The Zemar Podcast
Talking to small to mid-sized businesses and discussing insurance and business related topics. For more information about Butch Zemar and Elite Benefits of America, please visit EliteBenefits.net
Episodes
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Hidden Costs and Conflicts | A Deep Dive into the Healthcare System with Butch Zemar
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
In this episode, Butch Zemar dives into the complexities of the healthcare system, highlighting the lack of transparency and the misalignment between brokers and insurance companies. He underscores the significance of patient advocacy programs, urging employers to invest in these initiatives to help employees navigate the healthcare system more effectively. Zemar emphasizes that such investments can lead to substantial long-term benefits, including increased productivity and cost savings.
Zemar also discusses recent regulatory changes, such as the reduction of short-term medical plans to three months, and their potential impact on coverage. He highlights the hidden fees and conflicts of interest within the health insurance industry, including incentives for brokers to prioritize plans with higher commissions. Throughout the episode, Zemar advocates for proactive measures, such as implementing patient advocacy programs and promoting transparency in healthcare costs, to address these challenges and support employees better.
For more information on Elite Benefits of America, contact Butch at 708-535-3006 or visit EliteBenefits.net
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Scuba and Business Resilience | Sunken Ships to Boardrooms
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Butch Zemar dives into his scuba diving adventures, sharing valuable insights on pushing beyond basic skills and dealing with unexpected equipment malfunctions. Emphasizing the importance of proper training, safety protocols, and teamwork, recounting several challenging dives, including a leaking mask in 38-degree water on a sunken car ferry and a dry suit failure on a frigate dive to 190ft deep. These stories highlight the significance of preparation and adaptability, illustrating how divers can manage and overcome underwater challenges through continuous learning and practice.
Beyond scuba diving, Zemar also explores business challenges in this episode, discussing common mistakes and the importance of learning from them. He shares personal experiences of navigating business ventures, emphasizing the value of adaptability in the face of changing laws and market trends. Additionally, Zemar addresses recurring issues during benefits renewals, advising employers to plan ahead and remain open to innovative solutions. Through his diverse experiences, Zemar underscores the parallels between scuba diving and business, advocating for continuous improvement and strategic planning in both realms.
For more information on Elite Benefits of America, contact Butch at 708-535-3006 or visit EliteBenefits.net
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Strategic Troubleshooting and Benefits Management
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
Thursday Jun 27, 2024
In this episode, Butch Zemar delves into his expertise in electronics troubleshooting, problem-solving, and benefits program management. He underscores the significance of intuition, experience, and creative thinking in identifying and resolving issues.
Entrepreneurs often encounter the same hurdles in decision-making and problem-solving when offering strategies for obtaining affordable, high-quality health insurance for employees. It is important to have a strategic approach to problem-solving. Listen in as we approach the next benefits renewal or any other business issue that needs a resolution.
For more information on Elite Benefits of America, contact Butch at 708-535-3006 or visit EliteBenefits.net
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
From Navy Adventures to HR Strategies
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
Thursday Jun 20, 2024
In this episode, Butch Zemar shares his unpredictable and challenging experiences in the Navy, including his service on the USS Constellation. He discusses the pros and cons of partnering with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) for HR outsourcing, highlighting benefits like cost savings, streamlined processes, and access to a larger employee pool. However, there are potential downsides. Check out this podcast!
For more information on Elite Benefits of America, contact Butch at 708-535-3006 or visit EliteBenefits.net
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Fatherhood Fitness: Navigating Wellness Journeys for Busy Dads
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
Thursday Jun 13, 2024
The recent podcast episode explored various topics centered around fatherhood, fitness, and personal wellness. Jason Priest opened up about his own journey, discussing how overcoming addiction and depression led him to a newfound purpose in helping others—a lifestyle program tailored specifically for men, focusing on fat loss and sleep improvement.
The discussion emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and making sustainable lifestyle changes. It also stressed the significance of sleep, stress management, nutrition, and fitness in achieving sustainable weight loss goals.
The conversation also touched upon the societal factors influencing lifestyle habits, particularly in the context of fatherhood. The challenges faced by dads, including time constraints and lack of support, and emphasized the importance of accountability and personalized coaching in achieving fitness goals.
Furthermore, the podcast delved into the cultural issues surrounding family dynamics and childhood obesity.
In conclusion, the episode underscored the transformative potential of prioritizing health and wellness, particularly for busy dads. By simplifying fitness goals and providing personalized support, programs like those discussed in the podcast offer valuable resources for individuals looking to make positive lifestyle changes. Interested individuals can access additional resources and support through the program's website or contact information provided.
