ICHRA Exclusive

Hosted by Remodel Health

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Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to your ultimate guide to understanding the complex world of health insurance! ICHRA Exclusive will tell you everything you need to know about the basics of Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements, how they work, and how to get started.

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45 recent

October 21, 2026Episode 939 min

Inside Ambetter: The View From the Carrier Side of CHOICE

The ICHRA Exclusive Podcast is back, and this episode brings the carrier’s view to the table. Guest host Jon Whitmer , Senior Vice President of Carrier Relations, sits down with Danielle Winiecki of Ambetter Healt h to dig into a gap hiding in plain sight: plenty of group brokers say they know CHOICE Arrangements, formerly known as ICHRAs, but far fewer are actually bringing them to clients. Danielle is Director of Business Development for ICHRA at Ambetter Health, and she brings more than 15 years in group benefits to the conversation. That background gives her a rare inside look at how carriers really think about broker objections, individual networks, and what it takes to support employees long after they enroll. We get into what Ambetter’s own research uncovered about where broker hesitation comes from, the objection group brokers raise most about individual plans, and where they actually have a fair point. Danielle maps out where a carrier’s role in CHOICE starts and stops, how carriers and administrators like Remodel Health partner once employees are enrolled, and takes on the narrow network question directly. She also shares the new offerings Ambetter is rolling out for the 2027 plan year and how Centene is expanding CHOICE to more of its own employees. To close, she names the one thing she hopes to see mature in CHOICE over the next three to five years. If you’re a broker weighing individual plans, a carrier or administrator working to close the adoption gap, or just want an honest read on where CHOICE goes next, this one’s for you. Want to keep the conversation going? To learn more about ICHRA or see how Remodel Health can support your organization, connect with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share insights, and help you navigate what’s next. remodelhealth.com hello@remodelhealth.com ichraacademy.com Be sure to follow us for more health benefits conversations and upcoming episodes of the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast .

September 16, 2026Episode 833 min

The People Side of CHOICE: Making Benefits Strategy Work

Health benefits don't succeed on the plan alone. They succeed on how the people side is handled, and that's exactly where Brenna Whitaker lives. The ICHRA Exclusive Podcast is back with Brenna, Co-Founder and VP of HR Services at Milestone Business Solutions and a SHRM-SCP who helps scaling businesses and startups turn their back office into a strategic advantage. With more than 20 years in HR, she knows how benefits decisions actually land with employees and how the right approach moves a company forward. We get into how rising healthcare costs are showing up for her clients, where she starts when building a benefits strategy , and how she helps them weigh one option against another. Brenna also walks through how she spots when ICHRA (now called CHOICE arrangements) is the right fit, how the rebrand from ICHRA to CHOICE could reshape the way employers and employees understand the model, and what she hopes will change and mature in the CHOICE landscape over the next five years. If you're building a benefits strategy, weighing your options, or thinking about how to handle the human side of a benefits shift, this one's for you. Want to keep the conversation going? To learn more about ICHRA or see how Remodel Health can support your organization, connect with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share insights, and help you navigate what’s next. remodelhealth.com hello@remodelhealth.com ichraacademy.com Be sure to follow us for more health benefits conversations and upcoming episodes of the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast .

August 5, 2026Episode 727 min

Inside the Numbers: Carrier Exits, Affordability, and the 2027 Rate Picture

The ICHRA Exclusive Podcast is back, and open enrollment is coming with it. The ACA marketplace won't look the same when it arrives. Employers are rethinking their options, the momentum behind ICHRA keeps building, and the first 2027 rates are already hitting employers' desks. To make sense of it, we're joined by Chris Reuter , Chief Revenue Officer at Remodel Health and someone who has seen this market from the inside. After more than 20 years at UnitedHealthcare, most recently leading a national sales team of over 250 professionals, Chris knows exactly what's driving the shifts employers are feeling right now. We get into what pulled him all in on ICHRA, the real story behind the recent carrier shifts , and why the affordability crisis may be the single biggest accelerant for ICHRA adoption yet. With several states already showing their hand, Chris makes his call on where 2027 rates are heading into open enrollment. He also names the one thing that has to change for ICHRA to reach its full potential. If you're bracing for your 2027 renewal, watching the carrier landscape shift, or want a candid read on where ICHRA goes next, this one's for you. Want to keep the conversation going? To learn more about ICHRA or see how Remodel Health can support your organization, connect with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share insights, and help you navigate what’s next. remodelhealth.com hello@remodelhealth.com ichraacademy.com Be sure to follow us for more health benefits conversations and upcoming episodes of the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast .

June 17, 2026Episode 633 min

The Future of Benefits: Where ICHRA Goes from Here

The ICHRA landscape is changing fast, and few people have a better view of what's happening than Lindsay Fisher . As an Employee Benefits Consultant at Higginbotham and a trusted ICHRA advisor supporting one of the largest ICHRA employers in the U.S., Lindsay is helping employers navigate one of the biggest transformations in healthcare benefits. In this episode of the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast , Lindsay shares what it's like to be a leading ICHRA resource within one of the nation's largest brokerages, how she helps clients identify the right ICHRA administration partners, and what the latest market shifts mean for employers, brokers, and the broader ecosystem. We also dive into the trends she expects to shape the next 12–24 months and the changes she hopes will help ICHRA reach its full potential over the next five years. Whether you're a broker advising clients, an employer evaluating your healthcare options, or simply interested in the future of employee benefits, this episode offers valuable insights into where the ICHRA market is headed and what organizations should be preparing for today. If you're looking to stay ahead of the changes shaping the future of healthcare benefits, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Want to keep the conversation going? To learn more about ICHRA or see how Remodel Health can support your organization, connect with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share insights, and help you navigate what’s next. remodelhealth.com hello@remodelhealth.com ichraacademy.com Be sure to follow us for more health benefits conversations and upcoming episodes of the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast .

May 6, 2026Episode 544 min

Smarter Benefits: Pairing ICHRA with Direct Primary Care

After a period of rapid evolution in healthcare strategy, the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast returns with a conversation focused on what employers, brokers, and benefits leaders can do right now to improve access while managing rising costs. In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Garcia , Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Nexus Health Connect and host of The Nexus Connection Podcast, to explore a more connected approach to healthcare. As traditional models face increasing pressure, the focus is shifting toward practical, scalable solutions. Brian breaks down what Direct Primary Care is and how it differs from the traditional system, along with how pairing DPC with an ICHRA is becoming a more viable strategy, especially following recent legislative changes. We also explore where DPC makes financial sense, where it may not, and what that means for employers evaluating their options. The conversation is moving from simply adopting ICHRA to optimizing it. Integrating models like Direct Primary Care is emerging as a key way to deliver more accessible and personalized care while improving outcomes and controlling costs. If you are navigating rising healthcare costs or rethinking your benefits strategy, this episode offers a clear and practical look at what is possible and what comes next. Want to keep the conversation going? To learn more about ICHRA or see how Remodel Health can support your organization, connect with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share insights, and help you navigate what’s next. remodelhealth.com hello@remodelhealth.com ichraacademy.com Be sure to follow us for more health benefits conversations and upcoming episodes of the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast .

April 8, 2026Episode 430 min

The Missing Piece in ICHRA: Financial Wellness

The ICHRA Exclusive Podcast is back with another episode—and we’re diving into a critical, and often overlooked, piece of the health benefits conversation: financial wellness . In this episode, we’re joined by Molly Fohrer , Chief Operating Officer at Your Money Line , to explore the real-world financial challenges employees are facing—and how those challenges show up in healthcare decisions. From budgeting and debt to navigating unexpected medical costs, Molly shares how Your Money Line is helping individuals take control of their financial lives in a way that drives better outcomes for both employees and employers. We unpack the types of problems their clients bring to the table and how their team is delivering tangible savings. As ICHRA continues to evolve, this conversation sheds light on how financial guidance can act as a powerful complement to the model, helping employees make more confident and informed choices. We also discuss what drew Your Money Line to sponsor AIM 2026: Aligning ICHRA Minds, and why being part of this moment in the ICHRA movement matters. To close, Molly shares her perspective on what needs to change over the next five years to help ICHRA reach its full potential. If you’re thinking beyond plan design, navigating rising costs, or looking to better support employees in the decisions that matter most, this episode is for you. Your Money Line offers a free course called Cha-Ching — where you can become a certified Workplace Financial Wellness Advocate. Enroll at yourmoneyline.com/cha-ching , and you'll even earn free SHRM or HRCI credits when you complete it. Want to keep the conversation going? To learn more about ICHRA or see how Remodel Health can support your organization, connect with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share insights, and help you navigate what’s next. remodelhealth.com hello@remodelhealth.com ichraacademy.com Be sure to follow us for more health benefits conversations and upcoming episodes of the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast .

