In this episode of Community Connected Health, hosts Skip Lowe and Colton Storla sit down with Ben John, VP of Sales and Partnerships for Self Fund Health, to discuss transforming how employers and employees purchase healthcare. Ben shares his journey from music to health insurance, emphasizing that rising costs stem from poor healthcare purchasing habits, not just inadequate coverage. The conversation highlights the power of direct primary care, nurse navigation, price transparency, and zero-tier provider networks in reducing costs. Ben stresses that lasting change requires cultural shifts within organizations, employer education, and aligned incentives—moving beyond traditional insurance products to truly empower consumers in making smarter healthcare decisions.

This is Community Connected Health, the podcast where we explore how employers, healthcare innovators, and advisors are transforming the way healthcare is delivered — right in their own communities. This podcast is hosted by Skip Lowe and Colton Storla of North Risk Partners, and new episodes release on the first Monday of each month on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you find your podcasts. You can also connect with the hosts through LinkedIn or via email. If you're ready to rethink your health plan, empower your employees, and build something better — you're in the right place.

The opinions expressed within this podcast and any related content are those solely of the hosts and guests respectively and do not necessarily represent the position or opinion of North Risk Partners or any other entities.

Additionally, the information and opinions expressed on this show should be taken as such and should not be construed as medical or legal advice.