Talking Benefits

We're taking a look at the evolution of fertility benefits over the last decade from specialized offerings to mainstream components of employee benefits packages. The Employee Benefits Survey 2026 Survey Report can assist your organization in examining and structuring your benefits to meet business objectives and employee demands, and stay competitive in the hiring market. Plus, it's free for International Foundation members! Download the report here: https://www.ifebp.org/detail-pages/resource/survey/employee-benefits-survey--2026-survey-report This episode is based on a Word on Benefits blog post. Word on Benefits is a great source for information on hot benefits topics. Read the post here: https://blog.ifebp.org/benefits-to-grow-and-support-families-a-ten-year-look/

GLP-1 coverage is quickly becoming one of the biggest benefits questions facing employers today. In this episode, we dive into fresh Foundation survey data to unpack how organizations are tackling coverage decisions, rising costs, and access for diabetes, weight loss, and other health needs.

We're talking point solutions–what they are and how they could improve your plan participants' health outcomes and potentially lower your costs.

Can AI actually make benefits admin easier? We’re chatting about smart prompts, real-life use cases, and compliance risks you definitely don’t want to miss. Learn more in Jenny’s blog post: https://blog.ifebp.org/example-prompts-for-benefits-administration-how-to-direct-ai-effectively/

In this episode, we explore the surprising and rewarding world of employee benefits careers—how people find their way into the field, the wide range of roles it offers, and the real impact this work has on employees’ lives. Featuring stories from benefits professionals, this conversation highlights why this growing profession matters more than ever.

Curious how AI can improve employee benefits? In this bonus episode, our colleague Kathy Bergstrom shares seven practical use cases—plus what to watch for regarding privacy, security, and human oversight. Learn more in Kathy's blog post: https://blog.ifebp.org/seven-ways-ai-can-be-used-in-employee-benefits/

Bonus episode: we’re unpacking the DOL’s proposed PBM fee disclosure rules, sharing takeaways from our colleague Jenny Gartman. Learn more in Jenny’s blog post: https://blog.ifebp.org/pbm-fee-disclosure-regulatory-and-legislative-update/

In this episode, we celebrate National Employee Benefits Day with a deep dive into the power of volunteering and giving back. Our hosts explore the physical, mental, and workplace benefits of employee volunteer programs, share compelling data and trends—including the rise of micro‑volunteering—and discuss best practices for building meaningful, flexible initiatives. The episode also features real stories from organizations making a difference in their communities and wraps up with ideas and resources to help employers and employees get involved.

Justin talks to Michael P. Brady, Administrator for the Laborers' Local 157 Benefit Funds in Schenectady, NY about his fund's journey in covering GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and what other organizations can learn from his experience. Micheal is also a long-time member and volunteer with the International Foundation. He has served on the Health Care Management Committee and has spoken at many IFEBP conferences.

This episode is an audio read of a Word on Benefits blog post: : https://blog.ifebp.org/pbm-rebates-explainer/ Read Jenny's post and many other great blog posts at blog.ifebp.org

Let’s recap last year’s big benefit news and look at what’s ahead of us in 2026!

This episode is an audio read of a Word on Benefits blog post. Read the post here: https://blog.ifebp.org/executive-order-on-drug-discounts-has-uncertain-impact-on-employers-price-negotiations/ Read Jenny's post and many other great blog posts at blog.ifebp.org/

Planning for retirement is more than just saving and investing money–there are many other things to consider as well, some of which may not be on your radar. So, we turned to Talking Benefits' own Julie Stich for some insight not only because she's a benefits nerdthusiast, but also because she has first-hand experience! In this episode, Julie takes us through all the things she did to prepare for her recent retirement from finances and fun to health and home improvements. "Ready or Not", the book Julie found so helpful in her planning, is available to anyone! Get your own copy at http://www.ifebp.org/readyornot Be sure to listen to the end for Julie's special message to listeners! Yes, you read that correctly - Julie has retired and this is her final episode after 9 (yes, NINE!) years behind the Talking Benefits microphone. The Talking Benefits crew is so incredibly happy for her, but we'll certainly miss her benefits expertise, nerdiness, and especially her warm and ever-present laugh!

This week, Julie chats with special guest Paula Stop, Director of Total Rewards at The Fresh Market, about savings programs in a diverse workforce

The cost of cancer care is rising in the U.S. for patients and employers. Learn how those costs are shaping some U.S. employers' health care benefit offerings in this bonus episode. Read Rebecca's post and many other great blog posts at https://blog.ifebp.org/ View the entire Cancer/Oncology Care Strategies: 2025 Pulse Survey report at https://www.ifebp.org/CancerCare2025 International Foundation members get access to all the Foundation's timely research and much more! Learn about membership at https://www.ifebp.org/membership

This episode is an audio read of a Word on Benefits blog post at www.ifebp.org/blog To find more resources, including a template of a disaster recovery policy and sample documents, visit the Benefits Knowledge Center: www.ifebp.org/resources---news/b…s-knowledge-center

This week, Justin chats with special guest Michael Stoyanovich, Vice President and Senior Consultant in Segal’s Administration & Technology Consulting practice about the use of artificial intelligence in health plans.

The Big Beautiful Bill impacts employee benefits in a big way. We're sorting through it all from retirement plan changes to commuter reimbursements and more.

This week, Anne chats with special guest Dr. Tyler Amell, about the science behind the aging process .

This episode is an audio read of a Word on Benefits blog post. Read the post here: https://blog.ifebp.org/what-the-executive-order-increasing-pbm-fee-transparency-means-for-employers/ To find more resources, including a template of a disaster recovery policy and sample documents, visit the Benefits Knowledge Center: www.ifebp.org/resources---news/b…s-knowledge-center