In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Ann Lewandowski, a leading healthcare advocate and founder of Equitable Evidence, to unpack the structural challenges driving rising healthcare costs. Anne shares her perspective on fiduciary duty, misaligned incentives, and the lack of transparency in employer-sponsored health plans. The conversation dives into the influence of PBMs, the complexity of drug pricing, and how employers can take a more active role in reducing waste and improving outcomes. Ann also explores the growing role of AI and data analytics in healthcare, while emphasizing the importance of trust, accountability, and system-wide reform. This episode is a powerful call to action for employers, advisors, and innovators looking to challenge the status quo.

Takeaways

⚖️ Fiduciary duty is critical for protecting employer and employee interests in healthcare.

💸 Misaligned incentives are a root cause of rising healthcare costs.

🔍 Transparency in pricing and contracts is essential for meaningful reform.

💊 PBMs play a significant role in drug pricing complexity and cost inflation.

📊 Data-driven decision making can help identify and eliminate healthcare waste.

🤝 Employers should engage independent advocates to evaluate healthcare strategies.

🏢 Employer-sponsored health plans are a key lever for system-wide change.

🤖 AI has strong potential but must be built on trust and accountability.

🚀 Challenging legacy systems requires collaboration and bold leadership.

🌱 Personal wellness and resilience are important when driving industry changes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Healthcare Advocacy

02:10 Personal Journey into Healthcare Advocacy

04:24 Navigating the Healthcare System: A Personal Story

09:32 Understanding Healthcare Decision-Making

15:48 Fiduciary Duty in Healthcare

18:53 Denials and PBM Influence on Coverage

24:41 Understanding Healthcare Costs and Incentives

28:10 The Role of AI in Patient Care

31:56 Building the Healthcare Rebel Alliance

33:00 Challenging Existing Power Structures

38:27 Engaging Employers and Advisors

42:54 Evaluating Digital Health Solutions

45:13 Empowering Employers in Healthcare

46:15 The Importance of Trust in AI

49:28 Personal Well-being and Healthy Living

51:39 Outro

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In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norm Volsky sits down with Donovan Ryckis, Founder & CEO of Ethos Benefits, to break down one of the biggest challenges facing employers today: rising healthcare costs. “We can save 36% on drugs.” They dive into the hidden forces driving healthcare inflation, why fiduciary responsibility matters more than ever, and how data transparency is reshaping the future of employee benefits. Donovan shares his journey into healthcare, how Ethos Benefits is helping employers take control of their spend, and why education is the missing piece in most healthcare strategies. Talking about other brokers Donovan stresses, “It does not make sense to hire someone to give you advice who refuses to act in your best interest.” Ethos is out to change that- they work purely out of results for the employer directly.

If you're an employer, benefits leader, or healthcare innovator—this is a must-watch conversation. “We only want to do our best work.”

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💡 Takeaways
📈 Healthcare premiums have risen significantly, impacting both employers and employees.
⚖️ The fiduciary standard is crucial for ethical practices in employee benefits.
💸 Misaligned incentives in healthcare lead to increased costs for employers.
🔍 Data transparency is essential for making informed healthcare decisions.
🧠 Employers need to understand their healthcare problem to take action.
🤝 Ethos Benefits focuses on working with clients who recognize their healthcare challenges.
🚀 Innovative solutions can lead to significant savings in healthcare costs.
📚 Education is key to helping employers navigate their healthcare strategies.
📊 Measuring success involves tracking various metrics related to healthcare spending.
⚠️ The healthcare industry is facing a tipping point due to rising costs and lack of transparency.

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⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ethos Benefits and Healthcare Challenges
06:21 The Misalignment of Incentives in Healthcare
11:41 Identifying the Right Clients for Ethos Benefits
13:41 Fiduciary Standards and Ethical Practices
16:40 Innovative Solutions and Data-Driven Decisions
21:02 Educating Employers on Healthcare Strategies
24:19 Measuring Success in Healthcare Plans
25:11 The Evolution of Employer Demand
27:11 Enhancing Employee Experience with Better Service
31:41 The Challenge of Transparency in Healthcare
34:04 Real-World Impact of Transparency and Fiduciary Practices
38:48 The Documentary: It's Not Personal, It's Just Healthcare
44:09 Opportunities in Digital Health Solutions
48:59 Addressing Waste in Healthcare Spending
51:02 Future Plans for Ethos Benefits
53:33 Personal Well-being and Stress Management
57:16 Outro

Check it all out and be sure to subscribe!

