100 Most Influential People in Healthcare - 2024

Smith has led the insurer, which serves 23 million people through its range of benefit offerings, since 2020. Over the past year, he has spearheaded several initiatives to push the company’s growth while preserving member satisfaction and boosting access to care. For instance, HCSC has implemented quality and cost metrics to make the physician-selection process more seamless; invested in a behavioral health platform; and rolled out prior authorization technology. It also announced in January it planned to acquire Cigna’s Medicare and Care Allies businesses, representing a 4 million increase in members. Smith, who serves on several boards, additionally launched an initiative in Texas to expand the supply of doulas and community health workers in underserved areas, with plans to grow in Illinois and New Mexico.