From Science to Service: How Christina DeGregory’s Academic Background Helps Her In Health Care

In this episode of the ROCC Pod, we sit down with Christina DeGregory, an independent insurance broker with Health Markets, to talk through her journey from a biology major (!) to health insurance and how she’s using her science background to educate and empower clients. Christina shares that she holds a master’s in biological sciences and once worked as a teaching assistant in cell biology and microbiology. That experience, she explains, helped shape her ability to explain complex topics—like health insurance—in clear, simple terms. She’s now channeling that same teaching energy into her role as a broker, with a personal motto: “Insurance is hard, let me make it easier for you.”

We talk through how she transitioned out of academia and into insurance after facing a stagnant job market post-grad school. What drew her to this career was the opportunity to connect with people, educate them, and help them understand their options. As an independent broker, Christina runs her own business under the Health Markets umbrella, helping individuals find coverage through the Affordable Care Act. She explains open enrollment, special enrollment periods, and how certain life events can trigger eligibility to enroll outside the standard window.

We also touch on the most common challenges her clients face, such as confusion around deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Christina emphasizes her goal of making sure clients truly understand their coverage, payments, and what to expect in case of hospitalization or routine care. She works primarily with people who aren’t eligible for employer-sponsored insurance—1099 workers, part-time employees, or those in between jobs—and particularly helps those in lower-income brackets who may qualify for subsidized or even $0 monthly premium plans.

Christina also works with supplemental insurance like dental, vision, and indemnity plans that offer payouts for accidents, illnesses, or hospital stays. She outlines how these offerings can protect against crushing medical debt, especially for vulnerable populations. Soon, she’ll also be licensed in Medicare to help retirees navigate yet another complicated health care system.

Outside of work, Christina’s passionate about music and community. A long-time fan of Detroit’s EDM scene, she talks about attending Movement and Electric Forest every year. We also learn about her positive experience joining the Royal Oak Chamber and her love for being involved in local networking events.

Throughout the episode, it’s clear Christina brings not only technical knowledge to her work but also empathy, patience, and a genuine passion for helping people navigate the confusing world of health insurance.

Call Christina: 248-981-3610

Visit her website: https://www.healthmarkets.com/local-health-insurance-agent/cdegregory/

Or find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina_degregory/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/

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