A snapshot of challenges, changes and trends with health insurance

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Pat Bellmore, chief marketing officer with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, recently spoke with Prairie Business about the health insurance industry, including some of the challenges and changes with health insurance over the past year and what he sees might be some of the trends as we approach 2020. Bellmore is located in Bismarck.

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HOW MANY SERVICE CENTERS DOES BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD HAVE IN NORTH DAKOTA?

We have 10 centers in the state.

COULD YOU TELL US HOW MANY ARE IN SOUTH DAKOTA AND MINNESOTA, RESPECTIVELY?

We all have our own service areas. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota service area is the state of Minnesota, and Wellmark, a sister Blue plan, serves both Iowa and South Dakota.

IN A FEW SENTENCES, COULD YOU RECAP WHAT HEALTH INSURANCE LOOKED LIKE IN 2019?

2019 looked very familiar to prior years within the industry. It was very important for the business community to have attractive benefit packages. It was critical, with the unemployment rate, to have a holistic view of benefit packages and have diverse coverage, not only with health insurance but with more voluntary plans that people purchase on their own. A challenge continues to be affordability and access to health coverage. As an organization we spend a lot of time trying to be good stewards, to create as much affordability as possible, and to maintain access for all our members across the state.

WHAT IS NEW WITH THE INDUSTRY FOR 2020?

One thing we continue to see is a demand for more flexibility, more flexible design options. Employers continue to make changes not only to contribution strategies, but they’re looking at different benefit designs. In the state of North Dakota we are seeing an increase in consumer-driven health plans; a lot of states went this direction several years ago, and the market slowly but surely went that way in North Dakota, too. Employees want higher-deductible health plans, but we recommend it be paired with a health savings account to pay for out-of-pocket expenses.

ARE THERE ANY TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY THAT YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT?

I think as time goes on more focus will be on health management and strong wellness initiatives; developing partnerships with carriers that have innovative solutions around this is important. It is something we put a lot of focus on. We have wellness teams that can do consultative work with employers in order to put together wellness programs for their employees. … Another trend is to move to more value-based payments, where the client pays based on the quality of the outcomes instead of a fee for service. Fee for service has been the mainstay, but it has become more evident that it is changing.

CONGRATULATIONS,CLAY!

So,whydidClaymakethe40under40list?Maybebecauseheholds therecordforthelargestsinglesaleatMarco.Or,maybebecauseof hisseriesofpromotionsthankstohistechnologyexpertise.Those areallgreatachievements – butatMarco,wethinkhemadethelist becausehe’sdedicatedtohelpinghisfellowemployeessucceed andgivingbacktohiscommunity.Clayis a technologyguruoften describedasanexecutor,teamplayerandcustomerserviceexpert. Weareproudtosayhehasearned a 40under40spot.

WITH THE RISING COST OF HEALTHCARE, DO YOU FORESEE ANY IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PLANS FOR 2020?

One improvement for the industry is the value-based payments. This is the same type of thing medicare is doing; at some point down the road long gone will be a fee for service methodology for reimbursement. People will pay for what is being done, what the outcome is [for a procedure] and not just a fee for service.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO GET INSURANCE TO APPROACH THE PROCESS?

Get in front of someone. Research tells us that people do a tremendous amount of research themselves before they reach out to anyone; that’s pretty common with the introduction of the internet and the common use of search engines. But when it comes right down to it, people want to ultimately get across the desk from somebody. While they may do the research, in the end they want a trusted advisor.

WHAT SHOULD SENIORS KNOW ABOUT MEDICARE PLANS IN THE NEW YEAR?

We generally advocate that seniors take an annual look at Part D, which pertains to medications, and make sure they have the best plan for them. They might have been on the best plan last year, but things have a tendency to change rather quickly. That’s what we advocate, to make sure they are on the right program, under Part D, that will best benefit them. A trusted advisor can help with that.

Marco Honored For High Performance With Elite Dealer Award

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – Marco was named an Elite Dealer by ENX Magazine – an award given to top-performing office technology dealerships nationwide.

The recognition acknowledges Marco’s commitment to customer satisfaction, quality service and cutting-edge technologies.

Marco was one of the 137 companies on the Elite Dealer list that will be featured in the December issue of ENX Magazine. Companies honored range from sub$3 million performers to $300 million-plus firms across the country. In addition to offering outstanding support and solutions to customers, Marco was recognized for its willingness to partner with clients in a manner that is mutually beneficial.

