Brokers' Corner

Hosted by BerniePortal

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Feb 2025

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About the show

Brokers' Corner is your weekly podcast devoted to helping the benefit broker community gain perspectives on small and mid-sized employer groups, HR tech and Insurtech trends, agency profitability, and the competitive landscape. Host Mary Chauvin will bring in a new perspective and ask the questions you may be wondering. Mary will be providing resources to make sure no one puts your agency in "the corner!

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49 recent

February 18, 20256 min

Talking to Clients About Payroll

Generally brokers are not payroll experts, nor want to be. But the truth is, payroll and benefits are very connected. Confidence when talking to your clients about payroll helps you prove to be an even stronger trusted advisor. Tune in to learn more about the main connections between benefits and payroll.Book a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal/Attend our annual conference in Nashville to network with industry professionals and a keynote speech from The Office's, Andy Buckley!Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/weekdays-with-bernie-2025-tickets-1001480514177?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_campaign=Weekdays%20with%20Bernie%202025&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--qdl_Rt6EmUy52xRQ11GMavULY60JEPGCG04rhkdZpvaPXxLD5xZZfo0Ze4updOS-CFVeZewIF13BT-ATw6K5oVwU_M2CKTxVu447UEDm_rmkk9_U&_hsmi=321612823&utm_content=321475159&utm_source=hs_email

February 10, 20256 min

Brush Up On Your COBRA Knowledge

Tune into this week's episode of Brokers' Corner to ensure you're staying up-to-date on important COBRA information. Your groups will follow your lead on any recommendations relating to benefits, so make sure you're being diligent on the latest updates!Our COBRA Administrator: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal/Attend our annual conference in Nashville to network with industry professionals and a keynote speech from The Office's, Andy Buckley!Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/weekdays-with-bernie-2025-tickets-1001480514177?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_campaign=Weekdays%20with%20Bernie%202025&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--qdl_Rt6EmUy52xRQ11GMavULY60JEPGCG04rhkdZpvaPXxLD5xZZfo0Ze4updOS-CFVeZewIF13BT-ATw6K5oVwU_M2CKTxVu447UEDm_rmkk9_U&_hsmi=321612823&utm_content=321475159&utm_source=hs_email

January 27, 202520 min

What Brokers Need to Know About 1095s

It's 1095 season! Which means this is an important time to ensure your groups are staying compliant. Whether it's a group under 50, a group over 50, or regulation changes, we've got you covered with all the information brokers need to be aware of for 1094s and 1095s.Learn how BerniePortal can help with 1095 forms: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal/Attend our annual conference in Nashville to network with industry professionals and a keynote speech from The Office's, Andy Buckley!Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/weekdays-with-bernie-2025-tickets-1001480514177?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_campaign=Weekdays%20with%20Bernie%202025&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--qdl_Rt6EmUy52xRQ11GMavULY60JEPGCG04rhkdZpvaPXxLD5xZZfo0Ze4updOS-CFVeZewIF13BT-ATw6K5oVwU_M2CKTxVu447UEDm_rmkk9_U&_hsmi=321612823&utm_content=321475159&utm_source=hs_email

January 21, 20257 min

Regulation Changes to Keep in Mind in 2025

In the world of employee benefits, staying compliant with ever-changing regulations is a constant challenge for brokers, who must keep up with updates at both federal and state levels to ensure their employer clients are adhering to the latest rules. Tune into this week's episode to learn more about these changes for 2025.Book a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal/Attend our annual conference in Nashville to network with industry professionals and a keynote speech from The Office's, Andy Buckley!Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/weekdays-with-bernie-2025-tickets-1001480514177?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_campaign=Weekdays%20with%20Bernie%202025&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--qdl_Rt6EmUy52xRQ11GMavULY60JEPGCG04rhkdZpvaPXxLD5xZZfo0Ze4updOS-CFVeZewIF13BT-ATw6K5oVwU_M2CKTxVu447UEDm_rmkk9_U&_hsmi=321612823&utm_content=321475159&utm_source=hs_email

