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Health & Benefits
Helping employers see the full picture and take control of health and benefits costs.
Our approach to health and benefits
See the full picture. Make better decisions while they still matter.
Managing employee benefits has become more complex, but the way most programs are designed hasn’t kept up.
Decisions are still driven by renewal cycles, not real-time signals. Data, vendors, and accountability are fragmented. Insight often arrives after key choices have already been made.
As a result, trade-offs only become visible when it’s too late to influence them.
Employers feel this every day. Despite more data than ever, decisions are getting harder, not easier. Oversight is scattered, advice comes after the fact, and no single party owns outcomes end to end.
The result is a system where leaders are forced to make trade-offs without ever seeing the full picture. Many are told these trade-offs are unavoidable, but in reality, they are the product of a model that lacks visibility and accountability.
These blind spots slow decision-making, increase cost, and create a more fragmented experience for employees.
Howden takes a different approach.
Unlike traditional models, where decisions are driven by renewal cycles and fragmented vendors, Howden brings plan design, funding, and vendor management into a single, accountable structure, giving leaders a clear, connected view of their benefits program.
That means seeing the full picture in time to make informed trade-offs, not reacting to them after the fact. In practice, it changes how decisions are made across the entire benefits program.
The result is a more connected model for managing health and benefits, built around visibility, accountability, and earlier decision-making.
What Howden Health & Benefits delivers
Clearer visibility, stronger control, and better outcomes across the full benefits ecosystem
Our connected approach gives employers greater control over how health and benefits are designed, managed, and measured. We combine data, specialist expertise, and independent advice across every part of the program.
Single, consistent view
We integrate claims, financial, and operational data across medical, pharmacy, and specialty vendors to create a clearer picture of cost drivers and trends.
This includes deeper transparency into pharmacy benefit managers, where complex pricing structures and contract terms often obscure true cost, enabling employers to clearly understand and challenge how spend is managed.
Greater control over how plans are structured, funded, and governed
Our data-informed approach combines actuarial modeling, claims analytics, and market insight to evaluate fully insured and self-funded strategies, quantify trade-offs and design funding approaches that align with both cost and risk objectives.
We rigorously review and audit PBM contracts and vendor performance to uncover true net costs, challenge pricing structures, and hold partners accountable for results.
A coordinated approach to managing risk and improving outcomes
Aligning clinical and data-led strategies across vendors enables earlier intervention with high-risk members. This results in more effective management of chronic and complex conditions, and stronger population health outcomes.
Our programs are continuously monitored and refined, creating a more dynamic model that adapts over time to control cost, improve outcomes, and stay aligned with workforce needs.
Together, these capabilities create a more disciplined and transparent approach to health and benefits, where performance is continuously measured, challenged, and improved over time.
The services that help you see the full picture and act on it
Plan strategy and market execution
Design and placement of plans tailored to workforce needs, combining market insight, carrier access, and data-driven decision-making. Built to balance cost, access, and quality while aligning with the broader benefits strategy.
Pharmacy cost and contract strategy
Independent PBM consulting spanning vendor selection, contract negotiation, and pricing transparency. Delivered by pharmacists, actuaries, and pricing specialists to reduce pharmacy spend and strengthen program oversight.
Clinical risk and population health
Population health strategies that identify emerging risks and address high-cost drivers through targeted clinical interventions. Supported by senior clinical leadership and specialists to improve outcomes and manage complex conditions more effectively.
Regulatory strategy and plan governance
Practical guidance to manage regulatory requirements and maintain plan integrity. Focused on proactive oversight, governance, and audit readiness in a complex and evolving regulatory environment.
Leave, income and voluntary solutions
Programs that protect employee income and support financial wellbeing, including disability, absence, and voluntary benefits. Designed to integrate with overall benefits strategy and improve workforce engagement.
Actuarial insight and data strategy
Advanced analytics and actuarial insight that bring clarity to claims and cost data. Enables stronger forecasting, better decision-making, and greater transparency across the program.
Specialist capabilities that complete the full picture
Research and benchmarking
Market intelligence and peer benchmarking to inform plan design, vendor selection, and cost management decisions.
Workforce wellbeing and engagement
Programs that measurably improve employee engagement and support physical, mental, and financial wellbeing across the workforce.
Care navigation and digital enablement
Connected tools and navigation support that guide employees to the right care, improving utilization and overall program performance.
Global benefits strategy
Coordinated approach to managing benefits across geographies, aligning local programs with global strategy and governance.
Behavioral health
Targeted strategies and programs to address mental health needs, improve access to care, and manage associated cost drivers.
Vendor integration and performance management
Coordinating and managing vendors across the benefits ecosystem to improve performance, reduce duplication, and ensure accountability for outcomes.
Advanced clinical and emerging care strategies
Approaches to managing new and complex treatments, including specialty drugs and advanced therapies, to improve outcomes and control cost.
Onsite and near-site care models
Access to convenient, high-quality care through onsite and near-site clinics that improve access and reduce overall healthcare spend.
Governance and plan fiduciary services
Structured oversight and fiduciary support to strengthen governance, manage risk, and ensure plans operate in the best interest of members.
Family building and women’s health
Programs supporting fertility, maternity, and women’s health, improving outcomes and addressing key gaps in care.
