This micro-credential provides a practical, functional understanding of today’s employee benefits landscape. Participants will explore the structural differences between fully insured and self-funded medical plans, learn how stop-loss coverage and contract terms protect organizational finances, and uncover key strategies for effective claims management. The course also demystifies pharmacy benefit management, offering tools to enhance transparency and control prescription-drug spending. Designed for HR professionals, managers, and benefits administrators, this program equips learners with actionable knowledge to optimize benefit plans and support both employers and employees.
Courses Offered:
Functional Approach to Employee Benefits
Decoding Medical Plan Structures: Fully Insured vs. Self-Funded
Stop Loss & Contract Review: Protecting Your Plan and Your Bottom Line
Claims Management Essentials: Cost-Saving Strategies for Employees and Employers
Behind the Rx: Demystifying Pharmacy Benefit Management and Creating Transparency
This online program is divided into five sessions, and participants are required to complete each session along with an associated exam to earn a Micro-Credential verified by Credly and an associated digital badge to display in a variety of professional contexts. This is the perfect way to earn recertification credit AND build your professional credibility.
Basic Course Information
Learning Objectives
Describe the evolution of the U.S. health insurance system and the functional structure of employer-sponsored benefit plans, including fully insured and self-funded models.
Explain the financial, contractual, and risk management components of self-funded medical plans, including stop loss coverage, third-party administrators (TPAs), Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), underwriting principles, and regulatory considerations.
Analyze medical claim reimbursement methodologies and drug pricing structures, including reference-based pricing, provider networks, rebates, sourcing programs, and the flow of funds within health plans.
Identify cost-containment strategies and plan design best practices, including point solutions, member incentive programs, and tools to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse while improving plan performance.
Develop a strategic approach to employee benefits communication and vendor oversight, enabling improved transparency, financial sustainability, and employee engagement in employer-sponsored medical plans.
Kyle Minick, MBA has a diverse work experience spanning over several years. Kyle is currently working as the Vice President of Employee Benefits at Summit Financial Group, Inc. Kyle is responsible for leading employee benefits initiatives and focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Kyle is also a thought leader, public speaker, and healthcare advocate, where they speak to organizations about the importance of healthcare coverage.
Prior to their current role, Kyle worked at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. as an Associate Benefits Producer, Account Manager, and Benefits Support Specialist. During their time there, they gained valuable experience in sales and problem-solving, specifically in the benefits industry. This experience prompted him to pursue an MBA with a focus on Healthcare Administration.
Before joining Gallagher & Co., Kyle worked as an Executive Recruiter and IT Talent Specialist at Modis. Kyle developed a strong skill set in cold-calling and sales, but ultimately decided to return to Dallas to pursue their MBA.
Additionally, Kyle has experience as a Sales and Marketing Specialist at Checkers Industrial Safety Products, where they gained an understanding of compliance and safety concerns in various industries.
Lastly, Kyle's early work experience includes being an Eagle Scout at the Boy Scouts of America, where they developed a mindset that they apply in their professional and personal life.
Overall, Kyle Minick, MBA has a broad range of experiences in the employee benefits industry, sales, recruiting, and advocacy.
Kyle Minick earned their Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus in Health Care Administration from Abilene Christian University. Kyle attended the university from 2017 to 2019. Prior to that, they completed their Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing at Colorado State University, where they studied from 2008 to 2013.
In addition to their degrees, Kyle has obtained several certifications. In 2022, they earned the Group Benefits Associate (GBA) 1 certification from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP). In 2020, they obtained the General Lines Agent - Property and Casualty certification from the Texas Department of Insurance. In 2016, they obtained the General Lines Agent - Life, Accident, Health, and HMO certification from the same institution. Furthermore, in 2007, they completed the Cursos de Lenguas - Spanish B1.2 program at Universidad de Salamanca.
Additional Info
Basic Course Information
Prerequisites
None
Advanced Preparation
None
Designed For
All Professionals
Original Recording Date
12/5/2025
Course Developer
Kyle Minnick
Additional Information
Instructional Delivery Method
Group Internet Based
Refund/Cancellation Policy
Please contact the HREN help desk 1-877-602-9877 or help@HREducationNetwork.com if you wish to cancel your attendance for a previously purchased webcast and are requesting a refund or transfer.
Complaint Resolution Policy
Please contact Jessica Vieira with any complaints at jessica.vieira@acpen.com, (617-519-6790).
Course Registration Requirements
Online Registration
SHRM Accreditation Information
HR Education Network is recognized by SHRM to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP professional development credits (PDCs). This program is valid for PDCs. See the course registration page for more information on number of credits and credit types. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit shrmcertification.org.
HRCI Accreditation Information
HR Education Network is a recognized provider of recertification credits. HR Certification Institute® pre-approved this program for credits towards aPHRTM, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRiTM and SPHRiTM recertification. See the course registration page for more information on number of credits and credit types.