Joe Kanatzar

About Joe Kanatzar

With over 20 years of leadership in managed care sales and marketing, I currently serve as Vice President of Medicare Growth and Distribution for Government Programs at Blue Cross NC. I lead Profit and Loss driven strategies that accelerate membership growth, improve retention, and optimize distribution across Medicare Advantage and Supplemental products.Our team achieved a 200% year-over-year increase in sales volume, while consistently surpassing industry benchmarks in retention and persistency.I bring deep expertise in serving the Dual Eligible population, developing targeted strategies that address the unique needs of individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. By aligning outreach, benefit design, and community partnerships, I’ve helped drive meaningful engagement and improved health outcomes in this critical segment.My approach centers on leveraging data-driven insights to align resources with strategic growth initiatives, empowering high-performing teams, and fostering operational excellence. Through cross-functional collaboration, I focus on expanding market share and delivering sustainable success across both group and individual Medicare segments.

Experience

1. VP of Medicare Growth & Distribution- Government Programs

   Blue Cross NC

   Aug 2024 — Present · Durham, NC, US

   Oversees P&L focused strategies for retention, growth, and distribution across all Medicare products. Aligns membership goals and resources to achieve segment growth objectives. Drives retention and expansion of Medicare business (both group, individual MAPD, Supplemental and Part D) through effective leadership, operational oversight, and team development across all Government programs. Most recently, the team delivered a 200% YoY increase in sales volume during AEP, with retention and persistency rates exceeding industry benchmarks. Rank 1st in Medicare Supplement membership and 3rd in MAPD, statewide.

Education

• Morehead State University

  Bachelor of Arts, Political Science; Business Minor

  1995 — 1999

• Ohio University

  Master's of Health Adminstration (MHA)

  2013 — 2014

Skills

• Strategic Planning
• Insurance
• Healthcare
• Hmo
• Provider Relations
• Strategy
• Team Building
• Management
• Medicaid
• Business Planning
• Leadership
• Disability Insurance
• Recruiting
• Health Policy
• Term Life Insurance
• Training
• Employee Benefits
• Marketing
• Nonprofits
• Sales
• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance
• Brokers
• Managed Care
• Medicare