High-cost claim and specialty risk management
Strategies to identify, monitor, and manage high-cost claims and specialty conditions, reducing volatility and improving predictability.
Life and disability
Income protection programs that support employees through disability and life events while aligning with overall benefits strategy.
Ready to talk?
Meet our Health and Benefits team
US Health & Benefits LeaderMike Haloostock
LinkedInUS Health & Benefits LeaderMike Haloostock is the Leader of Howden US Health & Benefits, where he is responsible for setting the strategic direction and driving the continued growth of the business. He brings more than 20 years of experience across consulting, underwriting, and client leadership, with a focus on delivering innovative solutions and measurable outcomes for clients.
Mike is a strategic and results-oriented leader who partners with organizations to navigate the complexity of the healthcare landscape while improving both financial performance and the employee experience. He works closely with clients to design and execute forward-looking strategies that address cost, risk, and workforce health, while helping organizations adapt to a rapidly evolving market.
In addition to his client work, Mike is deeply involved in developing talent and building high-performing teams. He is committed to fostering a collaborative, client-centric culture and scaling capabilities that enable consistent delivery of impact across the business.
Throughout his career, Mike has advised a wide range of organizations, from mid-market companies to large national employers, helping them implement integrated solutions that balance cost management with quality and access to care. His approach is grounded in data, market insight, and a clear understanding of each client’s unique objectives.
Prior to joining Howden, Mike held senior leadership roles at leading consulting firms, where he led client service teams and advised on health and welfare strategy, vendor management, and plan design.
Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwood University. He is based in West Palm Beach, where he enjoys spending time with his family, staying active, and following his favorite sports teams.
US Health & Benefits East Region LeaderSaba Ternikar
LinkedInUS Health & Benefits East Region LeaderSaba Ternikar is a Managing Director and East Region Leader for Howden US Health & Benefits. She brings more than 20 years of experience across payer, consulting, and technology-enabled health solutions, with a focus on driving innovation in how healthcare is delivered and experienced.
Saba is a strategic and forward-thinking leader who helps organizations navigate the complexity of health and benefits while advancing more integrated, people-centered approaches to care. She works with clients to design strategies that balance cost, quality, and equity, while improving engagement and long-term outcomes.
Her experience spans senior leadership roles at Aetna, Mercer and Aon Hewitt where she led large-scale initiatives across population health, clinical programs, and health navigation. At Aetna, she managed a portfolio of clinical products serving more than 14 million members and played a key role in expanding access to care, including advancing women’s health and transgender health initiatives.
At Howden, Saba leads the East Region with a focus on integrating data, clinical insight, and innovation to deliver measurable impact. She partners closely with clients to reimagine benefits strategies around whole-person health and more connected care models.
Saba holds a Master’s in Health Administration from Xavier University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida. She is based in Northern Virginia, where she enjoys running, cooking, and spending time with her family.
US Health & Benefits West Region LeaderAlex Tiligadas
LinkedInUS Health & Benefits West Region LeaderAlex Tiligadas is a Managing Director and West Region Leader for US Health and Benefits at Howden. He brings more than 25 years of experience across actuarial, underwriting, corporate HR, and consulting.
Alex is an empathetic and results-driven leader focused on helping organizations navigate the complexity of health and benefits while improving both outcomes and the employee experience. He leads high-performing teams that partner with many of the world’s most respected organizations to design and deliver strategies that drive measurable impact.
His work is grounded in a simple belief: better decisions lead to better outcomes. Alex helps employers make more informed choices around cost, risk, and workforce health, creating long-term value for both the business and its people.
Prior to joining Howden, Alex served as Market Leader for WTW’s Northern California Health and Benefits practice, where he led a team of more than 70 colleagues and oversaw $50M in annual revenue.
Alex holds a B.S. in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Cornell University. He is a Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) and Managed Healthcare Professional (MHP).
Based in Southern California, Alex enjoys spending time outdoors, whether cycling, exploring food and wine, or recreating classic recipes with a plant-based twist.
Executive Vice PresidentExecutive Vice PresidentBen brings more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and plays a pivotal role in expanding our US Health & Benefits team, and supporting the growth of our operations in Tennessee and the Mid-South region.
He began his career at Unum Life Insurance, quickly earning promotions and national honors, and launching Unum’s Nashville office.
In 2007, Ben founded The Hanback Group, an independent insurance consulting firm. His entrepreneurial leadership earned him the Nashville Emerging Leader Award and the firm was a multi-year finalist for Nashville Business Journal’s Best in Business Awards.
After Regions Financial acquired his firm, he joined Aon as Resident Managing Director and Tennessee Market Leader, overseeing Risk and Health operations. Under his leadership, the Tennessee team quadrupled revenue and clients, winning the New Logo Award and Office of the Year.
Beyond his corporate success, Ben is deeply involved in community service. He co-chaired Kevin Carter’s Waiting for Wishes charity event, coached youth soccer, and served on boards for Make-A-Wish, Miriam’s Promise and Second Harvest Food Bank.
A frequent speaker and thought leader, Ben has appeared several times on Fox News and Fox Business as a healthcare commentator and was a contributing columnist for The Tennessean.