The Generous Benefits Podcast

Responsible Benefits Practices to Reduce Risk of Regulator Scrutiny

In this episode Amanda Brummitt speaks with ERISA attorney Lori Oliphant about the top compliance missteps employers make with retirement and health plans. They cover the importance of accurate plan documents, careful claims procedures for self-insured plans, eligibility rules, non-discrimination testing, controlled groups, stop-loss implications, and the risks of multiple employer welfare arrangements.
The conversation ends with practical advice: review and update plan documents annually, document claims decisions and exceptions, keep written records of questions and vendor responses, run non-discrimination testing, and consult counsel when in doubt to protect participants and reduce risk.
 
Find Lori at https://www.steptoe-johnson.com/bio/lori-t-oliphant/.

What Your Broker Isn’t Telling You

Amanda Brummitt interviews Tom DeLiegro of Vero Advising about the hidden incentives and black boxes in employee benefits, including undisclosed broker compensation and percent‑of‑savings pitfalls. Learn practical questions to ask your broker, how to get a respectful second opinion, and what transparency to demand to protect your employees and budget.

Compliance Items Too Easy to Skip: POP Docs, COBRA & Medicare Part D

On this episode Bret Brummitt breaks down easily overlooked benefits compliance items—POP (Section 125) plan documents, COBRA administration, and Medicare Part D creditable coverage notices—explaining what they are, why they matter, and common employer mistakes.
Bret outlines practical steps to fix gaps, how vendors and brokers can help, and other quick compliance items to track (Form 5500, PCORI fees, RxDC reporting, gag-clause attestations). Tune in for actionable, low-cost ways to reduce risk and protect employees and employers.

Final Rates

In this episode Amanda Brummitt and health insurance industry expert Beverly Norman break down the difference between illustrative, conditional and final rates, and explain small-group funding options like fully insured and level-funded plans. Beverly covers how underwriting and pharmacy data influence quoted rates, why accurate census information matters, and what can change between firm quotes and final rates.
Practical tips include starting the renewal process early, clearly communicating with employees about who will enroll, and understanding carrier thresholds that can trigger rate adjustments — all to avoid surprises at final enrollment.

Why Insurance Premiums Keep Rising

Welcome to the Generous Benefits Podcast, where we help employers create meaningful people-first benefits that make a real impact. Join host Amanda Brummitt and special guest Bret Brummitt, founder of Generous Benefits, as they dive into the complexities of rising insurance premiums.
Discover the factors driving these increases and explore actionable strategies to manage costs effectively. From understanding the impact of healthcare market dynamics to leveraging innovative solutions, this episode provides valuable insights for employers looking to build sustainable and affordable benefit plans. Don't miss this opportunity to take control of healthcare expenses and benefit your team.

Hospital Financial Assistance Programs Under IRS Rule 501(r)

In this episode of the Generous Benefits Podcast, host Amanda Brummitt explores the transformative potential of hospital financial assistance programs under IRS 501(r). Joined by healthcare advocate Justin Leader, they delve into how nonprofit hospitals are mandated to offer financial support to eligible patients. Discover why many people are unaware of these benefits, and learn practical steps to access this relief, whether you're insured or not. This episode is essential listening for patients and employers alike, revealing how understanding hospital financial policies can lead to significant savings and foster greater healthcare transparency.For more: Justin tells the story of his Aunt Gwen that inspires much of why he does what he does. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMyhK-VFgZU 

Navigating Challenging People in the Workplace

Join Amanda Brummitt in the Generous Benefits Podcast as she delves into the complexities of workplace dynamics with HR expert Becky Goldsmith. Together, they explore the challenges of managing difficult personalities in the workplace, from chronic complainers to passive-aggressive peers, and offer practical strategies for improving workplace culture and relationships.
Discover how Becky's unique path from kindergarten teacher to HR leader shapes her empathetic approach, and gain valuable insights into recognizing the difference between temporary difficult behavior and toxic patterns.
Whether you're a leader, manager, or team member, this episode provides actionable advice to navigate tricky interpersonal situations and foster a more positive and productive work environment.

Making Off-Boarding a Compassionate Experience

In this episode of the Generous Benefits Podcast, host Amanda Brummitt is joined by Topher Reynoso, the founder of Kept, a company dedicated to transforming the off-boarding process into a moment of clarity and compassion. They explore the intricacies of post-employment transitions, focusing on the often-overlooked aspect of employee benefits when someone leaves a company.
Topher offers insights into COBRA, debunking common misconceptions and highlighting its critical role in supporting individuals during job transitions. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and support in off-boarding, providing practical advice for employers to make this process smoother and more humane.
The conversation also covers the impact of a thoughtful off-boarding experience on company reputation and future hiring, outlining how businesses can avoid common pitfalls and maintain a positive relationship with former employees. Tune in for expert tips on turning legal complexities into opportunities for kindness and connection.

Lessons in Leadership

Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with respect, courage, and a willingness to grow.
On the latest episode of the Generous Benefits Podcast, our host reconnects with Chris Davis, SHRM-CP—a longtime friend and one of her first-ever bosses. Today, he’s a respected HR leader, coach, and champion for people-first leadership—and the wisdom he shared is well worth a listen.
Here are a few gems from our conversation:
💬  “People, process, and then profits.”💬  “Good leaders know the way, they show the way, and they go the way.”💬  “You can’t shy away from difficult conversations.”
They talk about about:
✅ Early lessons in leadership✅ What leadership looks like in 2025✅ How to give hard feedback in a constructive, respectful way✅ What new managers need to hear—but often don’t✅ Why leadership and culture go hand in hand
This one’s for anyone trying to lead with purpose and heart. Chris’s journey shows that leadership isn’t a title—it’s daily action rooted in care, courage, and consistency.  Chris shares so much wisdom from 25+ years in HR that challenges and encourages leaders.

Building Benefits Trust Through Smart Communication

Heidi Rasmussen, CEO and co-founder of freshbenies, joins Amanda Brummitt to talk about the real reason employees tune out benefits messaging. And how to fix it. From “trust collapse” and culture misfires to the power of simplicity, repetition, and internal marketing, Heidi shares actionable tactics to help HR leaders and CEOs communicate benefits with clarity, consistency, and a little fun. If you're investing in great benefits but struggling to get your team to engage, this conversation should guide your playbook.