The U.S. healthcare system is facing a mounting primary care crisis—marked by physician shortages, limited access, and rising costs. In this timely episode, we examine how the decline in effective primary care is not just a health issue, but a serious business concern for employers grappling with escalating healthcare expenses and workforce wellbeing challenges.

Our expert guests unpack the systemic issues behind the crisis and explore what employers can do to strengthen access to quality primary care. You’ll hear practical insights into benefits design, provider partnerships, and policies that prioritize prevention, continuity, and cost control.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why primary care is foundational to employee health and healthcare affordability
• The downstream impact of poor access on absenteeism, chronic disease, and claims
• What forward-thinking employers are doing to restore value to primary care
• Strategies to align health benefits with long-term business and employee health goal

This is a must-listen for HR leaders, benefits professionals, and executives seeking sustainable healthcare strategies that work for both their people and their bottom line.

In this episode of the Pulse, we will explore the powerful connection between an organization’s culture and environment and employee mental health. Beyond traditional EAP services, we’ll discuss how improving workplace culture, physical spaces, and social connections can boost resilience, reduce anxiety and depression, and create a stronger sense of belonging.

Mental health service usage increased 17% in 2024 and 62% since 2020. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover new ways to support your team and improve employee mental health.

Our Guests:

Andrea Davis, Director of Wellbeing at The Alera Group

Sara Johnson, PhD. Co-President & CEO at Prochange Behavior Solutions and Senior Research Fellow at HERO (Health Enhancement Research Organization)

Joan M. Troester, MBA, CEBS, SPHR, Senior Assistant Vice President, Deputy CHRO at The University of Iowa

Guests will:

• Explore the influence of resiliency and a sense of belonging on mental health
• Uncover strategies employers can put in place to improve a sense of belonging
• Examine the factors that impact resiliency, much like we would focus on improving diet for better cardiovascular health

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in pregnancy-related complications. This trend has persisted. In this episode, we’ll explore the factors contributing to this ongoing issue and discuss strategies to help reverse the trend.

Panelists will:

• Take a closer look at the data surrounding pregnancy with complications
• Explore treatment patterns, coding practices and potential revenue-driven care decisions within hospital systems
• Uncover strategies to optimize maternal health programs and proactively reduce complications before pregnancy begins

This episode includes guest speakers:

Cindy Basinski, MD, OBGYN, Founder of Basinski and Juran, MDs, LLC

Morgan F McDonald, MD, FACP, FAAP, National Director for Population Health at Milbank Memorial Fund