John Hosea has been around the HR block more than a few times.
After starting his career in public accounting, he transitioned into leading benefits, insurance finance and risk management for a large retail organization. Later, he worked for a large restaurant company managing benefits, compensation, HR operations, technology and risk management. That brought him to his current role at Health Care Service Corporation, where he’s been a benefits leader for nine years and a key player in HCSC’s COVID-19 relief efforts.
And this year, we’re proud to welcome John as a speaker at Engage 2022. We caught up with him for a sneak peek at what she’ll share during his session, and to learn why agility is the most important skill an HR pro can have as we head into 2022. Here’s what he had to say.
Name: John Hosea
Title: VP, HR Benefits & Operations
Company: Health Care Service Corporation
How do you like your coffee? Keep it simple – straight up for me!
Tell us a bit about Health Care Service Corporation.
Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC), and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is the largest customer-owned health insurer in the United States, which operates our Blue Cross and Blue Shield® Plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. HCSC affiliates and subsidiaries such as Dearborn Group®, Medecision and Dental Network of America offer group life, disability and dental solutions, as well as a range of other individual solutions.
The company, founded in 1936, serves nearly 17 million members across five states and employs nearly 24,000 people in over 60 local offices.
HCSC is dedicated to expanding access to high quality, cost-effective health care and equipping our members with information and tools so they can make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families. Our health plans were pioneers in their states, as they were the first to provide coverage for a number of procedures — ranging from heart and bone marrow transplants, to cancer and leukemia treatments. Today, we are leaders in the development of value-based care models to spur greater collaboration and accountability among various stakeholders to improve the health care experience for patients and consumers and enable them to lead healthier lives.
HCSC is dedicated to contributing to the well-being of the communities in which our employees and members live, work and play. We continue our longstanding tradition of community support through charitable investments with community partners, volunteerism, civic engagement, event sponsorship, employee giving, donation drives and in-kind donations.
We’re also grateful to be the recipient of several recent awards, including:
- Forbes Best Employers For Diversity (2020)
- Human Rights Campaign Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality (2017-2020)
- Disability Equality Index Best Places to Work (2017-2020)
- Military Friendly Employer (2010-2020)
- Diversity MBA’s 50 Out Front for Diversity Leadership, Best Places to Work for Women & Diverse Managers (2014-2020)
- Forbes Best Employers for Women (2019)
- The Civic 50 (2014, 2016-2021)
- Health Care Sector Leader (2018, 2019)
- World’s Most Ethical Companies (2016-2021)
What energizes you about your job?
Our purpose to do everything in our power to stand with our members in sickness and in health speaks to the passion we have for our members, customers and the communities we serve. Our entire organization aligns with and is passionate about living our purpose every day. In my role I have the opportunity to engage with employees all across our organization at all levels in many different facets and that energizes me every day.
What most excites you about participating in Engage 2022?
The opportunity to learn and hear new and different perspectives.
