In this episode of the Expert Perspectives podcast, sponsored by HM Insurance Group and hosted on BenefitsPRO, we'll hear highlights from the August 29th presentation titled, "An Anthropologist and a Rock Scientist Talk Stop Loss: Using Data to Empower Smart Decisions." 

Deriving data from group dynamics and market insights helps to create informed, knowledge-backed solutions. This is essential in a market facing a rising high-dollar claims trend. Self-funded employers need your help implementing Stop Loss coverage that truly works to protect their bottom line. And to help ensure proper protection is available, Stop Loss carriers must make smart decisions fueled by data.

Mark Lawrence, Senior Vice President, Underwriting at HM Insurance Group, and Tom Doran, President at HM Insurance Group, address how the use of data is essential to decision-making and informing Stop Loss plans for the future, as well as how these plans can help protect your self-funded clients.

The full on-demand webcast can be found here: 

https://www.benefitspro.com/2019/07/08/an-anthropologist-and-a-rocket-scientist-talk-stop-loss-using-data-to-empower-smart-decisions/

Mark Lawrence | Senior Vice President, Underwriting | HM Insurance Group | BA, Anthropology

Mark Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Regina in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, before jumping into a career in reinsurance. He now uses his passion for studying historical trends and demographics to gain a clearer picture of group dynamics for making informed decisions while serving as senior vice president, Underwriting, for HM Insurance Group (HM). With more than 20 years of underwriting experience, Mark's areas of expertise include the development of long-term, profitable and growing relationships in the accident, health and reinsurance markets; using data to gain insights; and providing underwriting service that is focused on client needs.

Mark joined HM in February 2018 from Everest Reinsurance Company where he served as the chief underwriter with top and bottom line responsibility for multiple lines of business including primary self-funded medical, insurance and reinsurance for direct and partner relationships. Prior to his time at Everest Reinsurance Company, he worked in underwriting leadership roles for Canada Life Assurance Company and LDG Re, a division of HCC.

Tom Doran | President | HM Insurance Group | BS, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering – aka Rocket Science

After earning a bachelor's degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University and spending some time as an aerospace engineer, Tom Doran rerouted his career down the insurance path, eventually landing as president of HM Insurance Group.

At HM, Tom is responsible for the company's overall operational management and executive leadership and oversees HM Stop Loss sales and actuarial services. He also serves as CFO of the Highmark Health Plan where he is accountable for underwriting, actuarial and financial planning and analytics in that role. His areas of expertise include Stop Loss market dynamics and strategy, reinsurance, actuarial services, network contracting, pricing and reserving.

With more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Tom came to HM from Medical Risk Managers (MRM), the largest Stop Loss MGU in the country, where he served as the company's president. Prior to that, Tom held the role of executive vice president at MRM and gained actuarial experience at Aetna, Hartford Life and Aon Hewitt. Tom is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries.