCAA.org.