Health Advocate Company Profile

Background

Overview

Health Advocate, Inc., founded in 2001, is a leading independent healthcare advocacy and assistance company headquartered in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. The company specializes in helping individuals navigate the complexities of the healthcare system by offering personalized support and guidance. Health Advocate employs a team of registered nurses, medical directors, and benefits specialists to address a wide range of healthcare and health insurance issues. Their services include assisting members in locating providers, resolving medical billing errors, answering questions about coverage denials, and supporting insurance appeals.

Mission and Vision

Health Advocate's mission is to simplify the healthcare experience for individuals by providing expert guidance and support, ensuring they receive the care they need efficiently and effectively. Their vision is to create a healthcare environment where individuals are empowered to make informed decisions about their health, leading to improved outcomes and reduced costs.

Industry Significance

As a pioneer in healthcare advocacy, Health Advocate has played a significant role in transforming how individuals interact with the healthcare system. By offering personalized support, they have improved patient satisfaction, enhanced health outcomes, and contributed to cost savings for both individuals and organizations.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Personalized Support: Providing tailored assistance to individuals, helping them navigate healthcare complexities.

• Comprehensive Services: Offering a wide range of services, including health advocacy, wellness coaching, EAP+Work/Life, and chronic care solutions.

• Data-Driven Insights: Utilizing data analytics to inform decision-making and improve service delivery.

Areas of Specialization

• Health Advocacy: Assisting members in understanding and accessing their health benefits.

• Wellness Coaching: Supporting individuals in adopting healthier lifestyles.

• EAP+Work/Life Services: Providing emotional support and work-life balance resources.

• Chronic Care Solutions: Offering support for managing chronic health conditions.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Data Analytics: Employing advanced analytics to provide personalized recommendations and insights.

• AI-Powered Platforms: Utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance member engagement and service delivery.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Employers: Offering services to enhance employee well-being and productivity.

• Health Plans: Partnering to provide comprehensive support to their members.

• Individuals: Direct-to-consumer services for those seeking personalized health guidance.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Health Advocate was acquired by West Corporation in 2014, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.

Recent Funding Rounds

In October 2020, Health Advocate was acquired by Teleperformance, a global leader in outsourced omnichannel customer experience management.

Notable Investors

• West Corporation: Acquired Health Advocate in 2014.

• Teleperformance: Acquired Health Advocate in 2020.

Utilization of Capital

The capital from these acquisitions has been utilized to expand Health Advocate's service offerings, enhance technological capabilities, and broaden its market reach, enabling the company to serve a larger and more diverse client base.

Pipeline Development

Health Advocate continually develops and refines its service offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients and members. While specific pipeline candidates and timelines are not publicly disclosed, the company focuses on:

• Service Expansion: Introducing new programs and services to address emerging healthcare challenges.

• Technological Advancements: Integrating cutting-edge technologies to improve service delivery and member engagement.

• Market Penetration: Expanding into new markets to reach a broader audience.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• MemPHIS CRM: A custom-built customer relationship management system that enables seamless service and enhances the member experience.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Predictive Analytics: Utilizing data analytics and machine learning to provide personalized recommendations and insights to members.

Leadership Team

Jeff Cordell – President and Chief Executive Officer

Jeff Cordell has over 30 years of experience leading the growth and digital transformation of businesses with global-scale communications and personalized healthcare engagement. He previously served as the CIO for both Teleperformance Specialized Services and LanguageLine Solutions. Jeff holds a BSEE from the University of Notre Dame and has been awarded over 30 patents in the fields of disruptive communications and cloud technologies.

Abbie Leibowitz, M.D. – Chief Medical Officer, President Emeritus

Dr. Abbie Leibowitz is a nationally recognized leader in the healthcare industry and an authority on managed care, clinical management, quality assurance, medical data, and information systems. He co-founded Health Advocate and has been instrumental in shaping its mission and services.

Tara Kelly – Chief Operating Officer

Tara Kelly has extensive experience in operations management, having served as Director of Operations for CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits and Director of Customer Service for SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories. She holds a master's degree from Temple University and a bachelor's degree from Millersville University.

Adam Walter – Chief Financial Officer

Adam Walter brings over 20 years of financial and operations experience, having previously served as VP of Finance at Intrado. He has also held senior roles in finance, sales, and reporting with Mutual of Omaha and Aviva.

David Dawson – Chief Technology Officer

David Dawson has over 20 years of experience leading technology teams to build secure, redundant, and resilient global solutions. He previously served as Director of Global Technical Support for LanguageLine Solutions and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from Bellevue University.

David Vandeveer, CEBS – Chief Revenue Officer

David Vandeveer has over 30 years of experience in HR technology, benefits administration, health insurance, and sales leadership. He has worked with firms such as Aetna, Aon, Transamerica, and Businessolver.

Jessica Parker-Smith – Vice President, Marketing

Jessica Parker-Smith has over 25 years of experience in marketing and public relations within the healthcare, insurance, and employee benefits fields. She joined Health Advocate in 2009 and has led creative marketing teams and developed marketing plans and campaigns.

Bob Tucker – Vice President, Channel Development

Bob Tucker has 30 years of experience leading teams and growing businesses within the health, benefits, and financial wellness industries. He previously held commercial leadership positions at Aon and Alight Solutions.

Neil Halpern – Vice President, Digital Enablement

Neil Halpern is a technology industry veteran who has built and led large teams to develop solutions for regulated industries. He is responsible for the digital enablement of the Health Advocate member experience and holds a BS from Boston University in Aerospace Engineering.

Laura Calcaterra LPC, CEAP – Vice President, Clinical Operations/EAP

Laura Calcaterra has significant experience in EAP and care navigation operations, including digital navigation and 24/7 clinical counselor coverage. She supports EAP operations to help grow the Life and Emotional Health client offerings at Health Advocate.

Keri Robertson Fuenzalida, DO FACOEP – Medical Director, Clinical Operations

Dr. Keri Robertson Fuenzalida has over 15 years of healthcare management experience and a strong commitment to health equity. She trained as an emergency physician and focuses on addressing healthcare disparities and advancing equitable care.

Howard Mintzer – Director, Human Resources

Howard Mintzer has been with Health Advocate for over four years and has eight years of Human Resources experience. He holds a BA in Psychology and Business and is certified by the Society for Human Resource Management as a Senior Certified Professional.

Jennifer Greenley – Senior Counsel

Jennifer Greenley has nearly 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, providing legal support and advice for all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters for Health Advocate. She previously held roles within not-for-profit and privately held healthcare organizations.