March 19, 2026Episode 341 min

From Strategy to Scale: Gallagher’s Secret Sauce for ICHRA in Healthcare

The ICHRA Exclusive Podcast is back with another must-listen episode—and this time, we’re spotlighting one of the leading voices shaping the future of ICHRA. Joining us is Andrew Loehr , Area Senior Vice President of Consulting at Gallagher , who has been at the forefront of the Benefits and HR landscape. In this episode, Andrew pulls back the curtain on Gallagher Indiana’s “secret sauce” to success, while offering a candid look at the realities large employers face in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment. As ICHRA continues to mature, we dive into the latest legislative developments impacting the space and what they mean for employers considering this strategy. Andrew also shares what drew him to focus on ICHRA within the healthcare industry—and how that focus is playing out in real-world applications. We explore the biggest hurdles large employers encounter when transitioning to ICHRA, from scale and complexity to change management and employee adoption. Plus, Andrew gives his perspective on what truly sets Gallagher Indiana apart in a competitive and ever-changing market. Looking ahead, we close with Andrew’s bold predictions for the next five years—and the one change he believes could unlock the next phase of growth and maturity in the ICHRA landscape. If you’re a large employer evaluating ICHRA, navigating increasing healthcare costs, or looking for insight from a proven industry leader, this episode is for you. Want to keep the conversation going? To learn more about ICHRA or see how Remodel Health can support your organization, connect with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share insights, and help you navigate what’s next. remodelhealth.com hello@remodelhealth.com ichraacademy.com Be sure to follow us for more health benefits conversations and upcoming episodes of the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast .

February 13, 2026Episode 238 min

Beyond the Risk Solution: Why ICHRA is Now a Necessity, Not an Option

The ICHRA Exclusive Podcast is back for another episode—and we’re diving straight into the "Hard Market Era" of 2026. In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Ashley , Vice President and Consultant of Corporate Benefits at NFP, to discuss why the traditional renewal cycle is becoming an unsustainable burden for employers. If you’re an employer waiting for your 2027 renewal to hit your desk, the headlines may not be pretty. But here’s the reality: in a market this "hard," having a viable escape hatch like ICHRA isn't just an option—it’s a necessity. We dig into what’s keeping NFP “edgy” in this environment, from Captives and MEWAs to Reference-Based Pricing. Paul breaks down why ICHRA is a "multiplier" for 2026 as we head toward a massive million-life milestone. We also explore how carriers like Anthem are evolving, creating separate ICHRA specific plans. The conversation has shifted from simply seeking a risk solution to mastering Change Management. Moving a population to ICHRA is a 180-degree turn that requires understanding and bi-directional feedback. We discuss the human hurdles of this transition—from the emotional journey of Medicare-eligible employees to the geographic complexities of multi-state populations. If you’re navigating the "warm-up act" of rising renewals, evaluating alternatives like Association Health Plans, or want a candid look at the rapid adoption of ICHRA, this episode is for you. Want to keep the conversation going? To learn more about ICHRA or see how Remodel Health can support your organization, connect with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share insights, and help you navigate what’s next. remodelhealth.com hello@remodelhealth.com ichraacademy.com Be sure to follow us for more health benefits conversations and upcoming episodes of the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast .

January 7, 2026Episode 130 min

The State of ICHRA in 2025: Rates, Reality, and What’s Next

After a year of major growth, the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast is back—and we’re kicking off Season 2 with an honest conversation about what’s actually happening in ICHRA. In this episode, we’re joined by Bill Williams , former Oscar Health leader and now Head of Product at Remodel Health, to unpack the realities of 2025. With a **20% rate increase—the toughest ICHRA year in the past five—**the headlines weren’t pretty. But here’s the truth: even a bad year in ICHRA still outperforms a bad year in traditional group health insurance, where employers regularly face 40–60% renewals after a single rough claims cycle. We dig into why ICHRA continues to be a viable escape hatch for employers, how carriers like Anthem are now naming plans after the model, and why the long-standing “plumbing” issues are finally being fixed. The conversation has shifted—from questioning whether ICHRA works to focusing on how we make it great. If you’re navigating rising healthcare costs, evaluating alternatives to group plans, or want a candid look at where ICHRA is headed next, this episode is for you. Want to keep the conversation going? To learn more about ICHRA or see how Remodel Health can support your organization, connect with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share insights, and help you navigate what’s next. remodelhealth.com hello@remodelhealth.com ichraacademy.com Be sure to follow us for more health benefits conversations and upcoming episodes of the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast .

November 27, 2024Episode 3534 min

Risk Adjustment and ICHRA with Vince Sullivan and Libby Hart

Libby Hart and Vince Sullivan from Capital Blue Cross explore the intricacies of ICHRA, risk adjustment, and reinsurance. They discuss the evolution of ICHRA, its impact on the health insurance landscape, and the demographics of individuals enrolling in ICHRA plans. Vince provides insights into risk adjustment mechanisms and how they affect premiums, while Libby emphasizes the importance of brokers understanding and presenting ICHRA options to clients. The conversation highlights the need for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among brokers, employers, and health insurance providers to navigate the changing landscape effectively. Want to keep the conversation going? To learn more about ICHRA or see how Remodel Health can support your organization, connect with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share insights, and help you navigate what’s next. remodelhealth.com hello@remodelhealth.com ichraacademy.com Be sure to follow us for more health benefits conversations and upcoming episodes of the ICHRA Exclusive Podcast .