Advertise on podcast: It's Settled: The Ametros Podcast

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! In honor of Kids' Chance Week 2026, this special episode of It's Settled shines a light on the lasting impact workplace injuries can have on entire families. Shawn Deane and Melissa Coleman sit down with Amber Moody, whose husband, Craig, passed away following a workplace injury in 2021. Amber shares the heartbreaking story of losing her husband of nearly 21 years and the journey that followed as she and her three children, Kevin, Andrew, and Gabby, learned to navigate grief while finding strength in faith, family, and community. At the heart of this conversation is the experience of Amber's children, whose lives were forever changed by the loss of their father. As they faced milestones such as graduations, college, and building their futures without Craig by their side, they found support through Kids' Chance of America, an organization dedicated to providing scholarships and hope to children of workers who have been seriously injured or killed on the job. Amber reflects on how Kids' Chance became much more than financial assistance, offering a community that saw, supported, and encouraged her children during one of the most difficult chapters of their lives. Amber serves as a Board Member for Kid’s Chance of Massachusetts, and her son Kevin served as a Kids' Chance ambassador, helping share their family's story and inspiring others impacted by workplace tragedy. Through candid reflections on loss, resilience, and healing, Amber offers powerful lessons on empathy and the importance of showing up for those facing unimaginable circumstances. As we celebrate Kids' Chance Week 2026, her family's story serves as a reminder of the organization's life-changing mission and the difference it makes for children and families across the country. This episode is a testament to turning pain into purpose, honoring loved ones through service, and ensuring that children affected by workplace injuries have the support, opportunities, and hope they deserve. Learn more about Kid's Chance of America: https://www.kidschance.org/ Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! In this episode of "It’s Settled", Shawn Deane sits down with Parashar Patel to discuss the lasting impact of the 2001 “Patel Memo,” a CMS policy memo that became a foundational document in the Medicare Set-Aside industry. Recorded on the memo’s 25th anniversary, the conversation looks back at how a document intended to answer routine policy questions grew into one of the most recognized references in the workers’ compensation and Medicare space. Patel shares his memories of working at CMS at the time and explains that the memo was designed to provide consistent guidance to regional offices handling questions about workers’ compensation settlements and Medicare.  This episode explores how the memo helped bring clarity to the process of protecting Medicare’s interests when injured workers settle claims that include future medical expenses. Patel discusses the policy environment at CMS in the early 2000s, the reasons the memo was created, and why he is still surprised by the attention it receives decades later. They also consider how the industry might have evolved if CMS had never issued the guidance and discuss the balance between clear regulations and agency flexibility when addressing complex healthcare issues. The episode also provides a personal look at Patel's career, from his work in healthcare policy at CMS to his later roles in the medical device industry and consulting. In a humble reflection, Patel notes that the memo was the result of a team effort and gives credit to colleagues who helped draft and develop the guidance. Overall, the conversation offers listeners a unique perspective on the history of Medicare Set-Asides and the people behind one of the industry’s most influential policy documents. Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! In this special keynote episode recorded at Ametros’ annual Vision Days event, host Shawn Deane sits down with Aaron and Meagan James to share their extraordinary journey following a catastrophic workplace injury. Aaron, a high-voltage utility lineman, was severely injured in an electrical accident in 2021 when he came into contact with a 7,500-volt power line. The injury resulted in the loss of his left eye, much of the left side of his face, and his left arm above the elbow.  The conversation explores the emotional and physical challenges that followed Aaron’s six-week coma and long recovery. Aaron and Meagan candidly discuss the uncertainty, fear, and difficult decisions they faced. Through it all, Meagan's unwavering commitment and support became a cornerstone of his recovery. They also reflect on the vital role played by family, medical professionals, employers, case managers, and the workers’ compensation system, emphasizing how compassionate support helped them navigate an overwhelming and unfamiliar experience.  The episode also highlights Aaron’s historic medical journey as the first person to successfully receive a partial face transplant and a whole-eye transplant. Aaron embraced an unprecedented procedure that captured worldwide attention. Throughout their story, Aaron and Meagan demonstrate remarkable resilience, humor, and optimism, offering valuable lessons on empathy, caregiving, and the importance of seeing the human side of recovery. Their message is a powerful reminder that healing is never a solitary journey and that compassion can make a life-changing difference. Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! In this episode of It’s Settled, hosts Shawn Deane and Allison Kelly sit down with Abbie Hudgens, former Administrator of the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Division, to explore her remarkable career and the sweeping reforms she led. Abbie shares how an unexpected path, from urban ministry to public policy, ultimately positioned her to transform Tennessee’s workers’ compensation system. Through her leadership, the state introduced major structural changes, including dedicated workers’ compensation courts, mediation requirements, ombudsman support, and new medical management tools. She reflects on how these reforms improved system consistency and accessibility while balancing the needs of both employers and injured workers. The conversation also dives into the human side of workers’ compensation, particularly the often-overlooked challenges injured individuals face after a claim is settled. Abbie emphasizes the importance of education, transparency, and ongoing support, noting that many workers feel overwhelmed once they must manage their own care and funds. She highlights the critical role of professional administration and resources that help individuals navigate complex requirements like Medicare compliance. Throughout the episode, Abbie underscores her core philosophy: a successful workers’ comp system should not only function efficiently but also provide compassionate, long-term support that leads to better outcomes for everyone involved. Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! Hosts Shawn Deane and Melissa Coleman sit down with Chris Letsos, Chief Executive Officer of Kids’ Chance of America, a nonprofit that provides scholarships and ongoing support to children whose parents have been critically or fatally injured. Chris shares the history and purpose behind Kids’ Chance and reflects on how he became involved with the organization through a deeply personal experience related to his father’s injury. He explains how the mission of Kids’ Chance helped him reconnect with his father and shaped his why behind leading the organization. Throughout the episode, Chris shares impactful stories of children Kids’ Chance has supported, emphasizing that the organization’s work goes beyond scholarships to include long term guidance, resources, and future planning. He discusses his vision for expanding partnerships, increasing awareness, and creating career pathways, particularly within the workers’ compensation industry, for the students served. The conversation wraps with ways listeners can get involved and support Kids’ Chance, along with a look at how Ametros and Kids’ Chance collaborate, highlighting their shared commitment to caring for individuals and families after injury. Learn more about Kids' Chance here: https://www.kidschance.org/ Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! In honor of Women’s History Month, Shawn Deane, Legal Counsel at Ametros, sits down with three accomplished leaders at Ametros: Allison Kelly, Chief Revenue Officer; Melissa Coleman, Senior Vice President of Marketing; and Tina Chirichiello, Vice President of Sales Enablement and Support. Together, they share their personal journeys into the insurance industry and to Ametros, reflecting on the moments that shaped their careers and inspired them to step into leadership. The conversation also explores the evolution of the insurance injury space as a traditionally male‑dominated industry and how progress and representation have continued to grow over time. The discussion goes deeper into leadership through the lens of motherhood, highlighting how parenting has influenced their leadership styles, perspectives on work‑life balance, and strategies for staying organized while managing demanding roles. In recognition of Women’s History Month, the leaders emphasize the importance of mentorship, supporting and uplifting other women in the industry, and building strong personal and professional support systems. They close the episode by sharing thoughtful, empowering advice for young women entering their careers, offering encouragement on confidence, balance, and long‑term success. Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! What happens after a catastrophic injury settlement, and how do we ensure injured individuals feel supported, informed, and empowered rather than overwhelmed?  In this episode, hosts Shawn Deane and Allison Kelly welcome Krista Johnson, Vice President of Sales Operations at Ametros, for a thoughtful conversation on how empathy plays a critical role in supporting injured individuals after settlement. Krista shares her career journey and the inspiration behind building Ametros’ Special Programs team, created to address the unique and often complex challenges individuals face during the transition to post‑settlement life.  The discussion explores how Ametros has evolved to simplify healthcare management while maintaining a deeply human approach. Krista highlights the importance of leading with empathy, providing a direct point of contact, and ensuring injured individuals never feel alone as they move away from a complex system into something easier to navigate. Listeners will hear real member stories that demonstrate how the Special Programs team goes above and beyond, from personalized outreach and care coordination to thoughtful gestures like care packages. The episode also addresses the top concerns injured individuals and carriers face when settling catastrophic cases, including access to long‑term care, fear of navigating healthcare independently, and uncertainty about the future.  As Ametros looks toward 2026, Krista shares how our team is continuing to lead with empathy while making healthcare easier, proving that meaningful support doesn’t end at settlement, it begins there. Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! In this episode of "It’s Settled", we’re thrilled to welcome back Shawn Deane, General Counsel of Ametros, as our co-host alongside Melissa Coleman, SVP of Marketing. Andrea kicks things off by celebrating Shawn’s return to Ametros and the podcast. Together, Melissa, Shawn, and Andrea dive into industry events, share key takeaways, and reflect on their favorite moments from "It’s Settled", including impactful conversations with injured workers and industry professionals.  This episode highlights why "It’s Settled "matters and how these discussions empower our community. We’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas for future episodes! Please take a moment to complete our feedback survey: https://nam.dcv.ms/4xQhvPfhLZ. We’re excited to have Shawn back on the mic and can’t wait to bring you more inspiring conversations in upcoming episodes! Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! In this episode of It’s Settled, we sit down with James Benham, Co-Founder and CEO of JBK, a global tech and consulting firm he built from his college dorm room into a 280-person powerhouse spanning three continents. James shares his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he’s learned from founding four companies, and how he’s helped shape the future of insurance technology. We also dive into his leadership philosophy, career development tips for insurance professionals, and insights from his book on innovation and growth. Whether he's streamlining claims systems or piloting aircraft, James exemplifies how to align passion with purpose. Don’t miss his advice for aspiring leaders and where to follow his work. Learn More About James James on LinkedIn JBK The InsurTech Geek Podcast Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! In this inspiring episode of It's Settled, we sit down with Derek Demun, an Ametros member whose life took a dramatic turn after a workplace injury at just 21 years old. Derek opens up about his life before the injury, his passions, ambitions, and adventurous spirit, and how everything changed in an instant. Despite the challenges, Derek’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. He shares how he’s embraced a new way of living, staying active and adventurous, and