Let’s be honest: No one’s flipping open this magazine thinking, “Finally — an article about health insurance!”

I get it. Benefits aren’t flashy. They’re not fun. And most of the time, they feel like something we just have to deal with.

But here’s the reality: If you’re running a business in 2025, your benefits strategy is more important than ever — and more expensive, too.

Healthcare costs are rising at some of the fastest rates we’ve seen in a decade. Employers are feeling it in their premiums. Employees are feeling it in their paychecks, deductibles and prescription costs. And no one — on either side — really thinks they’re getting their money’s worth.

And yet … benefits still matter. They’re part of how you attract talent. They’re part of how you show employees they’re valued. And when done right, they’re one of the few investments that support both your business and your people.

But let’s be real: Building a plan that actually works — for your budget, your employees, your retention and your sanity — takes more than checking a renewal box once a year.

That’s where I come in.

A Quick Introduction (and a Confession)

My name is Jacquelyn Gomes. I’m an independent insurance consultant, a business owner and a full-blown health insurance nerd.

And no — I didn’t grow up dreaming about this career, either.

My path into the industry started back in 2006 when my husband and I moved back to Montana. After working in auto sales and finance before the move, he had one request: anything but dealership hours. Just find a regular 8-to-5 job.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana called first, and I started in customer service — answering phones, talking to members and learning the hard way how confusing and overwhelming insurance can be when you’re on the other end of a claim or diagnosis.

But something clicked. I loved figuring it out. I loved translating the jargon. I loved helping people actually understand what their plan covered and how to use it.

Fast forward a few years (okay — more than a few), and I’ve now spent most of my career working with self-funded employers, associations and complex group plans across Montana. I went out on my own because I wanted to do this work my way — with less sales pressure, more listening and a lot more hands-on support.

Full Circle: From Dealership Floors to Dealer Benefits

My relationship with the Montana Automobile Dealers Association Group Benefits Trust goes back quite a few years — through several iterations.

I first worked with MTADA from the carrier side when I was at BCBSMT as their account executive. Let me tell you — if you want to sharpen your negotiation skills quickly, try sitting across the table from a group of auto dealers. They definitely kept me on my toes.

Later, I briefly supported them through a third-party administrator. And then life came full circle when Bruce Knudsen (MTADA’s current executive vice president) reached out and asked me to consider stepping in as their benefits consultant.

It was a natural fit. Self-funding and associations are my lane. They’re what I know. And working alongside the Trust, we’ve made some meaningful changes to strengthen the MTADA program — from plan design and pricing to communications and employee tools. It’s a strong program with a lot to offer, and I’m proud of the direction it’s heading.

The Bigger Picture: Why It’s Worth Thinking About

Here’s the thing most people won’t tell you: No benefits plan is perfect. But with the right strategy, it can be better.

Better for the employee who’s putting off care because they don’t understand what’s covered.

Better for the tech who doesn’t want to take a day off and lose billable hours just to sit in a waiting room.

Better for the owner trying to retain their top service manager or sales lead without throwing another five grand at base salary.

Benefits can be more than a line item. They can be a reason people stay. A reason they feel protected. A reason they tell others your dealership is a great place to work.

But that only happens when the plan fits — not just in dollars, but in design.

That’s why I love what I do. Because sometimes it’s not about overhauling everything. It’s about adding a telemedicine benefit that makes it easier for parents to get care for their kids. Or giving employees the choice between a higher-premium, lower-deductible plan and an HSA option they can build around their budget. Or just explaining, in plain English, what a deductible actually is — and when it matters.

It’s not glamorous work. But it matters.

So, What’s It Like to Work With Me?

If there’s one thing, I hope people feel when they work with me, it’s this: I’m on their team.

I don’t show up with a one-size-fits-all solution. I don’t push products just because they’re trendy. And I’m definitely don’t want to just be there once a year at renewal time.

My job is to get to know your business and to understand what’s working, what’s not and what you want your benefits program to actually do. Then together, we figure out a strategy that makes sense — not just financially, but practically.

Sometimes that means exploring creative funding options. Sometimes it means adding benefits that round out what you already have. Sometimes it just means making the existing plan work better — through smarter employee education, improved communication or little tweaks that make a big difference.

I don’t pretend to be a one-woman wizard — and I do know my lane. But if something’s outside it, I know who to call.

A Little About Life Outside of Work

When I’m not thinking about health insurance (which, yes, I do more than I probably should), I’m usually traveling around Montana with my husband and daughter — parked in the bleachers at a softball field or basketball court cheering her on.

And when we’re not doing that, I’m likely out in the garage working on a hands-on project — building or refinishing something. I’ve always loved problem-solving. Tinkering. Making something better with the tools I’ve got. Turns out, that’s kind of what I do for a living, too.

Let’s Talk

If you’re part of the MTADA Trust and want to get more out of your program — let’s talk.

If you’re not currently participating and want to understand how the Trust works — or want help reviewing your benefits from a fresh perspective — I’d love to sit down and hear what you’re working with.

I work with all carriers in Montana. I support both traditional and self-funded plans. I help dealerships build, adjust and communicate plans that actually make sense — for the business and the team behind it.

Because insurance doesn’t have to feel impossible. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

To learn more, please contact Jacquelyn at jgomes@jacqccg.com or (406) 465-7077.