Visit Jason Priest on LinkedIn or visit https://thefatherhoodexperience.com/.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
Data Decisions: Navigating Complexity in Business
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
In this episode, Butch Zemar delves into the crucial role of data in decision-making processes across various industries, drawing from his diverse experiences in the military and the tech industry. He underscores the importance of leveraging data to inform strategic decisions while acknowledging the potential pitfalls of relying solely on data, such as encountering inaccurate information or basing decisions on false assumptions.
Challenges are associated with making decisions based on incomplete or inaccurate data, offering insights into troubleshooting methodologies in the technology and medical fields. Drawing parallels between these domains and business operations, he emphasizes the significance of creativity, intuition, and data manipulation in problem-solving endeavors.
Furthermore, the discussion extends to the realm of financial data accuracy and its implications for decision-making within the workplace. Butch highlights the repercussions of CFOs relying on inaccurate data for decision-making, leading to uncertainty in predicting outcomes and negotiating health plan renewals. Advocating for transparency in pricing and data sharing, he underscores the importance of equipping decision-makers with accurate and comprehensive data to enhance negotiation outcomes.
New data requirements for employer-sponsored health insurance plans that elucidates the challenges faced by employers in budgeting for employee benefits without access to relevant data and suggests strategies for leveraging expense reports to gain negotiation leverage. With impending regulations mandating employers to document their analysis and actions taken based on new data, Butch emphasizes the importance of compliance to avoid penalties.
In light of these regulatory changes, there is a paradigm shift among small employers reevaluating their group health insurance plans. While acknowledging the adaptability of insurance companies to these changes, he anticipates a future landscape characterized by increased transparency and improved outcomes for stakeholders.
In essence, this episode serves as a clarion call for businesses to prioritize data-driven decision-making processes, emphasizing the transformative potential of accurate and transparent data in navigating complex operational landscapes. By leveraging data effectively, organizations can enhance their strategic agility, mitigate risks, and drive sustainable growth in an increasingly data-centric business environment.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Navigating Employee Benefits: A Dive into Risk Management
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Butch Zemar and special guest Alex Toler take listeners on a deep dive into the often-overlooked realm of risk management within the employee benefits industry. Drawing from Alex's extensive property and casualty insurance background, the conversation illuminates the critical need for effective risk management practices in safeguarding employees' health and financial well-being.
One of the key highlights of the episode is the exploration of the transition from fully insured to self-funded health plans. Butch and Alex dissect the challenges and opportunities inherent in this shift, underscoring the importance of cost-control measures and employee engagement strategies. They also delve into alternative approaches to employee benefits, such as direct contracting with healthcare providers, shedding light on innovative solutions to address longstanding issues in traditional benefit programs.
Throughout the episode, practical action items emerge, including the continuation of local event aimed at educating local employers on benefits solutions. The discussion also touches upon expanding the event to accommodate more attendees, indicating a growing demand for knowledge in this space.
As Butch and Alex emphasize the importance of providing affordable healthcare solutions for local employers, the conversation transcends mere theory, offering tangible insights and real-world examples. From empowering employees with greater control over their benefits to fostering loyalty through quality healthcare offerings, the episode serves as a beacon of guidance for employers navigating the ever-evolving landscape of employee benefits.
In essence, this episode encapsulates the essence of proactive risk management in the employee benefits industry, illuminating pathways to enhanced employee well-being and organizational success. Through engaging dialogue and actionable insights, Butch Zemar and Alex Toler pave the way for a future where risk is not just managed but leveraged for transformative impact.
Alex Toler can be reached on LinkedIn. Or by calling 314-440-5951.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.
Thursday May 16, 2024
Unlocking Healthcare: Navigating Challenges and Solutions in the American System
Thursday May 16, 2024
Thursday May 16, 2024
In this episode, the discussion revolves around the challenges inherent in the American healthcare system, as Butch Zemar critiques its structure and operations. The conversation touches upon various issues, including rising costs, affordability, and fraudulent billing practices, shedding light on the systemic flaws perpetuating these problems.
The impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is attributed to increased costs and reduced commissions for health insurance providers due to its implementation. He argues that while consumer demand plays a role, systemic issues such as abuse and neglect within the healthcare system significantly contribute to the unaffordable costs that consumers and providers bear.
A key theme throughout the health insurance is the lack of transparency and accountability in healthcare billing practices. Butch discusses how providers often maximize charges, leading to unexpectedly high bills for patients, while also highlighting instances of billing mistakes and hidden fees encountered in personal experiences and interactions with clients.
