Phia Group

Empowering Plans: P214 – Unpacking Weight Loss Drugs

On March 28, 2025
On this episode of the Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Corey Crigger and Kendall Jackson discuss the hot button topic of weight loss drugs. Tune in to learn more about the latest advances in this space and the various coverage and exclusion options plans may pursue.

The Social Impact of Mental Health Parity Testing Explained

On March 24, 2025
Explore the social impact of mental health parity testing, including its effects on access to care, stigma reduction, and the importance of equitable treatment.

Pancreatic Cancer Vaccine | A New Hope on the Horizon

On March 17, 2025
Learn about the promising new pancreatic cancer vaccine, Lenmeldy, & its potential to revolutionize treatment for this disease & improve patient outcomes.

Empowering Plans: P213 – Error 304: Good Faith Negotiation Not Found

On March 13, 2025
Artificial intelligence may be changing the trajectory of the self-funded industry – but can it negotiate? In this episode of The Phia Group’s Empowering Plans podcast, attorneys Brian O’Hara and Jon Jablon break down real-life examples of AI-driven responses in the No Surprises Act’s Open Negotiations process that range from nonsensical to outright misleading, where negotiating with AI is like trying to haggle with a toaster. From missing claim numbers to automated counteroffers that make no sense, Brian and Jon discuss whether AI is making negotiations easier, or defeating the purpose of the statutory process to begin with. Tune in for an honest discussion of the pitfalls of AI in No Surprises Act negotiations.

RBP vs. PPO Plans | Understanding the Key Differences

On February 27, 2025
Explore the differences between Reference-Based Pricing (RBP) and PPO plans, including their benefits, drawbacks, and implications for healthcare costs.

Empowering Plans: P212 – Lewandowski v. Johnson & Johnson – Big win or warning?

On February 27, 2025
On this episode of the Empowering Plans Podcast, attorneys Brady Bizzaro and Cindy Merrell delve into the details of the Lewandowski v. Johnson & Johnson case. Is this case a big win for plan fiduciaries or a warning?

Struggling to Breathe | The Global Medical Oxygen Crisis

On February 26, 2025
Explore the global crisis of medical oxygen access, highlighting disparities in availability in low-income countries & its impact on patient care.

Empowering Plans: P211 – Network Adequacy Under MHPAEA

On February 13, 2025
Attorneys Kelly Dempsey and Bryan Dunton dive into the results of the 2024 MHPAEA Report to Congress. The EBSA and CMS have continued to improve their focus on network design and adequacy for group health plans. In this episode, Kelly and Bryan discuss how these parity problems manifest themselves in testing and what plans can do to resolve them.

The Future of Healthcare Under Trump 2.0

On February 12, 2025
Like every other industry in America right now, healthcare is at a flash point. Amidst President Donald Trump’s flurry of executive orders, everyone from healthcare executives to patients is trying to anticipate what the future holds. What will happen to directives by former President Joe Biden that reduced drug costs and broadened coverage under the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid? What’s the future of gender-affirming healthcare for transgender people under the new look HHS? Will the number of uninsured Americans spike in the coming months? What’s the latest on proposed new cybersecurity requirements for HIPAA? Naturally, such questions – and so many more – have surfaced in the wake of a tidal wave of sweeping executive orders. The Phia Group’s panel of experts provides insight into topics that matter greatly to you.

Journavx | A New Non-Opioid Solution for Pain Management

On February 11, 2025
Learn about Journavx, a groundbreaking non-opioid analgesic designed to treat acute pain, & its implications for patients seeking safer pain management options.

The Phia Group Celebrates 25 Years of Innovation, Perseverance, and Industry Leadership

On February 10, 2025
Twenty-five years ago, The Phia Group was nothing more than a dream. No outside investors, no loans, no safety net—just $8,000, donated hand-me-down furniture and computer equipment from friends and family, and an unwavering belief that there was a better way to serve the self-funded healthcare industry. In fact, the first Phia System was built by us and family members on nights and weekends. It’s in our core - it’s what guides us every day.

Care Empowered Pricing | Future of Reference-Based Pricing

On January 30, 2025
Explore the benefits of Care Empowered Pricing, delivering tailored support for TPAs and health plans to ensure high-quality care and fair pricing for members.

Empowering Plans: P210 – Mental Health Parity: New Year, New Rules, New Lawsuits

On January 30, 2025
Attorneys Jen McCormick and Nick Bonds ring in the Lunar New Year by breaking down the ERIC v. HHS lawsuit in which an industry advocate challenged the federal regulators’ new Final Rules enforcing the MHPAEA and mental health parity rules. Could this case blaze a new path for challenging agency actions in a post-Chevron Doctrine world? Join us as we discuss the potential implications for group health plans.

House Republicans Propose Changes to HSA-Qualified HDHPs

On January 24, 2025
Learn about the implications of H.R. 5688, which aims to enable individuals to contribute to HSAs while using direct primary care, benefiting those with HDHPs.

The Invisible Truth of Healthcare | Cost vs. Quality

On January 24, 2025
Explore the hidden truths of healthcare costs and quality, highlighting the disparities in pricing and the need for patients to become informed consumers.