Later, I briefly supported them through a third-party administrator. And then life came full circle when Bruce Knudsen (MTADA’s current executive vice president) reached out and asked me to consider stepping in as their benefits consultant. It was a natural fit. Self-funding and associations are my lane. They’re what I know. And working alongside the Trust, we’ve made some meaningful changes to strengthen the MTADA program — from plan design and pricing to communications and employee tools. It’s a strong program with a lot to offer, and I’m proud of the direction it’s heading. THE BIGGER PICTURE: WHY IT’S WORTH THINKING ABOUT Here’s the thing most people won’t tell you: No benefits plan is perfect. But with the right strategy, it can be better. Better for the employee who’s putting off care because they don’t understand what’s covered. Better for the tech who doesn’t want to take a day off and lose billable hours just to sit in a waiting room. Better for the owner trying to retain their top service manager or sales lead without throwing another five grand at base salary. Benefits can be more than a line item. They can be a reason people stay. A reason they feel protected. A reason they tell others your dealership is a great place to work. But that only happens when the plan fits — not just in dollars, but in design. That’s why I love what I do. Because sometimes it’s not about overhauling everything. It’s about adding a telemedicine benefit that makes it easier for parents to get care for their kids. Or giving employees the choice between a higher-premium, lower-deductible plan and an HSA option they can build around their budget. Or just explaining, in plain English, what a deductible actually is — and when it matters. It’s not glamorous work. But it matters. Because insurance doesn’t have to feel impossible. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. SO, WHAT’S IT LIKE TO WORK WITH ME? If there’s one thing, I hope people feel when they work with me, it’s this: I’m on their team. I don’t show up with a one-size-fits-all solution. I don’t push products just because they’re trendy. And I’m definitely don’t want to just be there once a year at renewal time. My job is to get to know your business and to understand what’s working, what’s not and what you want your benefits program to actually do. Then together, we figure out a strategy that makes sense — not just financially, but practically. Sometimes that means exploring creative funding options. Sometimes it means adding benefits that round out what you already have. Sometimes it just means making the existing plan work better — through smarter employee education, improved communication or little tweaks that make a big difference. I don’t pretend to be a one-woman wizard — and I do know my lane. But if something’s outside it, I know who to call. A LITTLE ABOUT LIFE OUTSIDE OF WORK When I’m not thinking about health insurance (which, yes, I do more than I probably should), I’m usually traveling around Montana with my husband and daughter — parked in the bleachers at a softball field or basketball court cheering her on. And when we’re not doing that, I’m likely out in the garage working on a hands-on project — building or refinishing something. I’ve always loved problem-solving. Tinkering. Making something better with the tools I’ve got. Turns out, that’s kind of what I do for a living, too. LET’S TALK If you’re part of the MTADA Trust and want to get more out of your program — let’s talk. If you’re not currently participating and want to understand how the Trust works — or want help reviewing your benefits from a fresh perspective — I’d love to sit down and hear what you’re working with. I work with all carriers in Montana. I support both traditional and self-funded plans. I help dealerships build, adjust and communicate plans that actually make sense — for the business and the team behind it. Because insurance doesn’t have to feel impossible. And you don’t have to figure it out alone. To learn more, please contact Jacquelyn at jgomes@jacqccg.com or (406) 465-7077. 49 MONTANA AUTO DEALER
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