Glen Tullman, Chief Executive Officer, Transcarent

It’s been just over a week since our inaugural client conference, Voyages, concluded and I’ve had a chance to reflect on the time we spent with many of our clients. While some of the latest and greatest technology (like our new generative AI WayFinding capability) was on display and wowing people, including users like Apple and Allstate, who are live on WayFinding today, the real impact for me wasn’t the technology . . . it never is. What was truly impressive was hearing leaders in human resources taking ownership and taking charge of the experience their people have with their health and care, the quality of the care being provided, and yes, focusing on how to reduce costs rather than just slowing the rate of increase in trend.  

Margaret Mead, the famous social anthropologist, said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”  That’s what I was watching happen!   

HR and benefits leaders are uniquely positioned to transform the health and care of their employees and their families. With more than half of Americans depending on their employers for their health and care, HR teams have the opportunity to be the superheroes who offer life-changing and sometimes life-saving solutions for hardworking families.  

What I saw at our conference was a new level of energy, commitment, willingness to change and adopt new solutions and a realization that the status quo simply isn’t working . . . nor is it acceptable. When surveyed, Americans say healthcare is too confusing, too complex, and too costly . . . and that it’s getting worse, not better. That’s not a report card to be proud of . . . so let’s change it, together. And the people who can drive that change are benefits leaders, who are experts on the complexities of the healthcare system. I noticed something else at our conference, from our presenters, from the conversations, from the questions asked, and that was how much our clients cared about “their people.”  This is personal to them.  But they also understood that to work in HR benefits is to do the hard thing because that’s how real change is made. 

Transforming an industry isn’t easy, and when it comes to solving the most pressing issues for employees and their families, there is no time to waste. Diagnoses don’t wait for open enrollment. Every day, people receive life-changing news about their health, and they turn to their employers for answers . . . Is this surgery covered? How much will it cost me? What is the best next step? Should I take the medication? Where do I need to go to ensure I’m receiving high-quality care? How do I choose the right physician? Do I need chemo? If you work in benefits, you probably field these questions daily. 

Benefits leaders are uniquely positioned to transform the health and lives of people . . . yes, I said it again. And it’s because of the weight they carry on their shoulders – the weight and responsibility of caring for all of their employees. But increasingly, they are realizing that they also have more power than ever before . . . options and choices and partners who share a vision of making healthcare better and easier and who are committed to providing their “people,” their employees with the trusted health and benefits information they need to make informed decisions about their health and care. 

Benefit leaders today can strive for something different and better. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, there will be hurdles to overcome . . . but they no longer have to do it alone. At Transcarent, we have two sayings: Innovation begins by doing something . . .  so stop talking and get started!  And, implementation is a team sport so huddle up!   

I walked away with something I didn’t expect from our own client conference . . . inspiration from the speakers, the attendees, and our own team. The energy, the commitment, and the care was so clear that I knew we could do this.  Together, we can make it easy for people to access high-quality, affordable, health and care.   

In my opening remarks, I encouraged people to be an “action figure,” just like in the movies. And, much to the surprise of our team, I promised everyone a cape to remind them of the power they have to drive change for the better. We all deserve better than the status quo.  

My goal for everyone who reads this to commit to taking action . . . to join us on this adventure to create a health and care experience people love, that delivers higher-quality care, does it at lower costs than we ever imagined. The technology is ready. The market is ready. And goodness knows, we’re all ready. So let’s get started! I look forward to going on this voyage together.  

P.S.: We have extra capes and lots of room if you want to join us.