Mikaela Reese
Chappell Hill,TX
Summary
Benefits Underwriter with experience evaluating medical risk, claims, renewals, demographics, and plan design to make pricing decisions across small group, large group, alternative funded, and PEO business. Strong analytical background with experience in claims projections, Excel-based analysis, and process improvement. Known as a dependable team member who enjoys sharing knowledge, working through complex cases, and finding innovative ways to get the work done.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Benefits Underwriter
Engage PEO
Hollywood, FL
07.2025 - Current
- Underwrite approximately 6 prospective clients per day across small group, large group open market, alternative funded, and PEO business, with groups ranging from approximately 5 to 200+ employees.
- Review claims, renewals, demographics, morbidity results, large claimants, and high-cost conditions to evaluate risk and finalize pricing.
- Use underwriting and market comparison tools as part of the review process, while applying independent judgment to determine when the risk supports more aggressive pricing or calls for a more conservative approach.
- Collaborate with Sales on pricing and concession requests, reassessing risk to identify opportunities for additional savings while safeguarding the book.
- Analyze claims and PMPM trends in Excel and develop projections to better understand where a group's claims may be heading and how that should factor into pricing.
- Review current medical plan designs and select comparable plans based on deductibles, coinsurance, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums.
- Participate in peer case reviews, providing second opinions on complex or higher-risk groups and assisting other underwriters with pricing strategies.
- Created an Excel-based process that eliminated much of the manual formatting required for Post Enrollment Audits. The process was adopted as the standard workflow for the underwriting team.
Senior Pricing & Review Specialist
Insperity
Kingwood, TX
09.2022 - 07.2025
- Used Excel-based underwriting models to analyze medical risk and determine appropriate pricing within established guidelines.
- Reviewed medical submissions, including claims, renewals, plan documents, and census demographics, to assess risk and establish competitive pricing.
- Priced workers' compensation, dental, and vision benefits in addition to medical coverage.
- Reviewed workers' compensation policies and classification codes and determined WC modifiers based on risk.
- Reviewed Section 125 and employer contribution structures to ensure applicable requirements were met.
- Led department Training Committee, conducting team survey to identify knowledge gaps and training needs for improved pricing consistency.
- Developed committee charter and presented survey findings to upper management, guiding the creation of a targeted plan for effective department training.
Mathematics Teacher & Department Chair
York Junior High
Conroe, TX
01.2018 - 09.2022
- Led Mathematics Department as Chair, facilitating meetings to ensure alignment on shared goals and expectations among the mathematics team.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify trends and inform instructional decisions, enhancing targeted teaching strategies.
- Tracked performance through quantitative analysis, adjusting strategies to address individual and group needs effectively.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX12-2017
Skills
- Medical & Benefits Underwriting
- Risk Assessment
- Claims & PMPM Analysis
- Claims Projections
- Pricing & Rate Development
- Renewal Analysis
- Medical Plan Comparison
- Alternative Funding
- PEO Underwriting
- Workers' Compensation Pricing
- Excel
- Process Improvement
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Group Benefits Associate (GBA) / CEBs Program GBA 1 Completed | CEBs in Progress
Timeline
Benefits Underwriter
Engage PEO
07.2025 - Current
Senior Pricing & Review Specialist
Insperity
09.2022 - 07.2025
Mathematics Teacher & Department Chair
York Junior High
01.2018 - 09.2022
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Sam Houston State University