73. From Peo to Independent Excellence: The GQR Wynden Stark Healthcare Story

In this special episode of The Business of Benefits, we pull back the curtain on a real-life, multi-year healthcare strategy transformation. Join our hosts as they sit down with Connie Alvarez, Director of HR at Wynden Stark, to dissect the five-year journey of their self-funded health plan. This is a masterclass for any employer feeling trapped by rising premiums and lack of control.We explore the highs, the lows, and the unexpected curveballs—from navigating mergers and acquisitions to tackling the complexities of a fluctuating workforce in the healthcare staffing industry. Discover how Wynden Stark, with the guidance of Ethos Benefits, moved from a fully insured model to a custom, unbundled, self-funded plan, achieving over $3.7 million in savings in just two years. This case study reveals the power of a fiduciary approach, the critical role of data in negotiations, and how to build a plan that delivers both financial results and a superior member experience. If you want to learn how to take back control of your healthcare spend and become a true steward of your company’s benefits, this episode is a must-listen.What You’ll LearnThe 5-year roadmap from a fully insured plan to a high-performing, self-funded model.How to navigate a 42% renewal increase and turn it into a -1.3% decrease.The power of carving out your Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) and the massive savings potential in Rx.Strategies for implementing an unbundled plan with an independent TPA and fiduciary PBM.How to use data and analytics to negotiate with carriers and stop-loss providers.The importance of member communication and advocacy in a self-funded environment.Innovative solutions like international pharmacy sourcing and spousal HRAs that drive down costs.How to maintain an excellent member experience even with major plan design changes. --------------------------------Finished with the content? Claim your CE credit here: https://ideas.ethosbenefits.com/continuing-educationSHRM:Ethos Benefits is recognized by SHRM to offer professional development credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. HRCI:Ethos Benefits is approved to offer HRCI® recertification credits for this program. This program has been approved for 0.5 - 1 HR (General) recertification credit(s) toward aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, and GPHR® certification.