The Generous Benefits Podcast

Narrow Networks and Community Owned Health Plans

In this episode Bret Brummitt breaks down tiered and narrow provider networks, reference-based pricing, and community-owned health plans, explaining how these models work and why employers are exploring them as cost-saving alternatives.
He covers member steerage strategies, concierge support, trade-offs around access and coverage, and practical guidance HR leaders can use to align benefits with organizational goals and local providers.

When is Executive Coaching the Answer?

Welcome to the Generous Benefits Podcast with host Amanda Brummitt. In this episode, coaches Jessica Taylor and Kenzi Judge explain what executive coaching is, how it differs from consulting, mentoring, therapy, and life coaching, and when organizations should invest in coaching for leaders. They discuss credentials like the Professional Certified Coach, internal vs. external coaches, using assessments and 360 feedback, measuring return on investment through performance and retention, and best practices for selecting and evaluating coaches.
The conversation emphasizes using coaching proactively—during promotions, transitions, and for high-potential leaders—and highlights when coaching may not be appropriate, such as for remediation. Listeners will learn practical guidance for HR and employers on building a coaching program, making the business case, and choosing the right fit for their organization.

Creating a Resilient Workplace

Host Amanda Brummitt talks with Joyce Odidison about reframing resilience as a systems issue, not just an individual trait. Joyce explains her nine-dimensional well-being model and how leaders, benefits, and culture can prevent burnout by addressing strain early.
The episode offers practical steps for employers and employees—measuring resilience, encouraging constructive conflict, and creating psychological safety—so organizations can retain people, reduce absenteeism, and support sustainable performance.

Stop-Loss Demystified

Host Amanda Brummitt speaks with Tom Walaszek about the roles of brokers, MGUs, TPAs, medical carriers, and stop-loss carriers. Tom explains what stop-loss is, how level-funded and self-funded options differ, and why plan mirroring, runouts, and contract wording matter for employers.
The episode also covers practical advice for employers evaluating funding strategies including what questions to ask, the importance of data and clinical support, and how a hardening insurance market may reduce options and raise costs. Tom recommends a multi-year approach when moving from fully insured to self-funded to manage risk and capture long-term savings.

Why Payroll Matters

On the Generous Benefits Podcast, host Amanda Brummitt interviews Connor Vining from ProLiant about why payroll is far more than a back-office task. They discuss payroll as the hub of employee data, the compliance and legal risks of mistakes, and how payroll affects employee trust and benefits integration.
Connor explains when outsourcing or using a professional employment organization makes sense, what to expect on pricing and service models, how to evaluate technology and implementations, warning signs to watch for, and the key takeaway: don’t skimp on payroll—find the right vendor for your needs.

Containing Costs on Infusible Drugs Starts with Vendor Alignment

Host Amanda Brummitt interviews Ali Goodwin of TrueScripts on the complexities and costs of infusible and injectable drugs in employer health plans.
Ali explains the difference between infusion and injection drugs, why site of care matters, what J‑code conversion is, and how pharmacy benefit managers, third party administrators, providers, and brokers must coordinate to steer care, capture savings, and improve patient access.
The episode also defines white/brown/clear bagging, and concludes with a practical recommendation for employers: align incentives by carving out pharmacy to an independent, transparent pharmacy benefit manager to enable better cost control and access.

When Does it Make Sense to Use a PEO?

Host Amanda Brummitt talks with Bret Brummitt of Generous Benefits about Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs): what they are, how they work, and when they make sense for an employer. They cover PEO pitches like purchasing power and unemployment tax savings, variations in PEO services, master plan limitations, co‑employment liability, invoicing transparency, and common pitfalls.
Bret offers practical guidance for evaluating PEOs — ask about scope of services, master plan eligibility, certified PEO status, fees and commissions, and whether the PEO’s structure actually delivers the promised savings for your specific business.

The HR Leader’s Guide to Smarter Benefits

Amanda Brummitt interviews Stephanie M. Porrino, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CHVA, Director of Human Resources at Hendry Marine Industries, Inc., about practical, people-first cost containment strategies. They discuss reference-based pricing, onsite primary care clinics, independent PBMs, using data to design benefits, and how benefits shape employer brand. Stephanie shares real outcomes, implementation tips, and one key piece of advice for HR leaders.

A Pharmacy That's Truly In Sync

In this episode Amanda Brummitt talks with Sachie Stover of HaloScrips about the broken traditional pharmacy model and how a transparent, service-focused approach improves member experience, adherence, and employer cost management.
They explain HaloScrips' medication sync program, clear pricing, and hands-on pharmacist support, plus practical steps employers can take now to make pharmacy benefits work better for people and the business.Be sure to check out this Generous Impact episode on their non-profit side: https://generousimpact.podbean.com/e/episode-16-phil-with-good-shepherd-pharmacy/.
 

What Employees Really Think About Open Enrollment

Welcome to the Generous Benefits Podcast with Amanda Brummitt and guest Tracy Daniels. This episode breaks down common open enrollment misconceptions, frequent employee frustrations, and practical steps employers can take to simplify communications and support better decision-making.
Tracy explains why logging in early, reviewing current coverage, using decision-support tools, and offering clear, bite-sized information can reduce stress and improve participation. Learn how simplifying systems and normalizing help can transform your next open enrollment.