Bruno Guillemette

Rodger Paul Hildreth

Erica M. Tewari

AAHU is very excited to participate in NAHU’s summer 'Member, Get a Member' campaign that kicked off in mid-July and continues through the end of September!

Why participate?

NAHU will be rewarding members who recruit just one member from July through September.

• Weekly drawings reward participants with fantastic gift cards ranging from $25 to $100 in value from national retailers.
• Grand prize drawing for an Apple iPAD and cover!

You must sign up online to participate in the campaign. To sign up, please click here.

Our State Lobbyist, Don Bolia

As many of you know GAHU has been working with Don Bolia of D&B communication. Recently, I got to see first hand the fantastic job that Don is doing for our Association. Don provides industry leaders with strategic advice on how legislative trends will impact their businesses and assists them in shaping policy debates at the state, federal, and local levels inGeorgia. Don gives us a tremendous presence on the state level and really in each governmental entity across the state.

Mr. Bolia began his political career working for then Congressman Newt Gingrich inWashington,D.C.In 1993, he was appointed the Political Director of the Georgia Republican Party. In that capacity, he was directly responsible for managing the GOP’s statewide effort to elect Republicans to the Georgia General Assembly.

In 1993, he was appointed chief of staff of the Fulton County Commission chairman. During Mr. Bolia’s first weeks in office,Fulton County,Georgia’s most populous county, cut taxes for the first time in a decade and the chairman’s office returned over $180,000 in savings from the chairman’s budget alone. Mr. Bolia was responsible for directing the chairman’s agenda and working with the Board of Commissioners.

In 1994, Mr. Bolia was appointed executive director of the Georgia Republican Party, during an election cycle that saw Republicans win six state-level offices for the first time since Reconstruction, including insurance commissioner, superintendent of schools, and a majority of the seats on the Public Service Commission.

Mr. Bolia was the president of D&B Communications, a government affairs and public relations firm he founded in 1995. Working in a bipartisan manner, he advocated for the passage of several important pieces of legislation on behalf of his clients and developed a unique niche that focused on lobbying county and city governments.

He served as treasurer of the G-8 PAC, the political fundraising arm of the GOP members of Congress fromGeorgia, and managed the transition team for the superintendent of schools, cutting the internal budget from $35 million to $19 million. He currently serves as treasurer of the Republican Leadership Fund.

Considered a leader in campaign management and grassroots training, Mr. Bolia has managed statewide campaign training seminars. Don continues to advise key political leaders on campaign and other strategic initiatives.

He has been named one of the state’s top 40 business leaders under 40 by Georgia Trend magazine, and was recently named Jeff Dickerson’s “Winner of the Week” on WAGA-TV’s political roundtable program The Georgia Gang.

Not that it would be a determent but Don is not a lawyer. He is very active in Civic and charitable organizations and severs on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. He is still active in the Republican leadership Fund and serves as Treasurer of that organization.

Don is in the process of reaching out to legislators over the summer and giving them updates on our viewpoints on a variety of policy matters.  We are also watching the Health Exchange meetings very closely.  Three members of GAHU serve on the advisory board so we will have a great deal of impact on what directions they move towards.

He is closely watching the re-apportionment hearings and will be at the Capitol during the upcoming re-apportionment session set to begin August 15^th.

Don is going an outstanding job for us and we need to let him know if there are matters that affect either the work of the agent/broker or the carriers.

Be Accountable-Connecting health plans and providers to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.

This was a very good article written by Matt McClellan and featured Albert Ertel of Alliant Health Plans. It was originally published in Smart Business Atlanta. This would be a very good discussion on our LinkedIn. site.

Whether you call it health care reform or health insurance reform, we are not addressing the cost of care.

“Cost reductions will come from greater efficiencies and improving the health and wellbeing

of the population, not across-the-boardcuts,” says Albert Ertel, chief operating officer of Alliant Health Plans.

There are several ways health plans are working to improve patient outcomes. One idea that is creating a lot of buzz is Accountable Care Organizations, or ACOs — partnerships between health care providers, physicians

and hospitals that are being designed to identify best practices, improve patient outcomes and ultimately reduce costs.

Smart Business spoke with Ertel about how health plans need to be working together with providers to improve patients’ health and impact costs.  

Why is there an increased focus on accountability?

Health care reform conversations among providers are centering on ACOs. Hospitals and physicians are exploring ACOs as possible strategies. The whole idea is to improve a person’s care by getting all of his or her providers on the same page and accountable for the outcomes. Accountability is achieved by determining a starting point and then measuring future results. The easy part of accountability is to follow the dollar. What is the readmission rate at a specific hospital and who were the admitting physicians? For example,

if a Medicare patient is readmitted for the same diagnosis within 30 days, Medicare will not pay the hospital for that second hospitalization. Today, that event is fragmented between the physician and hospital. What if

they both were responsible and paid accordingly for that patient to be well? Today, many payments are transaction-based; more tests equals more payments. You could see hospitals look to re-evaluate

physicians with admitting privileges. Accountability is as valid as the chain of information and data captured. Historically health plans have had the data from claims. But claims data is only part of the ‘new normal.’

 What type of information is shared between the health plan and physician?

All encounters need to be captured. Logically, the ideal would be a single source where you can access information related to diagnoses, treatments and prescriptions. Currently, that place is usually in the physician’s notes. How would a specialist gain access to the primary care doctor’s history? Unless the

physicians and other providers in that area are ‘clinically integrated’ it is almost impossible without a physical handoff of the patient’s records. Many physicians have electronic medical records (EMR) but many systems do

not talk to one another. Technology should be available soon to fill this gap.

In what other ways do these partnerships emphasize accountability?

Clinical improvements will continue. But today, providers are paid on a fee-for-service basis; more treatment equals more money. Getting ‘a lot’ of care does not necessarily equate to ‘best of care.’ ACOs are defining

‘pay-for-performance’ models. Hopefully, we can move from a transactional-based payment methodology to episodes of care where physicians are rewarded for keeping patients healthy — and use the most effective

resources. Managed care has been using what I call ‘mother may I’ medicine. A physician would

ask the payer permission for many treatments. It started as ‘cost-containment’ and included pre-certification or prior authorization. Health care, or should I say health care information, is evolving. As best practices are identified, the challenge will be getting information into the hands of physicians in ‘real time.’

Will ACOs catch on with health care providers?

Hospitals inGeorgiaare discussing ACOs today. Physicians are motivated because it

will help their patients. Also, physicians are finding it difficult to practice medicine due to the cost of running their business. Many small physician offices are in survival mode. How can they ‘band together’ to gain efficiencies and share information? Physician groups large and small will be having similar discussions about how they can each share in the huge volume of information that is generated about the population they serve, what services are available and what are needed, and how they can appropriately share the millions paid in health care dollars.

How are ACOs formed?

It sounds simple, but it isn’t. Physicians and a local hospital must first agree to clinically integrate, share their information, agree on best practices, measure results and divide

monies appropriately. Add federal and state laws, regulations and rules, and it equates to ‘herding cats in a hail storm.’ Once clinical integration is in place, the providers agree to become an ACO and accept a level of risk. The best practices agreed upon begin to unfold and positively influence the population the ACO serves. But remember — health care is local and providers take responsibility for their communities.

How will these changes affect pricing and coverage?

A health plan’s goal is to cover as many lives as it can by keeping prices as low as possible. We look at ACOs as a real strategy to ‘team’ with providers and share risk. Information is the key. Capturing data and relating it to the local demographics is vitally important. Alliant Health Plans was founded by providers. We have a keen understanding of the health insurance cycle and the impact that uninsured’s have on a health care community.

Lower premiums are a direct result of lower health care costs. The possibility of sharing

with providers the goal of keeping the community healthy could be a game changer. One of the best paying patients is one than never needs to seek care. <<

Albert Ertel is COO of Alliant Health Plans. Reach him at (706) 629-8848 or aertel@alliantplans.com.

Obama Administration mandates Women’s Health Benefit.

