Ideon Blog

At Ideon, we take pride in our nerd status! In fact, it’s in our DNA—“Think big and geek out often” is one of our five operating principles.

In honor of Insurance Nerd Day, we asked a few Ideonauts to explain why they love data, insurance, and employee benefits so much.

What makes you an insurance nerd?

Matt Leonard, VP, Carrier Relations
I’m a 20+ year veteran of the insurance industry. I’ve helped launch Medicare Advantage and Part D in eight different states and the ACA plans. I’ve read the entire Affordable Care Act, which was nearly 20,000 pages! I’ve sat on the state exchange commission in Nebraska, helped draft legislation, and participated in countless workgroups with CMS, HHS, and the BCBS Association.

Robin Rogers, Senior Sales Director, InsurTech
A few things make me an insurance nerd.  I love the technical and strategic side of the benefits industry. From data transfer to electronic medical records, I find the evolving technology in our industry truly fascinating.

Iris Rosado, Data Operations Manager – Processing
I did not start out as an insurance nerd, but I’ve been trending in that direction ever since I joined Ideon (then Vericred) nearly seven years ago. Now I’m even signed up to receive state-exchange alerts for anything pertaining to ACA rules and regulations. I also talk to my own children about the importance of obtaining and understanding their own health insurance.

Val Leonard, VP of Enrollment Operations
I wear my title of insurance nerd with extreme pride. I’m obsessed with the concept of the fortunate-many helping the unfortunate-few. I love the complexity and constant change so much that I have dedicated my entire 20+ career to the industry. My friends and family know that when they ask me anything about insurance, they better grab some popcorn, as it’ll be a few hours later that I wrap up the conversation.

How did you get started in this industry?

Courtney Williams, Director, Carrier Relations
I started my career in technology, fell into insurance accidentally, and eventually became a producer in the employer group market. The constantly changing landscape makes insurance interesting and I was particularly drawn to the strategic side of building an employee benefits package.

Matt Leonard, VP, Carrier Relations
I started in the insurance industry working for Wellmark BCBS of Iowa and South Dakota as a Consumer Sales Representative marketing individual plans and Medicare Supplement plans. Insurance is the most prevalent industry in Des Moines, Iowa, where I grew up, so this was always my destiny!

Robin Rogers, Senior Sales Director, InsurTech
I started in the industry in 1990 as a Provider Relations Representative for a Houston PPO. My boss at the time gave me huge opportunities and hired me several years later to start Wellpoint in Houston.

Val Leonard, VP of Enrollment Operations
Believe it or not, I chose this crazy industry. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science. If I hadn’t already convinced everyone that I’m an insurance nerd, that likely solidified it.

What do you love most about being a benefits geek at Ideon?

Robin Rogers, Senior Sales Director, InsurTech
I love building relationships and finding ways to help InsurTechs work smarter, not harder. Building relationships in this industry can be lifelong—I keep in touch with colleagues personally and professionally.

Val Leonard, VP of Enrollment Operations
Helping others is always rewarding. If done well, insurance can truly help people, both financially and emotionally, during times when they need it the most. Working at Ideon, I’m ensuring people receive the coverage they expect, when they expect it, so they don’t have to worry when they need it.

Courtney Williams, Director, Carrier Relations
Solving problems, building relationships, and collaborating with health insurance and ancillary carriers. Working alongside carriers, we enhance broker, employer and member experiences through the journey of purchasing and administering health insurance and employee benefits products. It’s very rewarding being part of a company that is enabling better digital experiences for brokers, employers, and members.

What excites you about the future of employee benefits?

Iris Rosado, Data Operations Manager – Processing
Everyone has a role to play in keeping employees and their families healthy. What excites me is seeing employers, benefits providers, and brokers focused on using new technologies to meet that goal and the changing needs of today’s workforce.

Matt Leonard, VP, Carrier Relations
I find the evolution of employee benefits to be quite interesting. Transparency excites me and I like to see that the customer journey is now being considered in nearly all aspects of how benefits are distributed. Transparency and data democratization will move the industry forward in astounding ways.

Robin Rogers, Senior Sales Director, InsurTech
I am excited about the new decision support tools that are hitting the market. Using these tools at the time of enrollment allows employees to use their individual health status, and in some cases their financial situation, to select the right coverage for their needs, be it health or financial well-being.

Val Leonard, VP of Enrollment Operations
Employee benefits are complicated. Not everyone should have to be a 20+ year veteran of the industry to understand how it works and what to expect when electing and paying for coverages. I’m excited for new tools, products, and processes that make things simpler, provide more transparency, and become more efficient for employers and employees, which I hope ultimately leads to affordability.

Courtney Williams, Director, Carrier Relations
Wow … the future is looking bright! It’s exciting to see carriers offer new products—employer-sponsored and voluntary—to help employers engage and retain top talent. And new plan design strategies such as ICHRA are opening up fresh market opportunities. The best part is all of these modern solutions are delivered via modern, intuitive digital experiences!