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Join us for another amazing episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast where we interview the heaviest hitters in the Digital Health Industry and chat about the future of Digital Health!!

This week we sit down with Justin Leader, CEO of BenefitsDNA! He shares insights on transforming employer benefits through transparency, fiduciary accountability, and innovative strategies to reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes. Discover how his punk rock spirit drives systemic change in healthcare decision-making. “Overpayment recoupments happens all the time.” We chat through Misaligned incentives in healthcare, the need for transparency and fiduciary standards and hidden cost drivers that everyone should be thinking about. Let’s take a systemic approach to innovate benefits! Sit down with Justin this week and hear about their incredible work at BenefitsDNA, and more!


Takeaways
🔍 Transparency in benefits leads to better decision-making.
📊 Fiduciary duty requires ongoing oversight, not a one-time check.
💸 Hidden fees and shared savings fees inflate costs.
🤝 Direct contracting and schedule-based care reduce expenses.
🧠 Ego and lack of education hinder benefits decision-making

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Welcome back for another great week on the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast with your host Norm Volsky, this week we sit down for a fascinating conversation with the wonderful Scilla Andreen, CEO and founder of Impactful Networks. Together we discuss her journey from the film industry to mental health education. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in creating community and connection, the role of ethical AI in emotional wellness, and the need for empathy in mental health technology. Scilla shares insights on the evolution of her organization, the impact of their programs, and the future goals for making mental health education accessible to all. “We are human beings wired to connect.” The conversation highlights the significance of seeking help, building trust, and the power of community in addressing mental health challenges. Learn how they are transforming mental health education through the power of storytelling!

Takeaways

🎬 Scilla Andreen emphasizes the importance of storytelling in mental health education.
🌍 Impactful Networks aims to make mental health education accessible and engaging.
🌱 The organization has evolved from film to focus on emotional wellness and resilience.
🤝 Community and connection are vital for mental health support.
🛤️ Sheila's journey reflects the organic evolution of her career into healthcare.
🆘 The need for teaching people to seek help is crucial in mental health.
🤖 Ethical AI can support emotional wellness but should not replace human connection.
⚠️ There are risks associated with mental health technology built without empathy.
📱 Misunderstood trends in digital mental health include the reliance on AI as a therapist.
🎓 Success for Impactful Networks includes raising funds to provide free programs in schools.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Impactful Networks

02:25 Sheila's Journey from Media to Mental Health

04:34 The Power of Storytelling in Mental Health

08:48 Creating Change Through Community Engagement

10:30 Evolving Focus on Mental Health Education

17:20 Preventative Approaches to Emotional Wellness

19:51 The Role of Storytelling in Behavior Change

25:21 Ethical AI and Human Connection

25:56 Balancing AI and Human Connection

27:11 The Risks of Technology Without Empathy

28:16 Misunderstood Trends in Digital Mental Health

30:05 The Power of Storytelling in Mental Health

33:58 Success Stories and Corporate Impact

40:31 Personal Wellness Practices and Mindset

47:24 Outro (1).mp4

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In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Donovan Pyle, founder of Health Compass Consulting, to explore the growing movement of employer-led healthcare reform. Donovan shares his journey into healthcare and explains how hidden costs, misaligned incentives, and outdated consulting models continue to drive unnecessary spending across employer-sponsored health plans. The conversation highlights the need for unbiased, fiduciary-driven consulting and more transparent procurement strategies that empower employers to take control of healthcare costs. Donovan also discusses real-world examples of cost reduction, the evolving digital health vendor landscape, and why employers must rethink how they select benefits partners. This episode offers practical insights into reducing healthcare waste while improving outcomes for employees and organizations alike.

Takeaways

🏢 Employers have significant influence over healthcare costs but often underestimate their power.

💸 Hidden waste and inefficiencies drive a large portion of healthcare spending.

⚖️ Traditional consulting and broker models can contain conflicts of interest.

🔍 Fiduciary, unbiased advice is critical for smarter healthcare decision-making.

📊 Employers need transparent procurement processes for healthcare vendors.

📉 Strategic vendor selection can lead to meaningful healthcare cost reductions.

🚀 Emerging digital health vendors are reshaping the benefits landscape.

