Happy Thanksgiving from The Benefit Whisperer
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From all of us at The Benefit Whisperer and Route Three, we wish you a safe, peaceful, and joyful Thanksgiving.
The Rebate Racket: Why Employers Are Still Getting Fleeced (Ep. 35)
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Ralph Weber is joined again by PBM insider Rachel Strauss to deconstruct how rebate programs have evolved into hidden commissions and cost traps. Learn how to avoid rebate mirages, leverage 340B strategies, and spot the telltale signs your PBM is profiting more than they should.
00:00 Introduction to Pharmacy Benefits and Rebates
02:39 The Evolution of Rebates in Healthcare
07:08 Understanding How Rebates Work
10:12 The Importance of Net Cost Tracking
15:28 Exploring Alternative PBM Models
18:17 Understanding Fiduciary Responsibility in PBM Contracts
19:01 The Role of Prior Authorization and Step Therapy
24:48 Navigating Pharmaceutical Pricing and Transparency
26:53 Quick Wins for Employers in Pharmacy Benefits Management
Guest: Rachel Strauss | rachelmstrauss.com | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachelmstrauss | Email: rachel@rachelmstrauss.com
Host: Ralph Weber | ralph@thebenefitwhisperer.com | Phone: (832) 924-3330 | Website: fixmybenefitsnow.com | Schedule a FREE consultation with Ralph: bit.ly/4i8Zpsw
From Bankrupt to Bulletproof: Why Critical Illness Coverage Matters Now (Ep. 34)
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In this episode, Ralph sits down with longtime friend and insurance strategist Mark Halpern, founder of IllnessProtection.com and WealthInsurance.com.
Mark shares how his father’s untimely death shaped his mission to make critical illness insurance and philanthropic estate planning a household conversation. From stark differences between Canadian and U.S. insurance markets, to overlooked strategies like return-of-premium riders and tax-neutral giving, this episode breaks it all down.
You’ll hear real stories, like the donor who guaranteed $50K/year to his favorite charity—forever. Plus, how both Ralph and Mark have used personal tragedies to fuel purpose-driven work in legacy planning.
🎯 If you’re a financial advisor, a business owner, or just someone who wants to leave more behind for family and causes you care about—this one’s for you.
Schedule a FREE consultation with Ralph: bit.ly/3LpYc3U
🔗 Learn more at: fixmybenefitsnow.com
$1 Trillion in WasteHealthcare Contracts and Digital Legos (Ep. 33)
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Ralph Weber welcomes back Dr. David Scheinker, Executive Director at Stanford Children’s Health and founder of SURF Stanford Medicine. Together, they tackle the inefficiencies buried in hospital-payer contracts and how lack of standardization drives up costs. Dr. Scheinker shares how his team uses operations research and optimization modeling to streamline care, reduce waste, and protect patients financially. Topics range from pediatric ICU efficiency to lessons from aviation and finance. Plus, why AI and LLMs could revolutionize hospital systems—if used wisely.
Schedule a FREE consultation with Ralph: bit.ly/47JjX6b
Guest: Dr. David Scheinker | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-scheinker/
Host: Ralph Weber CEO of Route Three and host of The Benefit Whisperer podcast | Website: FixMyBenefitsNow.com | Email: Ralph@TheBenefitWhisperer.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphweber