Will Belletto

Benefits Advising

Employee Benefits Enthusiast, WaFd Insurance Group, Inc.

I began my career in health consulting as a typical agent, trained to believe that rising premiums were an unavoidable reality. My initial role focused on offering level-funded group plans under an ASO model, with limited control over costs.

Driven by curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning, I challenged this conventional approach. I devoted my time to exploring innovative solutions that could genuinely impact the industry. My knowledge expanded significantly when I discovered that major BUCA carriers weren’t the only options available.

As a resident of Albuquerque, NM—a state with significant economic challenges—I was motivated to find ways to enhance patient outcomes while reducing overall costs for the organizations I serve. I realized that departing from traditional health insurance and care models could achieve these goals.

My passion ignited when I recognized how removing financial barriers to healthcare could result in healthier, more productive employees. In 2022, according to ZIP Recruiter, the average salaried wage in NM was $62,433, and the average hourly wage was $18.00. The fully funded plans I initially offered had an average copay of $35.00 to see a primary care physician—nearly double the average hourly wage. This stark reality highlighted the financial obstacles employees faced in accessing care, motivating me to eliminate these barriers while securing the best possible premiums for my clients.

Consider this: beyond the $35 copay, employees often need to take off three hours of work—two hours for travel and one hour for the appointment—resulting in a significant loss of wages. This pattern of escalating costs continues as they navigate the healthcare system.

This realization helped me find my “WHY” in this industry. The system isn’t broken; it’s functioning as designed. However, my state and clients need a consultant who can effectively manage the healthcare supply chain to deliver better outcomes.

Believing in the power of collaboration, I started engaging with “Alternative Solutions” and educating my prospects and clients on how we could achieve superior results. Many of my collaborators were Health Rosetta Advisors, and I knew this was the community I needed to join to further my mission.