Women covered by private insurance will soon be able to fill their birth control prescriptions at no cost, the US Department of Health and Human Services announced yesterday. Starting in August 2012, insurers will be required to cover the full cost of contraception and family planning, along with seven other services aimed at preventing disease and promoting well-being in women.

The change marks a milestone in women’s health, supporters say, and it removes a significant barrier many women face in obtaining contraception. Copayments for the pill can range from a few dollars a month to $50, but doctors say the cumulative cost can be a deterrent.

Birth control opponents argue that the change will force them to subsidize free contraception, in violation of religious beliefs.

The Affordable Care Act signed by President Obama in March 2010 required that certain preventive care services, such as colonoscopies and vaccinations, be offered with no out-of-pocket costs to patients. It also directed the federal health agency to take a hard look at gaps in covered services for women.

A panel of doctors with theInstituteofMedicine- the advisory group that the Obama administration asked to review the matter - last month recommended improvements to women’s coverage, and the federal health department said yesterday it had accepted that advice.

Starting a year from now, women renewing their insurance coverage will receive free screening for domestic violence, diabetes during pregnancy, and human papillomavirus in women 30 and older. They also will be entitled to at least one visit with a doctor to discuss birth control options, general health issues, or preconception counseling, at no extra cost.

Mothers who choose to breast-feed will be offered free lactation counseling and rented equipment, such as breast pumps, to help continue breast-feeding after they return to work.

The new guidelines will ensure that “no woman in America has to choose between paying a grocery bill and paying a copayment for preventive care that could save her life,’’ US Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius said.

Religious employers will be able to opt out of the contraception requirement. But the opt-out provision offered little more than “a fig leaf of conscience protection,’’ said Jeanne Monahan, director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, a Washington nonprofit. She said the federal health agency pretended to take opponents’ interests into account but left them with the choice of enrolling in a plan they object to on moral grounds or going without coverage.

Premiums are expected to rise with the new offerings, but federal health officials said they haven’t calculated how much. The unfortunate thing here is that this again will raise the rates for health insurance and continue to make it more unaffordable.

Content! Content! Content!

We always need more articles for our newsletter. If you are so inclined then please write something that relates to our business and send it in for review. If you or someone in your company has published something in another publication that we can use for reprint here then please forward that as well. I can’t say that we will use everything that comes in but we are always looking for content in the newsletter that our members can benefit from. I want this to be a forum for all of our members as well as our board.

JOHN H. BARRY

Telephone: 678-733-0946

E-mail: jhbarry67@yahoo.com

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-barry/30/561/175

SUMMARY

Multi-skilled operations executive at dependent eligibility audit company acquired by Health Management Systems in December 2009.  Solid experience in day-to-day vendor relations, IT, call center functions, and facilities management.  Prior human resources, financial, and consulting experience provides unique ability to build effective partnerships with internal and external business units,  clients, and corporate partners.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Health Management Systems, Inc. (HMS) Employer Solutions, Alpharetta, GA        2005 – 2011

Formerly Verify Solutions, LLC

Director of Operations

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage IT, call center and facilities operations for dependent eligibility audit industry leader with revenues of over $5 million.  Ensure that company processes and procedures serve company objective of providing excellent customer service.

• Developed strategic relationships with key vendors and business partners to facilitate profitable growth.

• Utility player providing IT, technical, and project management support essential to corporate expansion during which business grew from start-up to over 275 projects for 170 clients.

• Member of senior strategic management team reporting directly to company partners.

Key Accomplishments

• Acted as primary liaison between third party software developer and users of proprietary data management program, improving the experience of internal and external users.
• Managed multiple migrations of telephony systems, IT enhancements and upgrades resulting in increased corporate efficiencies and streamlined service for clients.

• Provided local leadership and oversight during migration of information technology and telephone networks after Verify Solutions was acquired by HMS.  Coordinated and directed Verify Solutions office move and relocation, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition without interrupting internal or external clients.

• Responsible for all IT and telephony help desk functions as company expanded from 4 to 40 users.

