The Healthcare Quarterback: Putting Your Benefit Puzzle Together

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Listener Question: "What do you actually do?" 

Ever wondered what a benefit advisor actually does? It's a question that prompted Justin Futrell to peel back the curtain on his role at True North Companies in this enlightening episode.

While placing health insurance represents the foundation of Justin's work—accounting for roughly 80% of his focus to match the proportion of employee benefits spending—the real value comes through strategic customization. "Candidly, you could spend a hundred bucks, study a few hours and pass the test to be able to sell health insurance," Justin reveals. The true expertise emerges when tailoring comprehensive solutions to each company's specific cultural and economic objectives.

The episode highlights a startling workplace reality: 80% of employees worry about personal finances during work hours, losing approximately 36 hours of productivity annually per employee. With nearly half of Americans struggling with medical debt, Justin explains how innovative approaches to healthcare benefits can address these financial stressors. By functioning as a "healthcare quarterback," he helps companies provide employees with genuine choices beyond traditional healthcare pathways, where patients typically follow provider recommendations without questioning costs or comparing quality metrics.

Through real-world examples—including a nonprofit struggling to recruit tech talent despite budget limitations—Justin demonstrates how thoughtful benefits design can solve complex organizational challenges. The benefit advisor role has evolved far beyond simple insurance placement into strategic partnership that aligns employee wellbeing with company objectives.

Have questions about optimizing your company's benefits strategy? Drop them in the chat, and Justin might address them in an upcoming episode. Your organization's unique challenges deserve a customized approach that considers both economic realities and cultural goals.

Music by Alex Lambert.

Contact Justin via text 740-525-5259 or via email [email protected]

I welcome the opportunity to hear your feedback from this episode!

Thanks again to my musically gifted friend Alex Lambert for the music. Also thanks to Kevin Asehan for the edits.