Solutions Group Services

10/07/2026

Our co-founder Asbel Montes is this year's Closing Keynote Speaker at the ISAA Annual Conference! 🎤

After three days of education and networking, he'll send Illinois EMS leaders home with new ideas to take back to their agencies.

📅 October 14-16, 2026
📍 Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino, East Peoria, IL
🔗 Registration link is in ISAA's post below

Thank you, Illinois State Ambulance Association, for having him!

🎤 Speaker Spotlight: Asbel Montes

We're excited to announce that Asbel Montes will serve as the Closing Keynote Speaker at the ISAA Annual Conference 2026!

Known for his engaging presentations and thought-provoking approach to leadership, communication, and personal growth, Asbel brings a unique perspective that inspires attendees to think differently, embrace change, and lead with purpose.

As we wrap up three days of education, networking, and industry insights, Asbel's closing keynote promises to leave attendees energized, motivated, and equipped with new ideas they can take back to their organizations and communities.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the conference's featured speakers!

📅 October 14-16, 2026
📍 Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino | East Peoria, IL

🔗 Register today: https://www.theisaa.org/event-details/2026-isaa-annual-conference

10/05/2026

At SGS, we spend our days on calls and screens with people who carry weight most of us never see — the ones who show up when everyone else is heading the other direction. You hear it in a voice before you hear it in the words. So when we found Still Waters Retreat East Texas, a faith-based nonprofit built to give first responders, veterans, and ministry leaders a place to rest before the breaking point, it wasn't a hard decision to stand behind them.

This is why we're proud to partner with Still Waters Retreat East Texas: because the people who protect, serve, and save others deserve someone looking out for them too.

Every retreat is free for the people who earn it. If you know an officer, firefighter, EMS provider, veteran, or pastor who's running on empty, nominate them at https://na2.hubs.ly/H08bRHL0

09/30/2026

"In 2024, the total cost paid out through the No Surprises Act was around $4 billion. In 2025, it was $15 billion."

This year is on pace to exceed that. And Asbel Montes points out that it is going to a subset of the providers using the process, what he calls "the fringe."

From his conversation with Pati McCandless, Shareholder at Maynard Nexsen and a 30-year healthcare policy attorney, on The Leadership Lab.

Full episode is live. Link below.

09/29/2026

"Swag bags. Everybody gets an IV when you walk in the door."

Waived co-pays. Free car washes. Uber Eats delivered to your bed. Fajita happy hours.

None of that is medicine. It is marketing, and somebody's health plan pays the bill. Pati McCandless, Shareholder at Maynard Nexsen and a 30-year healthcare policy attorney, and Asbel Montes swap examples on The Leadership Lab.

Full episode is live. Link below.

09/28/2026

"Keep in mind that when it goes to arbitration, the provider has already been paid."

A provider bills $10,000 out of network, gets paid $10,000, and still files for Independent Dispute Resolution. Not because the claim was underpaid, but because the system might pay more.

Pati McCandless, Shareholder at Maynard Nexsen and a 30-year healthcare policy attorney, tells Asbel Montes on The Leadership Lab what she is seeing inside the No Surprises Act.

Full episode is live. Link below.

09/26/2026

Most hospitals used to be independent. Not anymore.

Dr. Vivian Ho with Asbel Montes on The Leadership Lab.

Full episode at the link below.

09/26/2026

Close to 70% of U.S. hospitals now belong to a system. What has that done to prices?

Health economist Dr. Vivian Ho joins Asbel Montes on the new episode of The Leadership Lab.

Watch the full episode at the link below.

09/25/2026

What a great few days at the California Ambulance Association conference. Huge thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth to say hi, ask questions, and share what's going on in their world — we love learning how California EMS is adapting to new challenges on the ground and ways that SGS could partner with you to solve them.

Curious how SGS could support your agency? Drop a comment or send us a DM.

09/25/2026

"Think of the teachers they could hire, the firemen they could hire, the policemen in San Antonio, for $40 million."

The City of San Antonio went public: its self-funded health plan is $40 million over budget, and more than half of its emergency claims are going to free-standing ERs.

Pati McCandless, Shareholder at Maynard Nexsen and a 30-year healthcare policy attorney, asks Asbel Montes on The Leadership Lab the only question that matters: where is that money supposed to come from?

Full episode is live. Link below.

09/24/2026

"You may pay $2,000 or $3,000 for something you can get for $500."

Your child needs an MRI. The doctor refers you to the hospital. Across the street, the imaging center with the easy parking does the same scan for a fraction of the price.

Pati McCandless, Shareholder at Maynard Nexsen and a 30-year healthcare policy attorney, explains to Asbel Montes on The Leadership Lab why most patients never find out.

Full episode is live. Link below.