America's Benefit Specialist October 2022

cultural fit with SMS as we grow through strategic acquisitions of companies.” By partnering with SMS, Medicare Solutions Network will be able to leverage SMS’ proprietary technology, back-office support, marketing systems, and health and wealth carrier product portfolio. Medicare Solutions Network also gains access to resources from Alliant Insurance Services, which acquired SMS in 2020. SMS has also acquired CareValue, a rapidly growing national field marketing organization based in Canandaigua, New York, and specializing in senior life and health insurance. Summers said CareValue’s technology platform, its success as a market leader serving independent insurance agents, and its impressive growth attracted SMS as it continues to grow through strate gic acquisitions since being acquired by Alli ant Insurance Services in 2020. CareValue ranked No. 69 on Inc. Magazine’s list of the fastest-growing private companies in the New York City metro region in 2021. CareValue has invested heavily in the development of proprietary technology for agents. For example, the company provides the only FMO-offered State Pharmaceu tical Assistance Program (SPAP) solution in the marketplace that allows agents in certain states to help their clients apply for assistance in paying their prescription drugs and/or Part D premiums digitally instead of by the more cumbersome methods of fax or mail. This digital enrollment process triggers a special election period (SEP) for Medicare eligible, enabling them to enroll year-round. Brian Doyle has been in the insurance industry since 1996. He founded CareValue in 2010.

the evolving needs of the employee benefits market, so they were a natural fit to join our team,” said Joseph DiBella, executive partner, national employee benefits practice leader at Conner Strong & Buckelew. We look forward to working together to continue to serve our customers and grow our business.” Led by 30-plus year employee benefits industry veteran John Doyle, Armstrong, Doyle & Carroll will ultimately operate un der Conner Strong & Buckelew’s brand after a brief transition period. “Joining Conner Strong & Buckelew will enhance and deepen our resources so we can continue to meet the needs of our cli ents,” said Doyle. “We believe the alignment will be great for our employees and our customers, and we’re excited to be a part of such a premier organization.” SENIOR MARKET SALES ACQUIRES MEDICARE SOLUTIONS NETWORK AND CAREVALUE Senior Market Sales has acquired Medicare Solutions Network, a Lisle, Illinois, Medi care agency known for its engaging educa tional Medicare workshops and exceptional customer service in the Chicago area. SMS President Jim Summers praised the success of husband-wife team David Wylly, president, founder and CEO, and Lori Wylly, chief operations officer, saying their production numbers outpace companies twice their size or even bigger. “Their business model centers on doing what’s right for the client, and their success is proof that when you do right by the client, your business will thrive,” Summers said. “That focus on the customer also makes Medicare Solutions Network a perfect

HILB GROUP ADDS TO NEW ENGLAND PRESENCE

The Hilb Group has partnered with Massa chusetts-based Cook & Company Insur ance Services, building on the company’s employee benefits offerings and presence throughout New England. Based in Hanover, Massachusetts, Cook & Company features decades of experience providing unique health plan consulting solutions and bro kerage services to employers throughout the market, including a specialized focus on medical stop-loss and serving municipalities. Agency Principal Sue Shillue and her team of insurance professionals will join Hilb Group’s New England regional operations. GALLAGHER ACQUIRES WATKINS GROUP Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. recently an nounced the acquisition of Alexandria, Louisiana-based Watkins Insurance & Ben efits LLC, dba Watkins Group—Insurance & Benefits Specialists. Founded in 2008, Watkins Group offers employee benefit solutions for corpora tions of all sizes, as well as individual and Medicare coverage solutions, to its clients throughout Central Louisiana. Wesley Watkins and his associates will remain in their current location under the direction of Robby White, South Central region leader for Gallagher’s employee benefits consulting and brokerage operations.

RELATION INSURANCE SERVICES ACQUIRES

INSURANCE BROKER SERVICES Relation Insurance Services has acquired the assets of California-based Innovative Broker Services. Innovative Broker Services offers

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