Kraus-Anderson Insurance Employee Benefits Summit 2024

Influential thought leaders will share the latest trends impacting employee healthcare and benefits — so you can find your Zen along with deep insights to bring calm to the workday chaos.

While not the first state to implement Paid Family and Medical Leave, we certainly won't be the last. As employers, we have a unique opportunity to learn from the experiences of other states. Let's explore what we can expect, how we might need to adopt our short-term disability policies, and what additional options are available to support our employees during their leaves.

By drawing insights from other states' implementations, we can proactively prepare for the changes ahead. Our commitment to employee wellbeing and seamless transitions during leave will undoubtedly contribute to a more supportive workplace.

We will delve into the critical topic of mental health and its significance for employers. We'll cover essential aspects, including general information on mental health, relevant data, and the imperative of understanding stigma and burnout. By the end of this session, you'll gain insights into how to effectively support your staff and implement strategies that foster a culture of wellness at work. This culture not only enhances employee satisfaction and longevity but also boosts overall productivity.

Employer groups face critical decisions when it comes to GLP-1 based therapies, biosimilars, and cost effective solutions. As GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide 1) drugs gain prominence, individuals with diabetes witness remarkable results, including significant weight loss. However, the long-term impact of these drugs on weight management remains untested.

Health plans and carriers grapple with determining how to incorporate GLP-1 drugs into their coverage. Additionally, the emergence of biosimilars further complicates the landscape. Plans must carefully evaluate their impact on disease management and devise effective strategies for seamless integration.

As prescription drugs continue to account for a substantial portion of health plan expenditures, strategic efforts are essential to optimize savings. Let's collaboratively enhance the prescription drug experience and pave the way for better health outcomes.

Have you heard the saying "Employees are your first line of defense against cyber-attacks?" It's absolutely true! However, the fatigue from repetitive phishing tests and mandatory training videos is real. To truly bolster our defenses, we need to engage employees in fresh, even fun ways. In this session, we'll explore a variety of innovative approaches to educate and empower your workforce. Let's transform cybersecurity training into an engaged experience that equips your team to safeguard your company effectively!

Tim, with 13 years of dedicated service at New York Life, has held various roles within the organization. His journey included positions as an FMLA Leave Manager, FMLA and ADA Trainer, FMLA Senior Leave Manager, Client Service Partner, and most recently, as an FMLA and ADA Team Leader. Tim holds a B.A. in Political Science from West Virgina University and currently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Beth is a passionate and mission-focused leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic leadership, operations management, program development, and social services across non-profit, private, and governmental sectors. An innovative change agent, she is skilled in system improvement and advocacy work that is paramount to creating systems of justice benefiting all community members. Beth’s talent lies in training, developing, and directing high-performing cross-functional teams. She has demonstrated success in building partnerships, cultivating creative solutions, and empowering change to positively impact the quality of mental health services in communities. In 2019, Beth joined Guild and was subsequently promoted to Chief Clinical Officer in 2020, overseeing Guild’s clinical strategy and operations. Prior to her role at Guild, Beth served as Director of Community Mental Health at Touchstone Mental Health. She holds a MA in Clinical Social Work from St. Thomas University and enjoys traveling, gardening, live music, and spending time with her partner and cats.

Drew serves as Director of Sales and Account Management for BCBS in the MN, NE, and WY markets. In this capacity, Drew focuses on attaining member growth through new business opportunities while also providing support for national accounts. Prior to his role, Drew held the position of Senior Ph*rm*cy Consultant at Aon Hewitt, where he was responsible for developing and executing strategies to enhance Ph*rm*cy benefit savings and deliver results for employer clients. With a total of eight years in the PBM Industry, Drew brings a wealth of experience, including background roles as an Account Executive and an Underwriter at Prime.

Brian is the President of 7 Minute Security, a company specializing in security assessments, penetration testing, and training. His passion lies in teaching others about security, which he does through a weekly YouTube livestream and podcast. When he’s not immersed in cybersecurity, Brian enjoys indoor skydiving, outdoor activities with his family, and playing guitar in an acoustic duo.

Join us for a complimentary breakfast at 8:00 am.

Call Kraus-Anderson Insurance at 952-707-8200.

Host or Publisher Ginie Klopp | Asst VP, Benefits & HR Services