About this episode

In this episode, host Austin Townend interviews Chelsea Ryckis about healthcare compliance and cost control strategies for employers.

In this special episode of The Business of Benefits, host Austin Townend flips the script and interviews our very own President and Co-Founder, Chelsea Ryckis. Together, they break down exactly what employers need to know about healthcare compliance, vendor accountability, and controlling costs heading into 2026. We cover the massive compliance shifts from the last 12 months—including the CAA of 2026 and FTC scrutiny on PBMs—and why these changes are the ultimate leverage for plan sponsors. Chelsea unpacks why Direct Primary Care (DPC) combined with HSAs is a game-changer, why ICHRAs are just a bandaid for healthcare inflation, and how to spot the red flags in your broker and PBM contracts. Plus, learn how to stop accepting the bare minimum from your vendors and start demanding true fiduciary alignment. What you’ll learn How recent compliance changes (like the CAA of 2026) give employers unprecedented leverage over their health plans Why the traditional high-deductible health plan (HDHP) is failing low-wage earners, and how Direct Primary Care (DPC) actually reduces claims The hidden dangers of ICHRAs and why they don't solve the root cause of healthcare inflation How to identify…

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