Assisted project management team by securely receiving and processing client data into proprietary data management program for over 275 successful dependent eligibility audit projects (client savings in excess of $200 million).

• Developed, implemented and maintained quality control measures to ensure client eligibility data was delivered accurately and in compliance with privacy laws and regulations.
• Coordinated with SAS 70 Audit vendor to deliver favorable Type II reports.
• Managed emerging operations issues (e.g., expansion, increased efficiencies, quality control) with the goal of quick and efficient resolution.  Experience with managing start-up company operations as well as acquisition and consolidation.

AH ENTERPRISES, INC., Atlanta, GA                                                                       2000 – 2005

(Benefits consulting firm)

Manager of Human Resources and Finance (2001 - 2005)

Manager of Human Resources (2000 - 2001)

Primary Responsibilities

• Directed all human resources and finance activities for two management-consulting companies with combined revenues of over $2 million.

• Managed human resources functions for over 250 employees in two corporations throughout the U.S., including benefit administration, compensation, payroll, worker’s compensation, recruiting and compliance.

• Financial responsibilities included accounts payable, accounts receivable, risk management, control of multiple banking accounts, and office management.

Key Accomplishments

• Managed all human resources functions including payroll, benefit administration, job evaluation, compliance, interviewing, hiring, and training for three divisions in two corporations.
• Designed, analyzed for market competitiveness, and implemented benefit and compensation programs to successfully retain and attract an effective and efficient employee base, reducing turnover by over 30%.

• Maintained ongoing relationships with insurance vendors and negotiated favorable agreements leading to substantial cost savings while retaining integrity of overall benefits package.
• Designed incentive compensation program for national recruitment of benefit enroller, improving consulting network and ultimately leading to increased revenues.
• Improved financial reporting capabilities, bringing fiscal consistency to the organization by establishing a data bridge between operations and finance departments.
• Administered and implemented salary, health and retirement programs within company fiscal restraints.
• Orchestrated transitions to new banking arrangements, saving company interest charges and transaction fees.
• Efficiently resolved employee disputes, avoiding unnecessary legal costs.
• Selected to senior management team reporting directly to CEO/Owner.

PHILLIP BLOUNT & ASSOCIATES, Atlanta, GA                                                     1998 – 2000

(Compensation consultants)

Associate

PRUDENTIAL INSURANCE COMPANY, Atlanta, GA and Jacksonville, FL          1991 – 1997

Financial Policies Analyst (1996 – 1997)

Electronic Issue Brief Reviewer (1994 – 1996)

Loaned Executive – United Way of Northeast Florida (1992 – 1993)

Group Insurance Billing Reviewer/Management Trainee (1991 – 1994)

EDUCATION

BA, Economics and History, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC

COMPUTER SKILLS

MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SQL Server, PGP, Fieldglass, QuickBooks,

ADP WinPay, PeopleSoft, Crystal Reports

Headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. is one of the largest insurance brokerage firms in the United States and has a history dating back to 1925. Alliant provides property and casualty, workers' compensation, employee benefits, surety, and financial products and services to some 20,000 specialized clients nationwide, including public entities, tribal nations, healthcare, energy, law firms, real estate, construction, and other industry groups. Alliant Insurance Services ranks among the 15 largest insurance brokerage firms in the United States. More information is available on the company's web site at: www.alliantinsurance.com. 

The IBX Underwriter is responsible for supporting the member firms of the Insurance Brokerage Exchange (IBX), in the marketing of certain group insurance coverages for employers with greater than 1,000 employees, while adhering to the strict underwriting processes of the IBX. 

