Meet Gina Hargrove

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gina Hargrove and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gina, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Health Insurance Consulting & Advocacy LLC was formed to help eliminate the cultural biases and disparities in healthcare based on race, socioeconomic difference, and insurance. My passion led me to advocate for individuals while sharing knowledge, resources, and understanding when accessing medical care with or without medical health insurance. We teach people the value of understanding their health insurance benefits while understanding that it is not another box to check during open enrollment. Our vision is to eliminate the large number of individuals who forego medical care due to healthcare costs, lack of access, or lack of knowledge. To build consumer awareness regarding healthcare by removing stereotypes and misinformation and providing an understanding of their rights and benefits. HICAG will bridge the gap from enrollment to empowerment, one consumer at a time. We are committed to promoting a culture of informed and knowledgeable healthcare consumers. By redesigning the way consumers view their health insurance and resources, we will be one of the guiding principles for sound health insurance information and resources. We will connect individuals to knowledge and information, educate individuals with resources and access, and provide individuals with a fundamental understanding of health care benefits.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the age of eight, I wanted to be an attorney in the inner city of Chicago to help individuals understand the information being provided and the available resources. My career started with being a caretaker for my mother very early in life, followed by my grandfather, aunt, and a host of family and friends. My advocacy started when my mother, diagnosed with cancer, was treated differently because of the color of her skin. I watched how people were treated and vowed to make a difference. I am a strategic entrepreneur and business professional with twenty-plus years of healthcare billing and revenue cycle experience. I enthusiastically advocate for the underinsured and uninsured consumer, providing resources for reduced or free medical care and prescriptions. I provide health insurance knowledge and understanding while educating individuals on navigating their benefits. I am an effective manager of people and processes with an understanding of the laws and regulations. I am an objective consulting partner and advocate, different from the competitor hired by the insurance company or hospital, which dictates the outcomes, opening opportunities for hidden agendas. Fast forward to obtaining three degrees (a Bachelor of Administration in International Business from American Intercontinental University, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy University, and a Juris Master in Health Care Law from Emory School of Law). This a significant accomplishment to complete a dream from the age of eight and for someone told by a local college some years ago that I was a “statistic” and might want to rethink my desire to be a CEO because I was of color and a woman and the other naysayers of my past.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of experiences—legal, business, and healthcare—along with my personal commitment to advocating for individuals, not as a corporate representative but as a partner focused on people’s needs, sets you apart. You’re dedicated to offering clear, unbiased, and accessible guidance, rather than working with hidden agendas.

I am most proud and excited about my educational accomplishments (earning three degrees) and overcoming adversity, especially in a world that initially doubted my potential. I am also excited about launching my podcast, 4URHealth, and using it to empower others and help them grow spiritually, mentally, and physically. I’ve created my first Gratitude Journal, which will be available for purchase very soon, and a book is in the works.

Hard work and humility allowed me to work my way up from various positions within the healthcare arena, where I found my passion in the Patient Access and Revenue positions. With over 25 years of experience in entry-level positions and working my way up to management and leadership positions within the healthcare revenue industry, exhibiting tenacity, perseverance, and patience for the journey. The path wasn’t easy, as you faced doubts and challenges, such as being told by a college that you were “just another statistic” because of your race and gender. However, you didn’t let those challenges stop you. Instead, they fueled your determination.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A definite would be breakfast at Thumb’s Up Diner in East Point for a Yukon Omelet, lunch at Studio Cafe in Peachtree City, a visit to see the animals at the Georgia Safari Conversation Park, and, weather permitting, a beautiful view of the waterfalls and a walk on the trails at Roswell Mill. We would squeeze in the Georgia Aquarium and dinner at 101 Steakhouse.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I thank God for my life, favor, and many blessings that allow me to be here today. I recognize my Pastors, Joel and Patricia Gregory (Linked UP Church), for their continued prayers, teachings, and transparency; their covering and support have been pivotal. I thank my parents; although they passed away early in my life, they instilled an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. I recall selling Stuart McGuire clothing and shoes and cleaning chitterlings for $10 a bucket at an early age, with my dad being my number one customer. I am the youngest of four siblings, and think about my brother “Chaz,” who has been one of my biggest cheerleaders. He combed my hair as a little girl and taught me to tie my shoes and to drive. His faith in me encouraged me to step outside the box. I am thankful for my family and friends who encouraged me and became a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a steady voice when I needed to tighten up. I am humbled by the opportunity to volunteer with the Linked UP Church’s Media Production Team and Virtuous Women Life Academy.

LEAD Technologies Inc. V1.01   

Website: https://hicagllc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/info_hicagllc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hicagllc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HICAGLLC/