Q&A With Erin Stucky

Posted November 1, 2023

Q: What do you consider your organization’s most significant achievement or highlight over the past year?

A: Blue KC was honored to be ranked #1 in Member Satisfaction among Commercial Health Plans in the Heartland Region. While industry averages have declined in many regions since 2022, Blue KC’s score increased by 17 points, highlighting our continued focus on prioritizing our members.

Q: What do you see as the odds of a recession between now and the end of 2024?

A: Instead of speculating on the odds of a recession in the near future, I’d rather focus on how the Kansas City community comes together in trying times to ensure that everyone in our community is cared for. I have no doubt that whatever the next few years bring, we will face those challenges collectively with compassion and integrity.

Q: What do you believe is the Next Big Thing we should pursue in the KC region?

A: I would like to see the Kansas City region work toward destigmatizing behavioral health conversations and care. One in six youth, between the ages of 6 and 17, experiences a mental health disorder every year with suicide being the second leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 14. One in five U.S. adults was diagnosed with a mental health condition in 2021 but less than half received any treatment. That number does not include those with rising risks—those who are struggling and experiencing some symptoms of a behavioral health condition but may not yet meet the criteria for diagnosis.

Mental health affects all of us: it affects how we think, how we feel, and how we act. It impacts our ability to do our jobs or go to school. It affects our relationships and our overall health and well-being. As a community, we can and should be addressing the stigma around discussing and seeking help for behavioral health issues. We need to promote behavioral health awareness, coverage, and solutions, and Blue KC recognizes this and is working to address it.

Q: Did you have a key mentor on your way to leadership? If so, who was it and what’s the most important thing you learned from him or her?

A: I don’t think it will come as any surprise when I say Danette Wilson, retired Blue KC President and CEO, was my long-time mentor. I learned so much from working closely with her for more than 20 years. One of the many lessons I learned from Danette and use daily is the importance of building and maintaining relationships. 

Q: If you could start a charity, what would the mission be?

A: I believe we cannot underestimate the importance of access to behavioral health services. I would start a charity focused on destigmatizing conversations around behavioral health and facilitating access to behavioral health services

Q: What’s your current employee headcount?

A: 1,470

Q: Over the coming year, do you plan to add/reduce staff or hold at current levels?

A: Blue KC continuously evaluates our staffing needs to ensure we have the right people in the right positions to enable us to serve our members and partners to the best of our abilities.