📘 Employers benefit from structured playbooks for managing healthcare strategy.

🔄 Reform in healthcare purchasing must be led by employers themselves.

🌱 Personal balance and wellness are essential when advocating for systemic change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Health Compass Consulting

03:01 Donovan's Journey into Healthcare

06:05 Understanding Employer Influence in Healthcare

08:41 The Need for a New Consulting Model

11:38 Identifying Waste in Healthcare Spending

14:34 The Role of Employers in Healthcare Costs

17:34 Case Studies of Successful Cost Reduction

20:16 Emerging Vendors and Market Changes

23:11 Challenges in Managing Healthcare Costs

25:45 Conflicts of Interest in Traditional Consulting

27:01 Broker Incentives and Objectivity

30:52 The Role of Benefits Consultants

36:11 The Need for a Fiduciary Process

38:29 Creating a Playbook for Employers

42:51 Transforming the Healthcare System

45:09 Optimism for Employer-Led Reform

47:04 Disruption in the Digital Health Industry

48:27 Balancing Work and Advocacy

49:37 Healthy Eating and Family Recipes

50:50 Outro

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In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Mark Mincy, Chief Commercial Officer of USRX, to unpack the complex and often opaque world of pharmacy benefit management. They discuss fiduciary risks, conflicts of interest within traditional PBM models, and the structural incentives that drive up pharmacy costs for employers and employees. Mark shares his career journey in the pharmacy benefits space and explains why transparency, accountability, and independent fiduciary oversight are essential to meaningful reform. The conversation also explores specialty drug cost drivers, high-deductible health plans, legislative shifts, and how employers can take greater control of their pharmacy strategy without relying solely on legacy PBMs.

Takeaways

💊 Pharmacy benefit management is one of the most misunderstood drivers of healthcare costs.

⚖️ Fiduciary risk in pharmacy benefits is growing and requires employer attention.

🏦 Traditional PBM models often contain structural conflicts of interest.

🔍 Transparency is critical for controlling pharmacy spending.

📈 Specialty drug costs are a major contributor to rising employer healthcare expenses.

🏢 Employers can reclaim control by reevaluating vendor relationships.

📜 Legislative reform may reshape the future of pharmacy benefit management.

🔄 Alternative PBM models are gaining traction as cost containment solutions.

💡 Evaluating pharmacy vendors requires deeper scrutiny beyond surface-level pricing guarantees.

🧘‍♂️ Maintaining personal wellbeing is crucial in a high-pressure healthcare industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pharmacy Benefit Management

03:02 Mark Mincy's Journey in Pharmacy Benefits

05:51 Understanding the Corruption in PBM Systems

08:40 The Role of Fiduciaries in Pharmacy Benefits

11:41 Challenges in the Current PBM Model

14:28 Legislative Recommendations for Pharmacy Benefits

17:15 Innovative Approaches at USRX Care

19:43 The Conflict of Interest in Pharmacy Benefits

22:01 Strategies for Managing Specialty Drug Costs

23:37 Taking Control of Pharmacy Benefits

25:50 The Impact of High-Deductible Health Plans

27:38 Future of Pharmacy Benefit Management

31:01 Evaluating Pharmacy Benefit Vendors

33:50 The Shift Towards Alternative PBMs

37:36 Navigating Change in Pharmacy Benefits

38:28 Maintaining Personal Well-being in a Stressful Industry

42:16 Outro

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In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, Norm Volsky interviews Sims Tillirson, founder of Tillirson Consulting Group, about his unexpected entry into employee benefits and how his experience has shaped his approach to consulting, sales, and digital health innovation. The conversation covers the importance of storytelling, building relationships, and continuous coaching. Sims shares his views on what consultants and brokers need, how transparency can unlock progress in healthcare, and why vendors must deliver real ROI to stand out in today’s saturated market. They also explore strategies for cost containment, evolving buyer expectations, and the connection between personal wellness and professional success.

Takeaways

🧠 Sims entered the employee benefits industry by accident but saw its long-term potential.

📚 Continuous learning and coaching are essential for personal and career growth.

📖 Storytelling is a powerful tool for building trust in consulting and sales.

💡 Point solution fatigue is real brokers are looking for clarity, not clutter.

💰 Transparency in healthcare pricing is critical for market transformation.

