CAHIP Broker Spotlight

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

California Broker Magazine in conversation with Dalia Sutton

1. How did your career path lead you to your current position?

   My career has always been about helping people feel more confident in their healthcare decisions. Over time, I found myself especially drawn to the Medicare space because it is such meaningful work. It is very personal and there is a real opportunity to make a difference. That path eventually led me to Anthem Blue Cross where I have the privilege of supporting brokers who do important work every day for the people they serve.

2. How did you get involved with CAHIP?

   I got involved with CAHIP because I really value being part of a community that cares about this industry and the people in it. It is a great way to stay connected, keep learning, and support the work brokers do every day. It is also important to be part of the broader conversation around our industry and how we continue to grow and serve clients well.

3. Who were your mentors along the way?

   I have been very fortunate to learn from some incredible leaders and colleagues throughout my career. They taught me a lot about listening, leading with integrity, and always keeping people at the center of the work. I think those lessons have stayed with me and really shaped how I approach both leadership and relationships in this business.

4. What are the main services and products you offer brokers and their clients?

   At Anthem Blue Cross, we work to provide brokers with strong Medicare solutions, along with the education, tools, and support they need to serve their clients well. We focus on delivering solutions that help lower the cost of care while making the experience simpler and more connected for members. For us, it is about more than just offering products. It is about being a dependable partner and helping make healthcare more affordable and easier to navigate for the people we serve. I am also proud to be part of a company that has earned strong workplace recognition, including being named a Great Place To Work Certified organization and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. I think that says a lot about the culture behind the work we do.

5. What top issues and trends do you see coming in 2026?

   As we look ahead to 2026, costs are going to remain a major focus, along with making the overall experience simpler and easier to navigate for members. There is also a growing focus on helping people engage earlier and stay on top of their health through more proactive support. The Medicare market continues to evolve and brokers will play a very important role in helping people understand their options, make informed decisions, and navigate an increasingly complex system. I also think the value of year-round support and trusted guidance will only continue to grow, including 1 million dollars dedicated to strengthening and diversifying the doula workforce.

6. What about AI? How is it a factor now, and what do you see for the next five years?

   AI is already helping in a lot of practical ways, especially when it comes to improving efficiency, communication, and support, as well as identifying needs earlier and helping guide people to the right care. It is also helping reduce administrative complexity and support more consistent experiences. Looking ahead, I think it will become an even more useful tool for helping us work smarter and serve both brokers and members more effectively. But at the end of the day, this is still a people business. Trust, relationships, and personal guidance are always going to matter.

7. What should health and life insurance professionals know if they want to get more involved with your products and services?

   I would say stay curious, keep learning, and really take the time to understand the needs of the Medicare population, including the importance of affordability and simplifying the experience for their clients. Brokers who lead with knowledge, empathy, and service are always going to stand out. I would also encourage them to attend our Anthem broker training sessions, because that is one of the best ways to learn more about our products, our approach, and the resources available to support them. I always welcome brokers to reach out to me directly to learn more about upcoming training and how we can help them grow. These sessions also help brokers better understand how we are working to make care more connected and easier to navigate.

At Anthem Blue Cross, we work to provide brokers with strong Medicare solutions, along with the education, tools, and support they need to serve their clients well.