finding joy in the everyday. His journey is a powerful reminder that life doesn’t end with injury, it evolves. Derek also dives into how Ametros has played a crucial role in his post-settlement life. He highlights how  CareGuard and Ametros’ support services have simplified the complexities of managing healthcare after settlement. From streamlining medical payments to providing peace of mind, Derek explains how these resources have allowed him to focus more on living fully and less on paperwork. Tune in to hear how Derek continues to push boundaries, stay positive, and live life on his own terms. Learn more about Derek  Dereks Photography Business: T8Media.comDereks Instagram: @T8_OutdoorsmanResources Mentioned Triumph Foundation: https://triumph-foundation.orgDisabled Outdoorsmen: https://disabledoutdoorsmen.comAmetros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! In this episode, we sit down with James Passmore, an Ametros member who shares his powerful story of resilience following a life-changing workplace injury. He opens up about the moment everything changed, the physical and emotional toll of the recovery process, and what life looks like today. With honesty and heart, James offers advice to others facing similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hope. James also takes us through his workers’ compensation journey, reflecting on the key people who supported him and how that network helped him navigate the ups and downs. He shares his experience transitioning to CareGuard and professional administration after settlement, highlighting the impact it’s had on managing his medical care and finances. We close with a look toward the future, James’ passion for photography and the goals he’s now working toward as he builds a new chapter in his life. Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! On this episode of "It's Settled", we're joined by Indiana based attorney George Patrick, a longtime partner of Ametros. George shares how he found his way into the workers' compensation space, the moments that confirmed he was in the right field, and what drives him to serve his clients with care and integrity. He opens up about the mentors who shaped his path, the industry groups he's involved in, and the lesson he's learned along the way.  We also dive into George's experience working with Ametros and why he is a firm believer in professional administration. From navigating the complexities of Medicare to understand what is actually covered, George explains why self-administering a Medicare Set Aside account can be overwhelming, and why having a trusted partner makes all the difference. Whether you are a fellow attorney, an industry professional, or handling an MSA, this episode offers real insights from someone who truly cares about doing right by his clients. Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! In celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode of It’s Settled is all about empowering women in the workforce. Hosts Andrea and Melissa are joined by two incredible guests—Erin Bishop, ADR Supervisor at the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, and Stephanie Tucker, a claimant’s attorney based in Denver, Colorado. Together, they dive into their career journeys, sharing the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced as women in the workers’ comp industry. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of work-life balance, setting boundaries, and navigating the unique challenges of being a working mom. Our guests also explore the power of mentorship, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the confidence it takes to thrive in the workplace. They offer valuable advice for the next generation of women entering the workforce and share the organizations they’re involved with to help foster growth and connection in their communities and the workers’ comp space. Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of insights and empowering stories!  Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! Welcome to a special episode of It’s Settled, the Ametros Podcast. Today, we celebrate a major transition as we bid farewell to our co-host, John Kane, SVP of Strategy at Ametros, as he embarks on his well-earned retirement. John reflects on his journey with Ametros, his experience hosting the podcast, and his plans for the future. As we say goodbye to John, we’re also thrilled to introduce our new co-host, Melissa Coleman, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Ametros. Melissa shares her excitement about joining the podcast, what she hopes to bring to the conversation, and her vision for the future of It’s Settled. While John’s presence will be greatly missed, his impact on the podcast—and Ametros as a whole—will always be appreciated. We thank him for his time, insights, and the stories he helped bring to life. As we step into this next chapter, we look forward to continuing meaningful conversations that educate, inspire, and connect our listeners. To our longtime listeners, thank you for being part of this journey. And for those tuning in for the first time, welcome—each episode offers a unique and insightful perspective, and we’re excited to have you with us. Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.

Let us know how you're enjoying the show or ideas for any future topics! In this episode, mother-daughter duo Samantha and Katie Eddington share their powerful story of resilience and hope. After a lawnmower accident at age four resulted in Katie losing her leg above the knee, the two navigated a long journey of recovery. Katie found strength and purpose through running, becoming a world-class sprinter with her sights set on the Paralympics. Samantha shares her perspective as a mother, offering insight into supporting a child through trauma while coping with her own emotions. Together, they discuss the challenges they’ve overcome, the lessons they’ve learned, and the bond that has kept them strong. The Eddingtons also highlight the importance of giving back, including their efforts to donate blood and help others in need. Katie offers advice to young people facing similar challenges, while Samantha provides guidance for parents in similar situations. Their inspiring story reminds listeners of the power of determination, the importance of community, and the ability to find purpose after adversity.   Resources: 50 Legs: Www.50legs.org KY Blood Center: www.kybloodcenter.org Ametros is changing the way injured individuals navigate healthcare by providing them with post-settlement medical management tools for their settlement funds. Ametros helps drive more simplified, secured, and supported settlements and saves money by working closely with injured workers, insurers, employers, attorneys, and Medicare to create a seamless experience. Learn how Ametros can support you.