The Benefits Brief

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Janet Powelson, chair of NABIP’s Mental Health Working Group, to discuss the challenges of accessing mental healthcare and how benefits professionals can better support their clients. Janet shares the working group’s advocacy priorities, including improving provider network adequacy, reducing administrative barriers and strengthening access to timely treatment. She also explores the importance of understanding mental health parity, navigating different levels of care and recognizing the unique mental health needs of Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers. Plus, get an inside look at NABIP’s developing Mental Health Certification program and how it aims to equip agents and brokers with the knowledge and resources to help clients navigate mental health benefits with greater confidence.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Kristin Ray, sales and marketing manager at NexBen and vice chair of NABIP’s Media and Communications Committee, to discuss how insurance agents and brokers can use social media to connect with consumers during Open Enrollment. Kristin shares practical strategies for building trust, communicating the value of working with a licensed professional and creating authentic, educational content that resonates with local communities. She also explores how to maintain a consistent social media presence, use video and AI effectively, navigate Medicare marketing compliance requirements and turn online engagement into meaningful client conversations. Plus, learn how NABIP’s OEP and AEP toolkits and social media resources can help agents strengthen their outreach throughout enrollment season.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Hugh O’Toole, CEO of Innovu and instructor of NABIP’s Healthcare Fiduciary Certification, to discuss the growing importance of fiduciary responsibility in employee benefits and how advisors can help employers navigate their obligations. Hugh explores common misconceptions about ERISA, the importance of transparency in vendor compensation and access to healthcare data, and why a documented decision-making process is essential for plan sponsors. He also provides an inside look at NABIP’s Healthcare Fiduciary Certification, including its practical five-step framework for evaluating benefit plans, improving outcomes and helping advisors guide clients through their fiduciary responsibilities with greater confidence.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Cassandra Gibson, chair of NABIP’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee, to discuss how the association is working to create a welcoming environment where every member feels valued, represented and empowered to participate. Sandy explores why diversity and belonging extend beyond demographics and how education, accessibility, engagement and professional development can help strengthen NABIP’s community. She also highlights the committee’s priorities and upcoming resources designed to support members and chapters, encourage greater involvement and help develop the next generation of NABIP leaders.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Mike Smith, president emeritus of The Brokerage Inc. and a longtime leader in the Medicare marketplace, to discuss why annual Medicare certification should be more than simply checking a box. Mike shares the story behind NABIP’s Medicare Certification and how experienced agents, agencies and FMOs helped shape a course grounded in the real-world situations Medicare professionals encounter every day. He explores how the program emphasizes practical knowledge, compliance and suitable plan recommendations while providing a straightforward certification experience designed for working agents. Mike also discusses the program’s growing carrier and FMO acceptance and how NABIP members can help expand its reach.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Dwane McFerrin, senior vice president at Senior Market Sales and chair of NABIP’s Medicare Advisory Group, to discuss what Medicare advisors need to know as they prepare for the 2027 Annual Enrollment Period. Dwane explores changes across Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medicare Supplement, including plan exits, fewer choices in some markets, prescription drug costs, evolving regulations and Medicare Supplement birthday rules. He also shares practical guidance for navigating AEP, using technology to manage a busy enrollment season, reviewing each client’s individual needs and staying focused on helping consumers make informed coverage decisions.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Lori Martin, principal at Envision Benefit Specialists and chair of NABIP’s Long-Term Care Working Group, to discuss America’s growing long-term care challenge and the role benefits professionals can play in helping clients prepare. Lori explores the importance of planning before a care crisis occurs, common misconceptions about Medicare and long-term care, and the evolving individual, group and short-term care markets. She also shares how advisors can incorporate long-term care into their practices, partner with specialists, create new opportunities with employer clients, and help individuals and families better prepare for the financial realities of extended care.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Meagan Fearing, chair of NABIP’s State Public Option Working Group and Region 7 vice president, to discuss the growing debate around government-sponsored health plans and what public option proposals could mean for consumers, employers, and the private insurance market. Drawing on her experience in Colorado, Meagan explores NABIP’s concerns around consumer choice, provider reimbursement, market competition, network access, and employer-sponsored coverage, while sharing lessons from states where public option programs are already underway. She also highlights the work NABIP is doing to monitor emerging proposals and equip state chapters and benefits professionals with resources to engage policymakers and advocate for the consumers they serve.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Frank Pennachio, principal with Gaffney Hill Consulting, to explore the often-overlooked fiduciary risks facing employers with self-funded health plans. Frank explains why stop-loss insurance does not protect plan fiduciaries from personal liability, how the Consolidated Appropriations Act has increased expectations around transparency and oversight, and where fiduciary exposure can hide in contracts and vendor relationships. He also shares practical guidance for benefits advisors on documenting a prudent process, coordinating with property and casualty professionals and ERISA counsel, reviewing fiduciary liability coverage, and helping clients better understand and manage their risk.

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with NABIP Past President Beth Ashmore to share the deeply personal story of losing her mother while she was visiting England—an experience that profoundly shaped Beth’s perspective on single-payer healthcare. More than 30 years later, Beth reflects on that experience and the important questions it raises as conversations continue around Medicare for All, single-payer healthcare, and the public option, including healthcare access, cost, resource allocation, and patient advocacy. She also discusses why benefits professionals have an important role in these conversations and encourages NABIP members to stay informed, get involved, and use their voices to help shape the future of healthcare policy.