January 13, 202537 min

How to Tackle the Complete Benefits Lifecycle

When it comes to managing employee benefits, employers have a lot on their plates. From recruiting top talent to ensuring compliance, it can be overwhelming to keep track of all the necessary steps. The Benefits Lifecycle includes every step benefits brokers are involved in— from candidate to COBRA.Book a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/Attend our annual conference in Nashville to network with industry professionals and a keynote speech from The Office's, Andy Buckley!Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/weekdays-with-bernie-2025-tickets-1001480514177?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_campaign=Weekdays%20with%20Bernie%202025&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--qdl_Rt6EmUy52xRQ11GMavULY60JEPGCG04rhkdZpvaPXxLD5xZZfo0Ze4updOS-CFVeZewIF13BT-ATw6K5oVwU_M2CKTxVu447UEDm_rmkk9_U&_hsmi=321612823&utm_content=321475159&utm_source=hs_emailFollow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal/

January 6, 20255 min

Start Off 2025 With These Q1 Strategies

Welcome to Q1! In this episode of Brokers' Corner, Mary breaks down the top priorities every benefits broker needs to tackle for a successful year. From critical compliance deadlines and tax season prep to industry trends, and client engagement we cover it all. Tune in for your guide to owning Q1 and setting the tone for a productive 2024.Attend our annual conference in Nashville to network with industry professionals and a keynote speech from The Office's, Andy Buckley!Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/weekdays-with-bernie-2025-tickets-1001480514177?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_campaign=Weekdays%20with%20Bernie%202025&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--qdl_Rt6EmUy52xRQ11GMavULY60JEPGCG04rhkdZpvaPXxLD5xZZfo0Ze4updOS-CFVeZewIF13BT-ATw6K5oVwU_M2CKTxVu447UEDm_rmkk9_U&_hsmi=321612823&utm_content=321475159&utm_source=hs_emailBook a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal/

December 30, 20248 min

New Year's Resolutions Brokers Should Consider

In the final Brokers' Corner episode of the year, Mary shares seven New Year's resolutions for brokers to embrace in 2025. Tune in for actionable strategies designed to drive business growth, strengthen client relationships, and set the stage for a successful year ahead.Attend our annual conference in Nashville to network with industry professionals and a keynote speech from The Office's, Andy Buckley!Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/weekdays-with-bernie-2025-tickets-1001480514177?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_campaign=Weekdays%20with%20Bernie%202025&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--qdl_Rt6EmUy52xRQ11GMavULY60JEPGCG04rhkdZpvaPXxLD5xZZfo0Ze4updOS-CFVeZewIF13BT-ATw6K5oVwU_M2CKTxVu447UEDm_rmkk9_U&_hsmi=321612823&utm_content=321475159&utm_source=hs_emailBook a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal/

December 16, 20244 min

How to Take Advantage of ICHRA's Growing Popularity

Since its introduction in 2020, ICHRA adoption has increased 29% from 2023 to 2024. ICHRA offers employers a cost-effective, flexible alternative to traditional group health plans, allowing employees to choose their own coverage from the individual marketplace. The episode delves into why ICHRA is especially appealing to both small businesses and large employers, with insights on industry trends, average employer contributions, and other takeaways for brokers.Book a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal/

December 9, 20245 min

1 in 5 Americans are Caregivers: How Can Brokers Help?

As more employees take on roles as caregivers for young children, aging parents, spouses, or children with special needs, the balance between work and personal life becomes increasingly challenging. Tune in to learn how benefits brokers can help employers provide meaningful support for these employees.Book a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal/

December 2, 20247 min

Using Data to Craft a Benefits Package

In this episode, we dive into how benefits brokers can leverage data to build comprehensive and tailored benefits packages for employer groups. From understanding employee demographics and health trends to analyzing cost vs. coverage balance, we explore how data can guide brokers in designing benefits that not only attract and retain top talent but also optimize cost efficiency for employers. Tune in to learn how to use data to drive better decisions, improve employee satisfaction, and ultimately create a more competitive benefits offering.Book a BerniePortal Demo: https://www.bernieportal.com/get-a-demo/Follow us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal/