Allison De Paoli

Redefining Health Benefits:

Allison’s Passion-Driven Journey

In the evolving world of healthcare—where costs are skyrocketing, regulations are multiplying, and the system feels more confusing day by day, there are people who refuse to accept the status quo. Allison De Paoli from Altiqe is one of them. Her story isn’t just about navigating the complexities of employee benefits; it’s about a lifelong mission to make healthcare better for everyone.

A Legacy of Employee Benefits

Allison’s journey began in South Florida, where her parents ran a boutique employee benefits consulting firm. Back in the late 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, they specialized in self-funded plans, helping employers design healthcare solutions tailored to their unique needs. Growing up in this environment, Allison got a front-row seat to the inner workings of the healthcare system. She saw how self-funded plans offered flexibility and control, allowing employers to create benefits that truly served their employees.



As Allison grew older, she began to notice the cracks in the system. The healthcare landscape was shifting, and not always for the better. Determined to make a difference, she moved to Texas and stepped into the employee benefits space herself. Armed with firsthand experience and a commitment to bettering the system, Allison set out to address the challenges she had witnessed, striving to create meaningful change for employers and their employees.

The Changing Face of Healthcare

Allison recalls a time when self-funded plans were simple and easy to understand. Employers had more freedom to create plans that suited their employees, and costs were easier to manage. But as time went on, the system got more complicated. High-cost specialty drugs came into the market, regulations increased, and more middlemen got involved—each taking a cut and pushing costs higher.

“It felt like there were more hands in the pot than ever before,” Allison explains. “The system was becoming harder to navigate, and employers were struggling to keep up.”

This complexity affected not just big corporations but smaller employers too. Allison noticed that smaller businesses, with fewer resources and less bargaining power, were especially hard-hit. The challenges they faced were unique, and the solutions that worked for larger companies often didn't work for smaller ones.

A Mission to Fix the System

Frustrated by the problems she saw, Allison decided to take action. She knew the best way to fix the system was by working directly with employers. By helping them understand their options and use smarter strategies, she believed she could make a real impact.

One of the first steps she focused on was controlling costs. For self-funded employers, this meant being proactive. Allison outlined several effective strategies:

• Auditing Claims: Regularly checking claims data for errors, overcharges, or waste.
  
  
• Using a Fiduciary PBM: Partnering with a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) that works in the employer’s best interest, passing along all rebates and discounts.
  
  
• Implementing Targeted Solutions: Addressing specific health issues, like diabetes, with tailored programs that improve outcomes and reduce costs.
  
  
• Directing Employees to Appropriate Care: Encouraging the use of cost-effective care options, such as urgent care clinics instead of emergency rooms, when appropriate.

These strategies, while simple in concept, require a deep understanding of the healthcare system and a commitment to prioritizing employers and their employees. For Allison, this is where the real work begins.

The Challenges of Small Employers

While larger employers have the resources to implement various strategies, smaller employers face different challenges. Allison notes that the average small employer might have just 19 employees, making it hard to achieve the same cost savings that larger groups enjoy.

“For smaller employers, every dollar counts,” she says. “They can’t afford to experiment with expensive technology or complex solutions. They need practical, cost-effective strategies that provide real value.”

This is where Allison’s expertise comes in. She knows that one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work in healthcare. Instead, she promotes a customized approach that considers the unique needs and constraints of each employer.

Advice for the Next Generation

For those just starting out in the employee benefits field, Allison offers some wise advice:

“Decide on your target market and focus on it. You can't be everything to all employers. Find the group you are passionate about serving and become an expert in their needs."

She also highlights the importance of building relationships and understanding the priorities of the employers you work with. 

“At the end of the day, this is about people,” she says. “It’s about helping employers provide the best possible care for their employees while keeping costs manageable.”

To expand on this, Allison advises newcomers to stay updated on industry trends and regulations, as the employee benefits landscape is always changing. Networking and continuous learning are key to staying relevant and effective in this field. Remember, your goal is to support employers in creating benefits that truly serve their employees, all while keeping expenses in check.

A Vision for the Future

Her story is about passion, perseverance, and purpose. She’s not just navigating the healthcare system; she’s working to make it better. Her journey shows us that even in complex and often frustrating times, there are chances to make a difference.

As the healthcare landscape continues to change, Allison stays committed to her mission. She believes that by giving employers the knowledge and tools they need, we can create a system that works for everyone—not just a select few.



In a world where healthcare can feel overwhelming, Allison’s story brings hope. It’s a reminder that with dedication, creativity, and a willingness to challenge the norm, we can build a better future for everyone.

Making a Difference

Allison's journey shows that in a complex healthcare system, dedicated people can make a real impact. Whether it's helping a cancer patient get their medication on time or saving employees money on their family coverage, every success matters. As she says, "It's not just about cutting costs—it's about building a healthcare system that truly works for people."

Her dedication and compassion drive her to meet the unique needs of every person she helps. She works tirelessly to reduce wait times, advocate for patients' rights, and ensure everyone gets the care they need. Allison's story is a reminder that with passion and commitment, we can create a healthcare system that serves everyone's needs.

This article is part of Healthcompiler’s Apex magazine, where we delve into conversations with pioneering industry leaders who are transforming healthcare with their innovative solutions and compassionate care. Join us in creating a healthcare system that prioritizes compassion and innovation.