Braden is a nationally recognized expert in the group employee benefits arena. In 2002, she founded Braden Benefit Strategies, Inc. and the company grew quickly. Braden was soon recognized by The National Association of Health Underwriters as one of the top 1% of Health Insurance Agents in the nation.
In 2023, Braden earned distinguished recognition as a Health Rosetta Associate Advisor. Health Rosetta helps public and private employers provide better care for 157 million Americans while reducing health benefits spending by 20-40%. The Advisor Program provides resources and techniques to accelerate the adoption of simple, practical, and non-partisan fixes to our healthcare system.
Braden published a book available on Amazon, The CEO’s Guide to Buying Health Insurance. Written in an easy-to-understand language, the book has been praised as an excellent resource for business owners of small to medium-sized companies.
Under Braden’s leadership, the company has added consulting services for businesses interested in the new ICHRA, ACA and/or DOL compliance, strategic financial benefit planning, and ACA employee education.
Braden has represented small businesses on Capitol Hill testifying before a House Committee in 2011 regarding the “Cost of PPACA Implementation to Small Businesses,” and in 2004, on “The Benefits of Health Savings Accounts.” The company has been a recognized leader in ACA education, working to correct the rampant misunderstanding of employer requirements, identifying potential ACA financial liability, and crafting long-term financial strategies for clients.
In 2012, Braden, together with Al Schiebel and Erica Dumpel, created GA Health Agents Agency (GHAA), a collaboration of premier employee benefit agency owners.
Braden’s knowledge, reputation, humor, and passion for small business and employee benefit planning has made her a sought-after speaker, commentator, and writer.
Prior to her entrance into the benefits arena, Braden held management positions at Johnson & Johnson, McNeil Consumer Products, Borden Foods, and the Pillsbury Company. Braden received her undergraduate degree from Western Illinois University, her CBC from the National Association of Alternative Benefit Consultants (NAABC) and ACA certification from NAHU.