Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is committed to inspiring change, transforming care and improving health for the people we serve. This is made possible by our committed associates. This article is part of a series highlighting our associates and why they believe Blue Cross is a great place to work.  

Nelson Schmidt joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota in February 2013 as an enrollment specialist in small group membership. From that entry level position, he has grown through many positions within the organization to become a consumer market senior sales consultant.

We asked Nelson about how his role at Blue Cross helps him give back to his community, especially through his involvement in Blue Cross' Associate Resource Groups (ARGs).

Can you tell us a bit about your job here at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota?

In my current role, I work as an internal agent supporting and assisting our members and potential members transition to Medicare. I help educate them on how Medicare works and advise and enroll them into suitable supplemental plans. After their coverage starts, I continue to serve as a resource, helping answer questions about their plans, confirming doctors are in-network, confirming claims are processing correctly, helping them understand how to best utilize their plan benefits and more.

What do you consider the best part of your job?

Helping people throughout the Medicare process. As people age, their health insurance becomes more important. Medicare can be very confusing and frustrating. It is very satisfying to help people enroll in the most appropriate coverage and serve as an ongoing resource. My members know they can depend on me for help.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Keeping up with all the changes to Medicare and being sure my members understand how those changes may impact them. I have about 2,500 members, so there are quite a few to stay in touch with!

What are some of the things you enjoy most about working with Blue Cross?

All team members have a deep commitment to serving our members. We provide the best service in the industry and always put the needs of our members above all else. I enjoy the commitment Blue Cross has to serving our communities. Our Associate Resource Groups (ARGs) do a great job of that.

I currently serve as the volunteer coordinator on the Allies of Military ARG. We were recently at the Hastings Veterans Home doing spring cleanup. The veterans are so appreciative of our efforts. I have also been active with the Asian Circle and Giving Garden. Blue Cross offers its employees so many opportunities to give back and to help.

Would you recommend a career at Blue Cross Minnesota to others and why?

I would definitely recommend Blue Cross Minnesota as a great place to create a career! The company offers a lot of growth opportunities and the ability to shape your career as you see fit. We also have a great work/family balance and our ARGs give employees the chance to be a part of something even bigger. I feel like we have a culture of giving and helping other people live healthier, more productive and enjoyable lives.

It is so important to be able to answer the question: Why do you come in to work every day? My favorite quote of all time is from Martin Luther King, Jr. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” I have always been inspired by how dedicated everyone at Blue Cross is to serving our members. I come to work every day to help people – members and non-members alike.

Being a Blue Cross associate is not just about a job, or even a career, it’s about being a part of a team that actively helps others.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I love coaching my son in his sports. He’s nine years old and plays baseball, basketball and football. I also enjoy skateboarding with my son – although I’ve already sustained an injury requiring crutches and will probably see more of the same!

My wife and I love to work in our yard and garden and cook– especially grilling. I love to read and always have a good book going.