5 Questions with Marc Jeffreys, General Manager, Health

Marc is a results-driven executive with comprehensive experience in the financial services and health insurance industries. Marc brings his depth of experience and industry knowledge in his role as General Manager, Health at Gradient AI. He is accountable for all facets of the health business, including setting the strategic direction, defining solution to meet customers’ needs, and delivering financial performance.

Over his 30-year career, Marc has held leadership roles in sales, marketing, operations, product and strategy which prepared him to lead businesses. Prior to joining Gradient AI, Marc was President of Supplemental Health Solutions at Cigna. He was instrumental in building and growing the business from $25M to over $400M in eight years and introducing industry-leading claim integration capabilities.

Question 1: What were some key factors which led you to pursue a role with Gradient AI?

There were several factors that influenced my decision to join Gradient. 

I’ve always gravitated toward new opportunities that allow me to leverage past experiences while being challenged to learn new things. And I’m fascinated by disruptive innovation particularly as it relates to leveraging data. 

After almost a decade focused on the supplemental health market, I found myself inching for a new challenge. I was particularly intrigued by the advancements in AI and its potential as a disruptor in healthcare.

The General Manager role here at Gradient brought it all together for me.

Question 2: What is the primary focus of your role as General Manager, Health and how does it impact our clients?

I’m responsible for setting the strategic direction of the health business, which in large part includes continuing to build and deliver innovative solutions that create value for our customers. I’m fortunate to be building on a solid foundation established by our industry leading new business solution- SAIL. The foundation includes deep technical and industry expertise that together position Gradient to continue to lead innovation in risk management solutions. 

Question 3: What are the biggest challenges facing insurers today and how can they address them through AI?

The healthcare ecosystem is vast and fragmented in many ways. While many would argue the United States of America has the best healthcare in the world, many would agree it is also one of the least efficient and costly. 

It is incredibly challenging for Payers to navigate the complexities while trying to address affordability issues, deliver patient outcomes and meet the expectations of key stakeholders. 

AI is a key enabler for business transformation that’s necessary to compete in today’s market. There are many use cases for AI, but at its core I think of AI as a “force multiplier.” Implemented correctly, AI can help Payers’ scale efficiently, manage a profitable book of business and deliver the superior experiences and outcomes for their patients.  

Question 4: Are insurers limiting AI capabilities by using it primarily for driving operating efficiencies?

Managing operating expense is certainly a critical area of focus for Payers, so I’m not surprised by the emphasis on AI uses cases that space. However, many organizations also recognize the value of introducing AI models into the risk management life cycle of their customers whether that’s new business underwriting, renewal assessment or population health.  In fact, it’s the organizations who are thinking holistically about AI applications across their business that are best positioned for success.

Question 5: What do you like to do in your free time?

I’m a father of four. My youngest, twin boys, just left for college this fall. So, right now I’m just enjoying the slower pace of an empty nest. I’m sure that will wear off soon and I’ll miss the hustle and bustle of never-ending kid activities. 

I’m also a huge college basketball fan… a UConn fan specifically… I’m a UConn grad, live 3 miles from the UConn campus and have one kid attending UConn now. The start of basketball season is a special time for me. 🙂

Bonus Question: What is your favorite state to visit and why?

I grew up as a military brat, so I’ve had the pleasure of living in many states and countries. I’ve found something to love about everywhere I’ve been. The most unique place which I lived was Midway Island (Atoll). I was only a toddler when we lived there but I have vivid memories of the island being overrun by Gooney birds (Laysan albatrosses) during mating season. The island seemed enormous to me at the time, but in reality, the entire island was only one mile wide by two miles long. Check it out on Google Maps sometime.

To stay up to date on the health market and AI’s evolving impact in the industry be sure to visit our website for insightful white papers, thought-provoking webinar discussions, health blogs and more! Look for upcoming 5-question interviews to learn more about our talented and dedicated team and how they support better outcomes and the success of our clients.

Explore the benefits of Gradient AI's Group Health Solutions. 

 
Schedule a Demo →