• Works with IBX team members to develop bid and renewal strategy for IBX accounts;
• Provides detailed plan design and cost information to IBX team member;
• Works with IBX to identify and evaluate specific characteristics including: benefits needs, design, group demographics and employee census;
• Gathers information and provides analysis and recommendations to existing coverage;
• Develops and produces data reporting for IBX Members, carriers and IBX leadership team;
• Works directly with Underwriting companies to ensure that IBX prospects conform to carrier underwriting requirements;
• Disseminate required information to underwriting companies for IBX prospects;
• Accountable for quality of IBX Listing and RFP process;

• Maintains data integrity of and performs quality review on RFPs;
• Works with IBX team members to perform project management of RFP process;

• Supports IBX team members with system and process training issues;
• Prepares RFPs according to IBX guidelines for release to the marketplace;
• Collaborates with IBX team to select employee benefit markets for solicitation and negotiates with incumbent and bidding carriers for benefit and premium considerations’
• Analyzes market proposals for verification of benefits, premium and competitiveness;
• Negotiates with incumbent and bidding carriers to ensure most competitive rates and products for IBX;
• Serves as a technical expert, assisting other team members to resolve complex issues;
• Produces cost / benefit analysis for inclusion in presentations;
• Other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience 

7 – 10+ years group insurance underwriting experience – Life, Disability, Stop Loss and Dental preferred

Valid insurance license required; must continue to meet Continuing Education requirements for license renewal 

SKILLS

Good oral and written communication skills

Good customer service skills, including telephone and listening skills

Good problem solving and time management skills

Ability to work within team and to foster teamwork

Ability to prioritize work for multiple projects and deadlines

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

We are proud to provide comprehensive, high quality employee programs to meet employees' needs now and in the future, including a very competitive financial package. We encourage you to explore what we have to offer. For immediate consideration for this position, please apply online at www.alliantinsurance.com/careers to Benefits Underwriter Ref #1816.

Headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. is one of the largest insurance brokerage firms in the United States and has a history dating back to 1925. Alliant provides property and casualty, workers' compensation, employee benefits, surety, and financial products and services to some 20,000 specialized clients nationwide, including public entities, tribal nations, healthcare, energy, law firms, real estate, construction, and other industry groups. Alliant Insurance Services ranks among the 15 largest insurance brokerage firms in the United States. More information is available on the company's web site at: www.alliantinsurance.com.

The IBX Analyst II is responsible for supporting the members of the IBX Advisor Network in the electronic marketing of certain group insurance products while adhering to the strict underwriting processes of IBX. Independent responsibility for managing the RFP process for all size markets.

• Collaborate with IBX member advisors to determine marketing strategy for clients and prospects including timeline and market selection;
• Analyze case data provided by member advisors to identify specific case characteristics including plan design, experience, and census data and prepares RFP according to IBX underwriting guidelines for release to the marketplace;
• Works with member advisor to obtain any outstanding/incomplete data;
• Facilitates RFP review meeting with member advisors prior to releasing an RFP to the marketplace to determine if all plan provisions have been interpreted correctly and all pertinent data and requests have been captured;
• Responsible for data integrity of each RFP released to the market;
• Manages RFP according to IBX timeline specifications and standards as well as the needs of the member advisor;
• Conducts analysis of RFP results and prepares advisor ready RFP deliverable reporting ;
• Serves as technical expert for carriers  with system navigation issues, questions, and troubleshooting;
• Serves as intermediary between carriers and advisor and facilitates RFP Q&A ; and
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

4 - 6 years related work experience

Valid insurance license required; must continue to meet Continuing Education requirements for license renewal

SKILLS

Good oral and written communication skills

Good customer service skills, including telephone and listening skills

Good problem solving and time management skills including the ability to work independently

Ability to work within team and to foster teamwork

Ability to prioritize work for multiple projects, deadlines and owners

Ability to gain expertise with proprietary IQ technology

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis on Excel 

We are proud to provide comprehensive, high quality employee programs to meet employees' needs now and in the future, including a very competitive financial package. We encourage you to explore what we have to offer. For immediate consideration for this position, please apply online at www.alliantinsurance.com/careers to Analyst II-IBX, Ref #1897.

Headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. is one of the largest insurance brokerage firms in the United States and has a history dating back to 1925. Alliant provides property and casualty, workers' compensation, employee benefits, surety, and financial products and services to some 20,000 specialized clients nationwide, including public entities, tribal nations, healthcare, energy, law firms, real estate, construction, and other industry groups. Alliant Insurance Services ranks among the 15 largest insurance brokerage firms in the United States. More information is available on the company's web site at: www.alliantinsurance.com. 

