THE SILENT
DANGER
UNDERSTANDING FIDUCIARY RISKS IN SELF-FUNDED HEALTH PLANS
by FRANK PENNACHIO
What you don’t know about your health plan could cost you everything.
The greatest threat isn’t what you see—it’s what you don’t.
In The Silent Danger, insurance industry veteran Frank Pennachio uncovers the hidden liabilities within self-funded health plans—risks that threaten your company and your personal assets. With increasing regulation and complex vendor relationships, plan sponsors must act now to understand their fiduciary duties.
What You’ll Learn
Protect yourself with the knowledge no one else is giving you.
The true meaning of fiduciary duties under ERISA
How to avoid corporate and personal asset exposure in plan mismanagement
Selecting and overseeing vendors the right way
Red flags in PBM and administrator relationships
Stop-loss insurance vulnerabilities
The essential role of actuaries
What to expect (and fear) in a Department of Labor audit
13 actionable compliance and management checklists
Frank Pennachio
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
INSURANCE INDUSTRY VISIONARY & THOUGHT LEADER
With over three decades of shaping transformative experiences in the insurance industry, Frank Pennachio is one of the sector’s most influential voices. A former agency owner, seasoned producer, strategic consultant, and dynamic trainer, Frank brings unparalleled insight to every engagement.
He has carved out a distinctive niche advising employers, independent agencies, carriers, agent associations, and technology companies—offering deep expertise across insurance operations, market dynamics, and emerging industry challenges.
Recognized nationally as a thought leader, Frank’s perspectives regularly influence industry discourse through widely read articles, high-profile conference presentations, and strategic guidance. His work is essential reading for those navigating today’s complex benefits landscape.
As the industry evolves, Frank Pennachio remains a trusted guide—helping organizations transform, innovate, and meet the demands of an ever-changing market.
Ready to Protect Your Plan—and Yourself?
In The Silent Danger: Understanding Fiduciary Risks in Self-Funded Health Plan insurance expert Frank Pennachio exposes the hidden fiduciary risks in self-funded health plans—threats that can undermine your organization and even put personal assets at risk.
Learn how to avoid common mistakes, meet ERISA obligations, and protect against audits, lawsuits, and costly vendor missteps. With practical guidance and 13 compliance checklists, this essential guide equips employers, brokers, and HR leaders to navigate today’s complex benefits landscape with confidence.
The Silent Danger
Take a Deep Dive with Frank
Mastering Fiduciary Responsibility for Self-Funded Health Plans: A Companion Course to The Silent Danger
Learning objectives
By the end of this training program, participants will be able to:
Identify their fiduciary status and understand associated duties under ERISA
Apply the prudent person standard in decision-making processes
Implement proper governance structures for self-funded health plans
Mitigate fiduciary liability through documented procedures and best practices
Navigate vendor relationships within fiduciary constraints
Understand and fulfill reporting and disclosure requirements
Recognize and address potential conflicts of interest
Apply fiduciary standards to plan investments and funding decisions
Quizzes
This course included quizzes to reinforce your learning.
We encourage you to take your time, engage with the content, and enjoy the learning experience.
Contact Us
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