Insurtech Building Blocs

In this episode of the Insurtech Building Blocs podcast, host Cory Schmidt and guest Mike Bechtol from Bravo Health Partners discuss the challenges of employer health insurance, particularly in light of rising costs. They explore alternative funding models, such as level-funded and self-funded group health plans, the intricacies of reference-based pricing, and the importance of data in managing healthcare costs. The conversation al...

In this episode of the Insurtech Building Blocs podcast, host Cory Schmidt welcomes Mark Mixer and Jordan Ledford of HRASimple. They dive deep into the world of Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) and discuss the evolution of HRAs, the market drivers for ICHRAs, and the complexities involved in transitioning to this new model of employee benefits. Their conversation highlights the importance of education,...

In this episode of the Insurtech Building Blocs podcast, host Cory Schmidt welcomes fellow AgencyBloc members Kelsey Rosauer, Director of Marketing, and Savannah Clemons, Director of Client Experience. They explore AgencyBloc's Annual Event, BlocBuilder, sharing their experience from BlocBuilder 2025 and how AgencyBloc is preparing to raise the bar even higher for 2026.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

In this episode of the Insurtech Building Blocs podcast, host Cory Schmidt welcomes Bill Hepscher, founder of the Canadian Medstore. They discuss Bill's unique journey into the healthcare industry, the challenges of navigating prescription drug costs, and the logistics of importing medications from countries like Canada.

Insurtech Building Blocs is presented by AgencyBloc, the #1 Recommended Insurance Industry Growth Platform s...

In this episode of the Insurtech Building Blocs podcast, host Cory Schmidt speaks with Sam Melamed about the evolution of Insurance-Forums.com, the importance of community in the insurance industry, and Sam's journey from agent to CEO. They discuss the significance of building a caring company culture, market trends in ancillary products, and the necessity of continuous learning in the ever-evolving insurance landscape. The co...

In this episode of the Insurtech Building Blocs Podcast, host Cory Schmidt speaks with John Greene from Tri-Branch Resolution about his career in the insurance industry, insights from AgencyBloc's BlocBuilder 2025 conference, and the implications of the Inflation Reduction Act on Medicare. They discuss the challenges faced by agents in the Medicare market, the need for legislative changes, and the importance of political engag...

In this conversation, Dyani Galligan discusses the complexities of digital marketing for insurance agencies, emphasizing the importance of personal branding, trustworthy partnerships, and engaging content. She highlights the challenges agencies face in navigating digital marketing and the need for education and support. The discussion also touches on consumer expectations in the digital age and the significance of maintaining perso...

In this episode of the Insurtech Building Blocs Podcast, host Cory Schmidt interviews Brett Rosen, a seasoned M&A advisor with Rosen Advisory. They discuss Brett's unique experiences in the deal process, his transition from the buy side to the sell side, and the importance of understanding seller objectives. Brett shares insights on valuation factors, the significance of organized financials, and the typical timeline for s...

In this episode of Insurtech Building Blocs, Tim Robinson and Cory Schmidt reflect on the past year, discussing AgencyBloc's growth, product development, and the importance of customer feedback. They highlight new features and innovations set for release in 2025, as well as strategies for enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction. The conversation emphasizes the company's commitment to continuous improvement and adap...

In this episode of the Insurtech Building Blocs Podcast, hosts Tim Robinson and Cory Schmidt discuss the upcoming AEP and the challenges faced by independent agents in the insurance industry. They are joined by Jason Schmittgens and Andrew Tutaj from ConnectureDRX, who introduce their new product, PlanCompare Edge for Agents, designed to streamline the quoting and enrollment process for individual agents. The conversation covers th...

Join AgencyBloc for a comprehensive discussion on employee benefits with Marcie Strouse, Partner at Capitol Benefits Group (https://capitol-benefits.com).  This episode dives deep into the ever-changing group benefits market, offering valuable insights for businesses of all sizes.

Key Discussion Points:

• Market Dynamics: Explore the impact of carrier consolidation and its implications for employers.
• Navigating Healthcare ...

In this episode, Tim Robinson and Cory Schmidt interview Cristin Hopkin-Bishop, COO at The Brokerage Inc. Cristin shares her background, the history of The Brokerage Inc., and the current landscape, shifts, and consolidation in the insurance industry.

The Brokerage Inc. is a family-owned national FMO (Field Marketing Organization), IMO (Independent Marketing Organization), and BGA (Brokerage General Agency) specializing in...

In this episode, Tim Robinson and Cory Schmidt recap the BlocBuilder 2024 conference. BlocBuilder 2024 was a powerful event where AgencyBloc team members, customers, and partners came together in Atlanta for 3 days of leadership meetings, educational sessions, and 1-on-1 meetings.

Insurtech Building Blocs is presented by AgencyBloc, the #1 Recommended Insurance Industry Growth Platform serving the benefits and senior market space wi...

In this episode, Tim and Cory share their experience at Medicarians Vegas 2024, an event with 3,000+ attendees across the senior health, wealth, and agetech ecosystem. Our hosts also dig into the recent CMS ruling and the effect it may have across the entire insurance industry.

Insurtech Building Blocs is presented by AgencyBloc, the #1 Recommended Insurance Industry Growth Platform serving the benefits and senior market space with ...

Tim Robinson and Cory Schmidt interview Dwane McFerrin, Senior Vice President, Med Solutions at Senior Market Sales (SMS). Dwane has helped position Senior Market Sales as a market leader selling Medicare Advantage and Part D in addition to Medicare Supplement. He is responsible for the strategic direction of the Medicare product line, carrier relationships, and a team of marketing consultants who support sales in excess of 600,000...

In this episode, Cory Schmidt interviews Amanda Brewton, an expert in the Medicare field for nearly 20 years. Amanda is the owner of Medicare Answers Now, a Field Marketing Organization in Cleveland, Ohio supporting agents in over 40 states and specializing in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, Part D Plans, and more.  She continues teaching numerous courses across the country on Ethics, Business Development, Sales, Marketin...

In this episode, Tim Robinson and Cory Schmidt (co-founder and CTO at AgencyBloc) reflect on the past, present, and future of AgencyBloc before diving into the technology needs of leading health & benefits agencies, GAs, IMO/FMOs, carriers, and more.

Insurtech Building Blocs is presented by AgencyBloc, the #1 Recommended Insurance Industry Growth Platform serving the benefits and senior market space with 6,500+ customers across ...

AgencyBloc presents Insurtech Building Blocs, a new podcast that takes a macro look at health, benefits, and senior market Insurtech industry happenings and trends.

If you're curious about the Insuretech landscape and how the movers and shakers of the industry are progressing, join Tim and Cory on Insurtech Building Blocs each month, premiering January 2024, available everywhere you download your favorite podcasts.  

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