In episode 160, Coffey talks with Matt Morris about various health insurance options and strategies for employers, particularly small to medium-sized businesses. They discuss recent trends in health insurance cost increases; comparing traditional fully-insured plans to alternative funding methods; health savings accounts (HSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs); level-funded and self-funded plans; captive insurance arrangements; reference-based pricing; the importance of employee education and communication; and criteria for selecting an insurance broker.

Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.

If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.

About our Guest:

Matt is a Fort Worth native graduating from Aledo High School then Hardin-Simmons University where he obtained his BBA in Finance and Leadership, graduating with honors in 2002. He was a two-time NCAA All-American offensive lineman while working through college where he met his wife Sarah.  In 2006 Matt received his MBA from Texas Christian University while helping grow Gus Bates Insurance & Investments serving in operational, consulting, Team Lead and President roles from 2002-2020. 

In July of 2020 Gus Bates joined HUB in a very strategic move to merge 2 great offices within Fort Worth.  Matt then assumed the role of Area President and now leads the combined teams.  The HUB Fort Worth family is a passionate, energetic team with the guiding principle “Don’t tell me how much you know, just show me how much you care.”  Matt leads by example.  He supports and encourages teams pushing themselves to “find the better way,” constantly.  He believes the "pursuit of excellence" is something that should never end!  Matt holds his Texas Life, Accident & Health, Texas Insurance Counselors, and Texas Property & Casualty licenses.  He also holds FINRA Series 7, Series 65, and Series 63 licenses, a Chartered Benefits Consultant Designation, among others.

In his spare time, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife Sarah and two daughters, Lillian and Hannah.  As a family they enjoy anything outdoors, traveling, reading, coaching and competing in kids sports which often occupies their weekends.  They are active members of Christ Chapel Bible Church, part owners in the Aledo Volleyball Club, and Matt serves on numerous boards such as First Financial Bank’s Advisory Board and Aledo’s various Growth Committees, among others.

Matt Morris can be reached at 

https://www.hubinternational.com/

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.

Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.

Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.

Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore alternative funding methods like level-funded plans, self-funded plans, and captive arrangements to potentially reduce healthcare costs and increase flexibility.

2. Implement effective employee communication strategies to educate staff about their health insurance options and the true costs of coverage.

3. Evaluate insurance brokers based on their technological capabilities, customer service, and ability to provide ongoing education and support, rather than solely on premium rates.