In this session, healthcare advocate and advisor, Chuck Melendi, will equip participants with tools to influence their organization's impact on growing healthcare costs. As healthcare expenses become the second-largest cost for employers, “business as usual” is no longer sustainable—and healthcare leaders are uniquely positioned to help drive change. Participants will gain a practical understanding of current healthcare cost trends, employer fiduciary responsibilities, and why traditional approaches to benefits management are falling short. The presentation will explore how healthcare professionals can effectively partner with HR and executive leaders to simplify healthcare, improve employee health outcomes, and protect the organization’s bottom line. Attendees will leave with actionable insights, language, and tools to help them be seen as strategic leaders and trusted advisors in this evolving landscape. Slides and a practical toolkit will be shared with all participants.