Congrats to the newest “Brokers Who Excel” team member, Rich Westermayer. Rich is the Principal at Benesmart in St. Louis. We love that Benesmart says, “… they take the BS out of Benefits” in their LinkedIn bio. We’ve all been through the BS of benefits to know how important that is.
What success story with Excel Health Plans are you most proud of?
I recently installed a new group where a member was undergoing cancer treatment and within the first week of being installed there was an issue with prior auth not being processed, come to find out, the medical provider had only requested prior auth approval 24 hours prior, but they needed the approval the very next day. It was 6pm EST on a Thursday evening and I called the CEO of Excel, Mike Patton. Mike made it his mission to get the needed approval for an 8am radiation appointment the very next morning. He set aside what he was doing prior to my call and immediately reached out the the CEO of our TPA at Aither Health. Within 2 hours of the initial phone call, this issue was solved and I was able to let the member know that we had everything ready to go for them.
How is Excel Health Plans different from the other companies you have worked with?
What I like most about Excel Health is their ability to address employer and member concerns swiftly. Having the ability to pick up the phone or shoot a text to the Excel team and get a response within minutes, not hours, days or weeks is something that sets them apart from the competition.
What motivates you (personally, professionally, or both)?
What motivates me personally is my sweet daughter, Camille. What motivates me professionally is solving problems for my clients.
Do you have a favorite quote?
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up. This is how my father carried on when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I am sure there were too many days to count when he felt like doing the exact opposite, but he never did. He was and always will be the greatest champion I know.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
When I was 17 years old I started my first business. It was a snow plow operation in St. Louis Missouri. I purchased a 1978 Ford Bronco that had holes in the floor boards and busted heat box. My first night plowing I nearly froze to death. After I made a little money I put sheet metal on the floor boards and replaced the heat box. I landed contracts with Walgreens, Firestone and a few local businesses and had a blast building my first business.
Thanks for chatting with us, Rich. We appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule.