“Even with the consolidation that is taking place in the industry, our list of Elite Dealers continues to grow,” said Susan Neimes, managing editor of ENX Magazine and ENX The Week In Imaging. “And despite the challenges all dealers face, it is heartening to see these companies improve through investments in training, customer education, facilities enhancements and new growth opportunities. Their tales paint a bold and exciting future for the office technology space.”

This is the seventh consecutive time Marco was named to the Elite Dealer list. A consistency that speaks to Marco’s dedication and expertise in the industry.

Greenfield Joins Klj As Chief Financial Pfficer

BISMARCK, N.D. –Engineering firm, KLJ, is pleased to announce that Dan Greenfield has joined the company and will serve as Chief Financial Officer. In his role, he will develop longrange financial plans and investment strategy to position the company for continued financial success.

PAUL HEGLAND NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FARGO-MOORHEAD SYMPHONY

Paul Hegland, who most recently served as President’s Chief of Staff at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis., and as Development Officer of Chicago’s famed Ravinia Festival, was named executive director of the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra by its Board of Trustees. Hegland, a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, earned a bachelors in Music Education from Iowa State University and a Masters in Music History from Northwestern University in Illinois. He has been active in many civic organizations including Kiwanis, Kenosha Area CVB, Association of College and University Policy Administrators, Kenosha Public Museums and more. He is also a church choir conductor and organist.

For more than 20 years, Greenfield has served as an executive leader in the healthcare, technology, and manufacturing industries in both large and small firms. He brings a wealth of knowledge in financial forecasting, planning, and analysis, as well as acquisitions and integrations. “Dan’s knowledge of financial forecasting with long-range strategic financial planning, will add great strength to our team as we work to meet our vision of being a nationally recognized and respected infrastructure provider,” said Dean Anagnost, Chief Executive Officer.

Prior to joining KLJ, Greenfield earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Georgetown University. He most recently served as Vice President of Finance – Cash Flow and Strategic Planning for a leading global manufacturer of healthcare devices. Greenfield is experienced in leading financial teams and driving business results by partnering with senior leaders to establish clear plans and operating mechanisms. He will be based in KLJ’s Saint Paul, Minn. office.

Wtc Under New Leadership

FARGO, N.D. – Casey Lindgren has joined Wallwork Truck Centers as General Manager. Lindgren, who is originally from Fargo and started his retail career in the auto industry at age 18 at Corwin Automotive, was promoted through many different management roles. Sixteen years later, he moved to RDO Truck Center as Director of Used Equipment in 2014. In his new role with Wallwork Casey oversees 10 roof top locations for Wallwork Truck Centers.

“We are excited to have Casey Lindgren as our new General Manager. His skills and experience are a great addition to the Wallwork Company” said Curry Quenette, Wallwork Vice President. Lindgren attended Pelican Rapids High School and DL Technical College for Outdoor Power and Snowmobile Technology. Casey is involved in many industry associations.

Emc Bismarck Branch Promotes Team Members

BISMARCK, N.D. – EMC Insurance Companies announces several promotions, a new hire, and recognizes achievement in the Bismarck Branch in North Dakota.

Kevin Riley has been promoted to an underwriter III. He joined EMC in 2014 and has a bachelor’s degree in international business from Drake University. Riley currently holds the Associate in General Insurance (AINS), Associate in Underwriting (AU), and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designations.

Kevin Bowen has been promoted to an underwriter III. He joined EMC in 2015 and received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Bowen currently holds the Associate in General Insurance (AINS), Associate in Underwriting (AU), Associates in Risk Management (ARM) and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designations.

Andre Boucher has been promoted to an underwriter II. He joined EMC in 2017. Prior to joining EMC, he worked in banking for three years. Boucher has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Minot State University.

John Coleman has been promoted to an underwriter I. He joined EMC in April 2019. Prior to joining EMC, he worked as a financial professional for a local agency for the last seven years. Coleman attended Thomas Edison State College for Business Administration.

Gail Colby has accepted the position of senior underwriter. She brings more than 20 years of insurance experience starting on the agency side, then moving into an underwriting position. Colby holds the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) and Accredited Adviser in Insurance (AAI) designations.

DJ Campbell has been awarded CPCU designations by The Institutes. The Institutes is an independent, nonprofit educational organization that confers the CPCU designation on people who complete eight rigorous courses and national exams and meet its ethics and experience requirements. Campbell, Administrative Services Manager, has been with EMC for three years.