ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Digital Insurance (www.digitalinsurance.com), the nation's largest employee benefits-only agency, has entered into a partnership with Health Plans Online in Los Angeles, establishing the company’s first Digital Benefit Advisors’ office on the West Coast. Founder and President Gary Whiddon, CFP, and key staff members will continue to provide service to clients from the Westlake Village, Calif., location under the banner of Digital Benefit Advisors/Los Angeles, a division of Digital Insurance.
“Gary’s industry expertise and case load complement Digital’s business model, while our company’s resources will help expand and enhance service to his clients,” says Mike Sullivan, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Digital Insurance. In addition, “Health Plans Online has a significant contingent of small employers who will benefit from our Small Business Express platform, which is specifically designed to address their unique and growing needs.”
Digital Benefit Advisors (DBA) combines the commitment of experienced, local market advisors with the sophisticated technology and innovative resources of a respected national company. Employers receive access to a broader variety of carriers, dynamic tools, proprietary products and the ability to effectively navigate the complexities of health care reform.
“Because of the massive changes mandated by federal legislation, brokers like us can provide advantages to our clients by aligning with a larger firm like Digital to enhance our capabilities and market position,” Whiddon explains. “We considered more than half a dozen other partnerships and determined that Digital’s strengths clearly deliver the future we seek for ourselves and for the employers who trust us.”
“Our firm has a stronghold in the Ventura County area and is now in a position to further penetrate the Los Angeles market,” says Whiddon. “At a time when many in our industry are scrambling to prepare for what comes next, we are poised for growth.”
Health Plans Online also operates as Westlake Employee Benefits. Both entities are included in the Digital partnership. The firm was founded by insurance veteran Whiddon in 1983, originally operating as Whiddon Insurance Services. The names evolved as the agency expanded its reach throughout California and later though online services into other states.
About Digital Insurance
Digital Insurance (www.digitalinsurance.com), the nation's largest employee benefits-only agency, delivers unmatched capabilities and a progressive approach to a marketplace demanding evolution. An unparalleled technology platform transforms the benefits experience, amplifies operational efficiencies and enriches communications to simplify the health care journey. The company's scale, leadership and resources create distinct opportunities for industry innovation. With an adaptive culture that embraces change, the privately held firm is positioned for enduring success.