The IBX Product Exchange Director is responsible the operational aspects of an assigned Product Exchange. The Exchange Director is ultimately accountable for the quality, consistency and accuracy of product transactions. In coordination with IBX Network relations Director, the Product Exchange Director will share accountability for Advisor Network satisfaction and success. This position is open to hire in Chattanooga, TN and Alpharetta, GA. 

• Manage Product transactions through IBX IQ System through team of Analysts and Underwriters;
• Develop enhancements to IBX IQ system that support goals of Product Exchange;
• Serve as carrier liaison for Product Exchange by securing relationships with Senior management within carriers/vendors;
• Develop Customer (Advisor Network) ready deliverables for specific Exchange;
• Establish and adjudicate quality standards for Exchange;
• Develop and administer Product Exchange policy and practice;
• Develop Staff expertise by recruiting appropriate resources and by necessary training;
• Work closely with Advisor Network to explain IBX business process for specific Product Exchange to their teams, clients and prospects.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience;

8-10 years related work experience

Significant product expertise

Leadership skills

SKILLS

Outstanding oral and written communication skills

Ability to work within team and to foster teamwork

Ability to prioritize work for multiple projects, deadlines and owners

Ability to translate business requirements to Software Engineers

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with emphasis on Excel

We are proud to provide comprehensive, high quality employee programs to meet employees' needs now and in the future, including a very competitive financial package. We encourage you to explore what we have to offer. For immediate consideration for this position, please apply online at www.alliantinsurance.com/careers to Director, IBX Product Exchange (Dental), Ref #1883 or Ref #1886.

This Southside Broker/Agent Insurance Firm, selling TPA and insurance benefits to insurance and financial services, is currently seeking to hire a full-time mid-level Marketing Analyst/Marketing Support position.

Requirements:

Five plus years previous work experience in small to mid-size companies.

Intermediate MS Office 2010 Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and various Database experience.

Previous experience in Goldmine and HRIS systems a plus.

Insurance or financial services background with a focus in marketing needed.

If you are a detailed, strong analytical skills; project and deadline oriented, organized individual, previously handled marketing campaigns, with a sales mentality and driven to achieve success in your performance while dedicated to the job, forward your resume for this Marketing Support and Analyst position to r7jobposting@gmail.com.

ONLY qualified candidates need apply.  NO phone calls.

Compensation:  Salary commenserate based on experience.

Benefits:  Company benefits upon successful 90 day review.

Please apply at our website and search by title and/or posting number 

www.wellpoint.com/careers

Group Underwriter II,Sr,Consultant(Job Family) - 50063 Atlanta GA

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is a proud member of the WellPoint family of companies and we are dedicated to improving the lives of the people we serve and the health of our communities.  Bring your expertise to our innovative, achievement-driven culture, and you will discover lasting rewards and the opportunity to take your career further than you can imagine. WellPoint is ranked as one of Americas Most Admired Companies among health insurers by Fortune magazine, one of the 100 Best Places to Work by Working Mother magazine, and is a 2010 DiversityInc magazine Top 50 Company for Diversity.

To learn more about our company please visit us at www.wellpoint.com/careers

Group Underwriter II, SR, Consultant or Consultant Sr 

Location: Atlanta GA 

Position level will be determined by qualifications and experience of the identified candidate. There is one open position.

Each level of Underwriter is responsible for determining acceptability of insurance risks and appropriate premium rates for large renewal employer groups in accordance with corporate underwriting guidelines and authority limits. The higher level senior positions are responsible for more complex duties as pertains to these responsibilities.

Essential duties for each position will include, but are not limited to: Calculates renewal rates for group cases based on a thorough analysis of group's experience, industry, geographic location, size and demographics. Prepares annual settlements according to the terms of the group's financial arrangement, ERISA reports, rate and funding alternative projections, benefit change increments and decrements and post sale review.

