In this episode of "Community Connected Health," hosts Colton Storla and Skip Lowe discuss the escalating costs and complexities of health insurance for employers. They highlight the limitations of fully insured plans, the growing appeal of self-funded and level-funded options, and the importance of transparency, data access, and customization. Drawing on personal experiences and industry insights, they emphasize the need for ongoing education and strategic partnerships to help employers control costs, improve benefits, and keep healthcare dollars within their communities. The episode encourages employers to seek expert guidance and proactive solutions.

This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place.

The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities.

Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

In this episode, hosts Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of Community Connected Health interview Amy Wadstrom, President of Vivid Clear Rx, a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM). They discuss the challenges of traditional PBMs, including lack of transparency, spread pricing, and poor pharmacy reimbursement. Amy shares how Vivid Clear Rx, created by Hy-Vee, offers a transparent, pass-through PBM model focused on patient care and cost control. The conversation covers contract clarity, biosimilar strategies, employer education, and the importance of customer service. The hosts emphasize the value of innovative, transparent PBMs for employers of all sizes seeking better pharmacy benefit solutions.

This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place.

The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities.

Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.

In this episode of "Community Connected Health," hosts Skip Lowe and Colton Storla discuss innovative, employer-sponsored health plans that prioritize transparency, direct primary care (DPC), and the elimination of unnecessary middlemen like PBMs and traditional carriers. Through case studies from healthcare, public sector, and manufacturing employers, they illustrate how custom plans—featuring independent TPAs, incentive networks, and DPC—lower costs, improve employee satisfaction, and enhance care quality. The hosts emphasize collaboration with local providers and community-focused solutions, demonstrating measurable savings and better outcomes for both employers and employees.

This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place.

The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities.

Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.