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Meet the Team!
MICHAELE IPSEN OLSEN ~ THRP - President
Michaele's focus in recent years has been on large sized organizations with an emphasis on Tribal Governments and their Enterprises. Prior to starting Benefits West in 2001, she worked with two other brokerage firms that specialized in Tribal business and during that time worked with nearly every Tribe in Washington. When Michaele started her own brokerage firm she worked to hire staff and develop products that focused on the needs and desires of Tribes. She has been very involved in developing programs for Self Funded Tribes using programs such as Medicare Rate Repricing, CHEF Funding and 340B Pricing.
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During her work with the Tribes a common concern was coverage for Tribal Members outside the employee benefits program. Michaele has spent considerable time developing solutions for Tribal Members.
Michaele has over 30 years experience in Employee Benefits
JUDY MURTA ~ THRP - Executive Vice President
Judy's current position with Benefits West has her involved in all aspects of management of our Tribal Clients, working closely with the Tribe Administrator, HR Staff, Accounting and the Clinics. She closely manages the process for timely purchase order management, CHEF Fund submissions and setting up 340B pricing for internal and external pharmacies.
Judy's prior experience was at HMA as the Client Services Director working with the Tulalip and Spokane Tribes. She was involved in all aspects of overseeing client management and implementation of products. She attended renewal presentations to the Council and conducted Monthly Benefit Committee meetings.
Judy has over 25 years experience in HR and Employee Benefits
JUSTIN MURTA ~ Senior Vice President of Sales
Justin is a licensed agent in the state of Washington and he is responsible for assisting with the placement of potential new Clients, as well as the Account Management of our large groups. Justin's experience includes working with several Tribal Governments and their Enterprises. His varied background has been an asset as he specializes in technical analysis and benefit comparisons.
He is involved in managing the service needs of our Clients which includes renewal analysis, underwriting, monthly or quarterly meetings, client marketing, communication materials and benefit fairs. He works hand in hand with your Group's Benefit Team.
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Justin has over 15 years of Employee Benefits experience working with a Third Party Administrator and Benefits West as an Account Manager
MELINDA YUH- Senior Account Manager
Melinda is a licensed agent with over 25 years of insurance experience. She has extensive expertise in driving organizational change and process improvement, while ensuring regulatory compliance and achieving business results. Her expertise ranges from managing teams, self-funded expertise, Tribal business, PBM management, and Stop Loss. She manages the day-to-day activities for her client base, solving complex issues removing any roadblocks, and is instrumental in researching claim and enrollment issues.
In addition, Melinda assists with renewal preparation, stop loss marketing, presents market analysis and trend offering solutions that meet our client's needs. She attends Benefit Fairs along with Justin, and loves to engage with members to share the latest information and assist with anything needed.
BARBARA REED ~ Senior Account Manager
Barbara currently works on the monthly reporting of our large groups and is instrumental in resolving claim and enrollment issues. She also reviews our plan contracts and assists with renewal preparation. She is involved in the technical analysis of our Stop Loss quotes and group underwriting.
In addition, Barabara is responsible for the management of our Group business in the 5 to 100 employee size range. She takes care of all their account management needs including renewals, technical analysis, benefit comparisons, claim and billing issues. She is the Individual, Exchange and Medicare Supplement expert in our office as well.
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Barbara has over 25 years of combined insurance and accounts management experience!
KIMBERLY ROLLNESS ~ Account Service Representative
Kim does much of the "behind the scenes" magic covering a multitude of tasks such as data mining reports, creating spread sheets and graphs, final underwriting review, and adding detailed touches on presentations.
Kim works to keep abreast on the most up to date reports, large claim tracking and case management. This allows her to deliver the most current information and alert team members of any changes to keep an eye out for and on top of. She also works as a go between for the clinics and TPA's to communicate new Medicare Like Rate purchase order requests for a quick turnaround ultimately resulting in better benefit returns.
Kim has over 30 years experience in Nursing and Rehabilitation, with 15 years of experience in office management
You can count on our comprehensive knowledge of employee benefit plans with respect to budget, coverage and competitiveness. With our assistance, you can manage claim costs, improve cash flow, and gain greater control of your employee benefit programs.
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