March 2026 Communiqué
March 2026 Communiqué
Engaging With the Executive Andy Dare, Assistant Vice President and Senior Actuary, Supporting Large Group
Each issue of Communiqué will highlight an executive in one of our lines of business. We hope you will get to know the executives a little better, both professionally and personally.
This month, we introduce you to Andy Dare. He is an assistant vice president and senior actuary, supporting Large Group. He has been with the company for just over a year.
Tell us about your first job.
One of my first jobs was mowing grass in the neighborhood. I started around 12 years old. My parents loaned me money for my first mower and trimmer, and I started knocking on doors within a few blocks of my home. I built up a small but loyal batch of customers that I maintained throughout high school. The experience taught me the value of paying off debts, treating customers well, and taking responsibility for my work.
Describe some of your hobbies or interests outside of work.
My wife and I have two sons who are now 20 and 18. We always enjoyed traveling together. Both of our sons were in Scouts, which took us on adventures exploring the outdoors and camping.
Beyond this, I have always enjoyed being outdoors and particularly taking in nature on two wheels. I have completed several longer bicycle trips, including four trips across Iowa in RAGBRAI, the largest organized bicycle ride in the world, where I recently rode with my two sons and two nephews across the state. I also rode from Texas to Alaska in the summer of 2004 with a group called Texas 4000 for Cancer. I love mountain biking, too. I try to fit in some sort of bike ride most days before work.
In recent years, I have also taken up motorcycling. Last summer, I rode with a few friends from Ohio to Nova Scotia. My bucket list now includes a ride up to Deadhorse, Alaska, and down to Ushuaia, Argentina.What’s your favorite food? If it’s from a restaurant, which one?
I like most types of food, including power bowls here at work, but Indian is a consistent favorite. When my wife and I lived in Austin, Texas, we would frequently eat at a restaurant called Clay Pit with classmates. Delicious!
What’s your favorite movie, and why?
A few of my favorites are “Life Is Beautiful,” “Schindler’s List” and “Shawshank Redemption.” In “Life Is Beautiful,” the backdrop is bleak, situated in German-occupied Poland during World War II. But the father loves his wife and son so much that he works in unusual and unorthodox ways to help them both survive in a prison camp. I appreciate how the movie portrays love, resilience and optimism amidst extreme hardship.
What’s your favorite book, and why?
One of my favorite series is “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis. Lewis illustrates profound truths through storytelling. I love that he used his ability to write not only nonfiction and books for adults, but children’s books as well.
Tell us about your favorite sports team.
I’m still acclimating to South Carolina and the teams here, but I grew up with an irrational love for bicycling. I still remember fondly the U.S. Postal Service cycling team that won the Tour de France with Lance Armstrong at the helm. Lance now has an arguably checkered past, as do many in cycling due to doping scandals, but U.S. Postal takes me back to what seemed a more idyllic time.
Describe one or more of your pet peeves.
I don’t like pharmacy companies advertising directly to consumers. As an actuary, I have seen pharmacy cost trends over time and am keenly aware of the impact of this advertising to our customers’ premiums. The U.S. is one of only two industrialized countries — New Zealand is the other — that allow this direct advertising. One of the games we play at our house when we see any pharmacy commercial is “Guess the Cost!” Hint: The cost is high.
Based on your experience, what are three keys to success for employees early in their career?
- Never stop learning. Keep a keen interest in learning new skills, perspectives and ideas. Take advantage of the opportunities in front of you.
- Endeavor to operate above your pay grade. We owe it to the company to work diligently and be good stewards of the abilities we have. We also owe it to our future selves to build upon our capabilities.
- Find a mentor who believes in you and is willing to pour into you, both professionally and personally. We often don’t see our blind spots and can benefit from other perspectives. As the old saying goes, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Whom do you admire most, and why?
One of the people I most admire is Elbert McGowan. He pastors a church in Jackson, Mississippi, where we used to live. Few are the people who can challenge others to embrace a higher standard without angering or putting off. Elbert threads this needle, leading a multicultural church and loving his community dearly. He is a great role model.
Tell us about your greatest achievement.
