With nearly three decades in the group benefits industry, Tom Wilby has built his career around understanding what employers and brokers need most.
Now serving as a Humana sales representative in South Florida, Wilby leverages his background as a former broker consultant to help companies strengthen their workforce through expanded benefit options.
Humana’s group benefits — including dental, vision, life, and disability coverage — are designed to complement medical insurance by addressing specific health needs and financial risks that traditional medical plans may overlook.
“These benefits are equally important and often lead to early detection of major medical issues,” Wilby said. “A dental exam can reveal signs of heart disease or high cholesterol, while a vision exam can uncover diabetes. They’re all connected.”
Raised in Fort Lauderdale and now based in Palm Beach County, Wilby has witnessed South Florida’s rapid growth firsthand. “I remember when Fort Lauderdale had just one building on its skyline,” he recalled. “This region has always been home to me.”
For Wilby, group benefits are both professional and personal. “I grew up in this industry—it’s part of my DNA,” he said. “My own family depends on these plans, so I understand their value not only as a professional but as a consumer.”
Wilby noted that South Florida’s business environment differs from other regions. Most companies are small, service-oriented businesses with many transient and modestly compensated workers. “That makes flexibility essential,” he explained. “Employers need a mix of affordable options for lower-income employees and more robust plans for industries competing for top talent.”
As a former broker consultant, Wilby understands the broker perspective. “Medical insurance dominates the conversation because it’s the biggest expense for employers and the main source of broker revenue,” he said. “But that means brokers tend to rely on carriers they trust for group benefits. Relationships matter.”
Wilby emphasizes personal connection as a key part of success. “It’s not just about transactions. Knowing brokers on a personal level helps us create stronger partnerships and better outcomes.”
Wilby said many brokers and employers are surprised to learn how much Humana’s product portfolio has grown. “Humana reintroduced disability plans in October 2023, and many didn’t realize how comprehensive our lineup has become,” he said.
He added that Humana’s strong reputation for customer service continues to stand out. “Even from my days as a broker, Humana was known for resolving issues quickly, often on the first call. That reputation remains strong today.”
Humana’s dental PPO network ranks among the largest in South Florida, while its vision network is one of the biggest nationwide. “We’re seeing high in-network utilization, which tells us members are finding the providers they want,” Wilby said.
Wilby is optimistic about Humana’s future in the region. “I’m excited to share Humana’s story and see how the broker community’s trust in us continues to grow,” he said. “We’re here to stay, and it’s rewarding to see brokers recognize Humana as a long-term group benefits partner.”