📦 Vendors must guarantee ROI to earn buyer trust in a crowded landscape.

🧭 The employee experience—not just tech—should be the north star.

📉 Cost containment efforts need to focus on high-impact strategies.

🌐 Innovation can stall without real disruption or accountability.

🏃‍♂️ Community engagement helps reduce stress and maintain balance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sims Tillirson and His Journey

03:04 Career Path and Lessons Learned

05:51 Transitioning to Consulting and Overcoming Challenges

08:57 Identifying Ideal Clients and Business Adjustments

11:41 Insights from Experience in Employee Benefits

14:44 Challenges in the Employee Benefits Ecosystem

17:42 The Need for Transparency in Healthcare

20:18 Coaching Brokers and Consultants

23:18 Common Challenges for Vendors in Employee Benefits

27:42 Standing Out in a Crowded Market

32:11 Changing Expectations of Brokers and Consultants

36:14 The Importance of Results in Vendor Relationships

38:21 Identifying Promising Vendor Pitches

40:32 Hunger for Stability and Accountability

42:06 The Need for Transparency in Healthcare

44:57 Impact of Incentives on Behavior

46:07 Data-Driven Cost Containment Strategies

48:38 Stalled Innovation and the Need for Disruption

50:31 The Importance of Impact Over Intent

51:35 Personal Strategies for Reducing Stress

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In this episode of the Digital Health Heavyweights podcast, host Norman Volsky welcomes Lee Lewis, the Chief Strategy Officer and General Manager of Medical Solutions at the Health Transformation Alliance (HTA). They discuss the pressing issue of rising healthcare costs and the misconceptions that many leaders have about managing healthcare expenses. Lee shares his insights on the three major dogmas that hinder progress in healthcare cost management: the belief that costs are fixed, that saving money equates to harming people, and the notion that efforts to save money are not worth the trouble. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the disconnect between price and quality in healthcare, urging employers to take a proactive approach in managing their health benefits.

Takeaways

🔥 Healthcare costs aren’t fixed: the belief that “nothing can be done” is one of the biggest barriers to change
🚫 Saving money does NOT mean hurting people: better outcomes often come from lower-cost, higher-value care
⚠️ Doing nothing is the biggest risk: an 8–10% trend is far more disruptive than thoughtful change
🎯 Incentives drive behavior: benefits leaders are punished for one bad call but barely rewarded for massive savings
🧠 Employer decisions are rational… just misaligned: fear of disruption outweighs upside without leadership support
🔍 Price ≠ quality in healthcare: some of the best outcomes come at the lowest prices
🧾 Transparency without steerage can backfire: members may assume higher price means better care
🤝 HTA’s power is benchmarking + real-world performance data: RFPs don’t predict outcomes, current results do
🧪 Point solutions must earn their seat at the table: 1% impact, 2x+ ROI, clean math, and pay-for-performance only
🧙‍♂️ The best point solutions are invisible: show up at the moment of need, solve the problem, then disappear
🚪 Primary care is the front door to cost control: whoever controls primary care controls downstream spend
🧭 Steer referrals with data: aligned PCPs + high-value referral pathways can reset system incentives
💰 Employers must reward value creators and punish profiteers: otherwise prices will keep rising
💊 GLP-1s and specialty drugs are the next battleground: employers want direct purchasing at rational prices
🧬 Cell & gene therapies need adult supervision — saying “yes” to any price sets a dangerous precedent
👥 The right benefits team can flatten trend: talent + permission + incentives matter more than tools
📉 Tie benefits leader comp to CPI: hit CPI without cost shifting and eliminate constant plan design churn
🚀 Healthcare innovation must break the “10% better for 10x cost” rule: real disruption requires order-of-magnitude value
🧠 Culture change starts with rejecting bad dogma: flat trend is possible when leaders believe it is

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lee Lewis and HTA
01:37 The Fight Against Rising Healthcare Costs
03:18 Misconceptions in Healthcare Management
06:55 Understanding Price vs. Quality in Healthcare
11:36 Employer Accountability in Healthcare
14:37 The Role of HTA in Healthcare Solutions
17:23 Structural Issues in Employer-Sponsored Healthcare
20:54 Point Solutions: Successes and Failures
31:15 The Importance of Advanced Primary Care
35:41 Data Transparency and Performance Measurement
46:57 Emerging Demands in Healthcare
56:27 Outro

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