Massachusetts companies and workers are fortunate to have a number of excellent choices when they shop for health coverage. The competition here is stiff — so stiff, in fact, that three of the nation's top five health plans are located in Massachusetts. We're proud to be one of them.
Such a high level of quality from three outstanding competitors presents companies and consumers with first-rate options. With these options — and with such different product and service offerings — many companies want professional, independent advice on precisely what coverage to buy and from whom.
Fortunately in Massachusetts, there are highly trained, licensed, employee benefit brokers whose experience and independence help companies select the right coverage for their employees.
The combination of professionalism and independence is what makes the broker system so successful. Brokers work to thoroughly understand the specific needs of the companies they represent and then to determine the best mix of products and services, either from us, or from one of our competitors.
With the days of one-size-fits-all health coverage long gone, the ability of brokers to find the right coverage for each company is enormously valuable. "Brokers help companies make the right buying decision to fit their needs," says Carlos Cubia, Vice President of Sales for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. "And that's the key — not just buying coverage for your company — buying the right coverage. That's where brokers really can make a huge difference."
Working closely with brokers is one of our top priorities. Sales leaders meet regularly with members of our Broker Advisory Council to hear their ideas and concerns — a process that is a key part of how we anticipate market needs.
In fact, a number of our products and services have come directly from meetings with brokers. It was broker feedback, for example, that led us to develop Health Informatics, a consultative service that analyzes account-specific data and identifies opportunities to improve employee health while lowering costs. Health Informatics helps us tailor coverage to a company's precise needs. As one of the members of our Broker Advisory Council put it: "We asked for a cutting edge analytical tool and Blue Cross delivered.''