The discussion extends to strategies for small businesses to mitigate healthcare costs and increase revenue. It is important to learn the healthcare process, asking questions, and negotiating with providers to achieve cost savings. This podcast includes actionable advice tailored to businesses of varying sizes, urging employers to evaluate loyalty to insurers and brokers to ensure they are providing leverage to control costs effectively.
In essence, the episode serves as a call to action for stakeholders within the healthcare system to prioritize transparency, accountability, and fair practices. By challenging assumptions, advocating for fair fees, and exploring alternative cost-saving strategies, Butch Zemar offers a roadmap for navigating the complex seas of healthcare in America, ultimately aiming to empower employers to take control of their healthcare expenses and improve the financial well-being of their businesses.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.
Thursday May 09, 2024
Thursday May 09, 2024
In the latest podcast, Butch Zemar tackles the ever-evolving landscape of Human Resources (HR) in small and mid-sized companies, shedding light on the intricacies of adapting to external factors like the Affordable Care Act while navigating shifting client demands and ethical considerations.
The episode begins with Butch delving into the transformation of HR strategies, driven by legislative changes such as the Affordable Care Act and market trends. While advocating for equality in the workplace, Butch acknowledges the hurdles in achieving this vision, particularly in the realm of HR.
A focal point of the discussion revolves around the outsourcing of business tasks to consultants. Butch explores the benefits and challenges of hiring external expertise for various needs, ranging from legal counsel to CFO services. Amidst the shifting tides of the health insurance industry over the past two decades, Butch emphasizes the crucial role of brokers in providing value-added services beyond insurance sales.
Throughout the episode, actionable insights emerge, urging brokers to embrace transparency in disclosing costs associated with providing services and advocating for clearer communication and responsibility delineation between brokers and employers. Butch highlights the ethical considerations surrounding the collection of high commissions by payroll companies for benefit administration services, underscoring the importance of brokers equipping themselves with knowledge of alternative options.
In essence, this episode serves as a compass for brokers and employers alike, navigating the complexities of HR in the modern business landscape. Through candid dialogue and practical recommendations, Butch Zemar paves the way for a future where clarity, transparency, and ethical responsibility reign supreme in broker-employer relationships.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Streamlining Benefits Enrollment Process and Containing Healthcare Costs
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
In this episode, Butch Zemar explores the importance of leveraging technology and implementing cost-containment strategies in the healthcare industry, particularly for middle-market companies. He emphasizes the need to embrace automation in benefits enrollment, ensure accuracy, and prioritize HR and benefits compliance. Here's a breakdown of the discussion:
Introduction:
Butch Zemar underscores the significance of embracing technology and automation to streamline the benefits enrollment process for small and mid-sized companies.
He highlights the challenges associated with paper-based enrollment and the benefits of transitioning to technology-driven solutions.
Embracing Technology in Enrollment:
Zemar discusses the importance of utilizing technology and automation tools to manage employee benefits and streamline the enrollment process.
He emphasizes the efficiency gains and accuracy improvements achieved through technology adoption.
Employer-Sponsored Healthcare:
Highlights inconsistencies in company culture and processes that hinder successful initiatives, despite efforts to change through consultants.
We stress the importance of accuracy in benefit enrollments and the increasing demand for HR and broker assistance in the process.
Auditing Insurance Invoices:
Employers should regularly audit insurance invoices for accuracy, especially for products like dental, vision, and short-term disability.
Leveraging technology to streamline the audit process and avoid overcharges or undercharges will reduce man hours and stress.
Streamlining HR and Benefits Compliance:
Designating a main contact person for benefit packages within a company is crucial for efficiency.
Zemar recommends outsourcing tasks to third-party administrators or HR outsourcing firms to streamline compliance efforts and minimize legal risks.
Action Items:
Expand Lead Benefits team to accommodate growth opportunities.
Consider adjusting benefit plan renewal cycles to alleviate burdens during peak periods.
Conduct periodic audits of benefit invoices to identify discrepancies and potential savings.
Prioritize HR and benefits compliance to avoid legal fees and penalties.
In conclusion, this episode underscores the importance of embracing technology, ensuring accuracy in benefits enrollment, containing healthcare costs, and prioritizing HR and benefits compliance for organizational success.
For more information, please contact us at EliteBenefits.net or call 708-535-3006.
![Image](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6ed5kk/ZemarPodcast1400x1400.jpg)
The Zemar Podcast
As valued benefits advisors, collaborate with small, medium, and large-sized businesses to balance competitive employee benefits with their own capabilities and bottom lines. Provide various professional services to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and improve employee satisfaction. For more information, please visit EliteBenefits.net or call 888-535-3006.