Today we’d like to introduce you to Reggie Johnson.
Hi Reggie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been doing community work for most of my life. I started being a campaigner: holding signs at the polls on election day… From there, I went through the DeKalb Neighborhood Leadership Institute and then did work with the South Candler Neighborhood Advocates. I also did Breast Cancer Outreach for Emory and Grady, I came to CareSource pretty much by accident, but I’m glad it happened. I always say CareSource is my job, but community service is my passion, and I absolutely LOVE working for a company that allows me to continue working to make the community a better place.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was taught that the road with no obstacles doesn’t lead anywhere. I feel that one of the things that makes me so good at my job is that I’ve been through many of the things that the people we serve have. I’ve had many setbacks, restarts, career changes, and failed relationships. I’ve struggled with insecurity, laziness, immaturity and integrity, but I knew I couldn’t afford to dwell on that. One thing I learned in the two years I attended Clark Atlanta University was the motto: I’ll Find a Way or make one. I knew that as a black man who’s also a father, I carried an extra burden. Not having a father to pattern myself after, I had to learn many lessons the hard way. Fortunately, I didn’t any catastrophic mistakes and I was able to learn from my missteps and that helped me be there for my children in a way my father couldn’t be there for me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I do Community Marketing for CareSource. We are a non-profit health insurance company that serves the low-income population. My main area of focus is the Medicaid/PeachCare for Kids members. When members choose CareSource, not only do they get complete medical, dental and vision care, they also get access to benefits that address the Social Determinants of Health. We provide access to life coaches who assist with resume and locating job training, job connect, rewards programs, Free family memberships to the YMCA and access to a free bank account.
As a Marketing rep, I work with community organizations and other entities to promote the CareSource name.
I’m most proud of the fact that I have been able to get CareSource to focus more on Men’s health and the impact a father can have on the overall health of the child: whether he’s in the home or not.
I don’t feel anything sets me apart: I’m just a person who cares.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Health Insurance is a tricky field. There are so many layers that I can’t begin to unravel all that here. I can only say that I hope more people get access to quality, AFFORDABLE health care. I think that there’s been a great improvement in overall health in states that have expanded medicaid eligibility, and hopefully Georgia follows suit. Until then, I foresee the industry moving more towards prevention and mental health rather than diagnosing and prescribing.
Contact Info:
- Email: reginald.johnson@caresource.com
- Website: www.caresource.com/ga
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/caresourceGA