One of the achievements I am grateful for is taking part in the inaugural Texas 4000 for Cancer bike ride from Texas to Alaska in the summer of 2004. I joined a group of 40 other students from the University of Texas at Austin to ride more than 4,000 miles to raise funds for cancer research. Now, the group is well established, but in 2004, the route was unridden. Frankly, just two days before our departure on June 1, 2004, I wasn’t sure we were even going to pedal away! Long was the list of issues and short were the hours before we left for our 70-day journey to Anchorage … on bicycles. Little did we know then what hardships awaited us en route, from Colorado’s freezing drizzle, Texas’ heat and Kansas’ winds to Yukon’s isolation and Alaska’s mosquitos. We overcame these and more hurdles through teamwork, tenacity and optimism
All of this was made possible on the home front through my loving wife, Gretchen, who has been my teammate for more than 25 years. She encouraged me all those years ago to take the summer and fulfill a lifelong dream of riding across the country.
National Wear Red Day at BlueCross
Friday, Feb. 6, was National Wear Red Day®. This yearly event helps to raise awareness about heart disease and its prevention in women. Heart disease is still the No. 1 cause of death for women in the U.S. It is responsible for 1 in 3 deaths among women every year. If you’ve had a heart attack, check out five ways to prevent another one*.
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina partnered with the American Heart Association® and asked our employees to take part in National Wear Red Day. This event unites millions of people each year for one goal: saving more women’s lives. The response was positive. Many employees wore red to show their support.
The BlueCross social media team asked employees to snap a picture wearing their favorite red outfits. Take a look at some of the great photos!
*This link leads to a third-party website. The American Heart Association is responsible for the content and privacy policy on its site.
Doing Good Works: Sign Up for Doing Good Works Day
Mark your calendars. Doing Good Works Day returns on Saturday, April 25.
Join us from 9 a.m. – noon to give back and strengthen our communities.
This year, we’re working with more than 20 nonprofits to offer a range of volunteer projects to match your passions — whether you enjoy working outdoors, supporting youth, helping animals, assisting seniors or contributing to community development.
Registration is now open, and it’s easier than ever. Sign up here. For more information, contact Community.Relations@bcbssc.com.
Thank you for helping us continue doing good works.
From the Blue Cross Blog: How Integrated Benefits Help With Pharmacy Costs
Employer groups can find greater value through integrated pharmacy benefits. Combining health and pharmacy benefits has many advantages for businesses and their members. Our expert shares why this makes it easier for everyone.
Read more here.
Tips for Women’s Health
With the right knowledge, you can stay healthy and keep growing through all life’s seasons.
Pregnancy
If you are thinking of having a child, be sure to talk with your health care provider about your plans. He or she can offer you advice based on your history and current health.
When you become pregnant, your doctor can help you stay on track. Be sure to attend all your prenatal checkups, follow-up visits and screenings.
To stay healthy before you conceive and while you are pregnant, you should:
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats.
- Make sure you get enough folic acid, iron and vitamin A to support fetal development.
- Stay active with exercises approved by your doctor.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
Be sure to work with your doctor to make a plan tailored to your needs.
Menopause
Most women go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. During menopause, you have an increased risk of heart disease and other health problems. Your doctor can work with you to manage your symptoms and risks.
Self-care is vital during this time. Be sure you:
- Stay active. Routine exercise can control weight and improve your mood.
- Eat healthy foods. A good diet can help with your symptoms.
- Manage stress. Hobbies and a healthy social life can lower your stress levels.
These tips can help you take care of yourself and get the most out of life.
Breast Cancer
It is never too early to talk to your doctor about breast cancer. Screening for breast cancer is vital. Screening cannot prevent breast cancer. But it can catch the disease early, while it’s easier to cure. In fact, 99 percent of women survive breast cancer if it’s found in Stage 1.
Most women will need a mammogram every one to two years, starting at age 40. The exact frequency and type of screening may vary based on your personal risk factors. It should be agreed upon based on shared decision-making between you and your doctor.
Talk to your doctor to learn more.
No matter where you are on your journey, you have the power to keep growing boldly.