Joann Bugajski
Buffalo,NY
Summary
Business analyst and benefits consultant with deep experience supporting compliance, enrollment, and operations across insurance and human resources. Works with stakeholders in claims, customer service, finance, and legal functions to resolve complex cases, streamline processes, and deliver accurate plan and service support.
Overview
1
1
Certification
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Analyst
Meritain Health
Amherst, New York
05.2018 - Current
- Collaborated with ops research team and stakeholders across customer service, claims processing, finance/accounting, training, marketing, product development, and sales to enhance operational insights.
- Facilitated cross-functional leaders in resolving complex legal, compliance, and operations cases by aligning research findings with actionable plans across customer service, eligibility, claims processing, network operations, stop loss, and subrogation.
- Created detailed timeline workflows to streamline internal operations and improve client service processes.
- Delivered timely support by tracking issues and communicating resolutions to end users.
Benefits Consultant
Meritain Health
Amherst, New York
09.2016 - 05.2018
- Mastered state and federal benefit laws, including ERISA, FMLA, COBRA, HIPAA, and 401k administration, enhancing regulatory knowledge for effective client support.
- Monitored compliance with ERISA and HIPAA regulations, safeguarding organizational adherence to legal standards.
- Coordinated with account teams to address benefits issues and fulfill service requests, ensuring timely resolutions.
- Drafted, reviewed, and edited Plan documents, summary plan descriptions, Plan amendments and summaries of benefits and coverage (SBCs). Provided Plan benefit coordination services in partnership with implementation team specialists and Account Managers.
Staffing Agency on-call Contract Enroller
Cigna
02.2015 - 09.2016
- Facilitated Cigna open enrollment events, providing current and prospective members with clear guidance on updated health insurance benefit programs andRepresented health fairs across numerous companies in Western and Central New York State, enhancing member education and enrollment outreach.lmResolved plan and policy administration issues efficiently through consultations with brokers, HR directors, and specialists, offering advisory support to account managers on enrollment and benefit troubleshooting.oubleshooting.
Manpower staffing agency temporary placement as Insurance Clerk
Allstate Broker Agency
Williamsville, New York
07.2015 - 01.2016
- Reviewed Salesforce documentation and processed automated insurance documents, enhancing support for Sales Agents.
Sales and Employee Relations/Benefit Consultant
AFLAC
09.2014 - 04.2015
- Led business-to-business sales meetings, enhancing client engagement and understanding of Aflac programs. Promoted Aflac accident, disability, cancer, and critical illness products at federal government agencies, and driving program awareness. Facilitated initiatives to improve sales.
NYS Licensed Insurance Agent
Bankers Conseco Life Insurance Company
08.2012 - 06.2013
- Prospected and consulted potential clients on long-term care, home healthcare, Medigap Supplement, life insurance, and annuity products to address their specific needs. Guided seniors in community on financial security and retirement planning strategies to enhance their overall well-being. Enrolled seniors in Medicare and provided tailored advice on product options to maximize benefits.
HR Director/Consultant/Project Manager
Internal Revenue Service
Buffalo, New York
01.1995 - 12.2011
- Aligned human resources strategy for Internal Revenue Service federal workforce operations with organizational goals.
- Provided labor relations and employee relations guidance to leaders for effective workforce management.
Education
Master of Health Administration -
Cappella University
06-2024
MBA - Accounting Concentration
SUNYAB
01-2004
BA - Sociology/Psychology
SUNYAB
Skills
- Salesforce administration
- Data analysis
- Process improvement
- Cross-functional coordination
- Stakeholder communication
- Attention to detail
- Team building
- Relationship management
Certification
Licensed as State of New York Department of Financial Services Insurance Agent for Accident and Health, Life, Travel Accident, Financial Planner (Series 6 & 7) certification., Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Certification, Project Management Certificate (2001), NYS Adult Education Teaching Certification
Timeline
Business Analyst
Meritain Health
05.2018 - Current
Benefits Consultant
Meritain Health
09.2016 - 05.2018
Manpower staffing agency temporary placement as Insurance Clerk
Allstate Broker Agency
07.2015 - 01.2016
Staffing Agency on-call Contract Enroller
Cigna
02.2015 - 09.2016
Sales and Employee Relations/Benefit Consultant
AFLAC
09.2014 - 04.2015
NYS Licensed Insurance Agent
Bankers Conseco Life Insurance Company
08.2012 - 06.2013
HR Director/Consultant/Project Manager
Internal Revenue Service
01.1995 - 12.2011
Master of Health Administration -
Cappella University
MBA - Accounting Concentration
SUNYAB
BA - Sociology/Psychology
SUNYAB