Group U/W SR E12 and/or Consultant or Consultant Sr E13 perform more complex duties as assigned which may include but are not limited to:Coordinates with other departments to ensure accuracy & consistency of overall account reporting.   Prepares or supervises preparation of annual settlements, ERISA reports, rate projections, or benefit change increments & decrements. Surveys existing product portfolios by market, monitors sales results, trends & needs, recommends product portfolio changes

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Business,  Accounting, Actuarial Science, or related field or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.

• Group Underwriter II  Minimal to 3 years of experience
• Group Underwriter Sr 3 - 5 years of directly related experience;
• Group Underwriter Consultant or Consultant Sr 5+ years of directly related experience; 
• Strong Excel skills required.
• CPCU, CLU, LOMA, HIAA or other insurance related courses desired but not required.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills required.
• Strong math and analytical skills required.
• Strong PC skills and good problem-solving skills required.
• Ability to work independently required.
• Excellent decision making skills required.

Please apply at our website and search by title and/or posting number 

www.wellpoint.com/careers

Group Underwriter II,Sr,Consultant(Job Family) - 50063 Atlanta GA

Position Profile for Senior Account Manager

Midsouth Planning, Inc.

Midsouth Planning is a well-established independent insurance brokerage company dedicated to providing service to corporations and individuals in the areas of Risk Management including  Group Life/Disability Planning,  Group Health, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Benefits, Long Term Care Planning, 401-K Retirement Planning, Executive Benefits,  Estate Planning and Individual Health. The company designs, implements, and services a multitude of plans for a wide variety and size of clients. Outstanding Customer Service and Client Satisfaction are their primary goals. Conveniently located in East Cobb County, the office environment is friendly, cheerful, and professional.

Responsibilities:

• Have a thorough understanding of all employee benefit products with a focus in the small to middle marketplace
• Overall client account management responsibility for group employee benefits new and existing customers. 
• .Client customer service
  • Develop client employer and employee level relationships
  • Work with clients and prospects strategically with their employee benefit offerings through the marketing process to include the analysis of carrier proposals, prepare spreadsheets, make recommendations and manage the implementation process.
  • Answer direct benefit questions, assist with  claim service issues, provide billing and administrative support including processing adds and terms for clients with the carriers and any questions or assistance that is needed from the client and their employees
  • Implementation of carrier changes, plan changes on both employee and employer level
  • Oversee and conduct enrollment meetings and develop communication material
  • Develop a respected business relationship with our insurance carrier business partners:
    • Employee benefit plans
    • Individual health plans
    • Individual life and disability clients
    • Must have knowledge of industry compliance laws to include COBRA, HIPAA, Section 125, ERISA, Health Care Reform
    • Responsible for individual health sales and renewals from incoming referrals

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated customer service mentality
• A genuine desire to communicate and believe that we care about our clients
• Experience working in a brokerage agency or insurance carrier in the employee benefit area
• Proven organizational abilities
• Established proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)

Competence Requirements:

• Demonstrate at all times the highest level of absolute integrity and trust, along with a strong positive attitude.
• Exhibits professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to stay focused with the highest level of data entry accuracy. 

Essential Performance Skills:

• Interaction and Versatility: Able to modify one’s own behavioral style to respond to the needs of others; exhibit empathy for others; communicate with others in a warm and helpful manner while building credibility and rapport; open-minded; willing to learn new things; always maintaining a positive attitude during difficult challenges; seeks wise council to discern options in unusual circumstances.
• Goal Setting and Commitment to Task: Able to define realistic, specific goals and objectives for self and direct report development; able to prioritize objectives; exhibit high sense of motivation and sense of urgency to reach goals; willing to do “whatever it takes” to succeed.
• Communications: Able to clearly present information through the spoken and written word; influence or persuade others through oral presentation in positive or negative circumstances; listen well; effectively present ideas and document activities. Act as a mentor with junior level positions
•  
• The compensation for this position will be commensurate with experience and will include company-paid employee health insurance and a 4% 401K match.

Please contact Karen Larkin at Midsouth Planning at 770-579-7099 or 770-329-1796