About Us
BenZen was built on a simple premise: understanding health insurance shouldn’t be so hard.
Founded by Ted McNeil, BenZen serves the individuals, families, and small business owners who need a guide.
The Founder
As a husband and father, I’ve learned — and am still learning — the value of patience, compassion, clear communication, and gratitude.
Be quick to listen, and slow to speak. Words matter.
I apply these principles in everything I do — personally and professionally.
My Background
I spent the early part of my career in financial services, managing retirement plans and employee benefits. Then 2020 changed my perspective completely.
Right as the pandemic hit and we were all locked in our homes, my younger brother began losing his sight to complications from Type 2 diabetes.
Trying to navigate an already complex healthcare system for him during one of the most isolating periods in modern history changed me.
I threw myself into research and writing—digging into health insurance, diabetes medications, provider networks, and trying to make sense of what “prior authorization” was all about.
The more I learned, the harder it became to look away.
That’s when I realized I wanted to help people navigate one of the most confusing and important decisions they’ll make.
Purpose Driven
Ultimately, I lost both my father and brother to diabetes.
Experiencing firsthand how hard it was to find the right doctors and real help when we needed it—gave me purpose. It reshaped how I view healthcare, advocacy, and the importance of having someone on your side.
No family should have to navigate that alone in this modern world.
We are committed to supporting the diabetes community — through education, advocacy, and giving back.
This fight is personal on every level. Over 100 million Americans currently live with prediabetes. At one point, I was one of them.
But by working closely with my doctors and making significant lifestyle changes, I was able to reverse it.
“The most affordable plan isn’t always the right plan — especially when you’re managing diabetes.
Insurance isn’t just another bill you pay every month. It’s financial protection.
But to find what’s actually covered in the policy—and what’s not—you might have to search through hundreds of pages of fine print.
For years, I kept thinking, “There has to be a better way.”
The Mindset
BenZen wasn’t born because I have all the answers—it exists because I’m a naturally curious person.
I ask questions. I keep learning. When I discover something that can help someone, I share it.
Health insurance changes. Laws evolve, and people’s lives change. My goal isn’t to know everything—it’s to never stop learning, and to make what I learn useful for other people.
Quality Time
For my serenity, life revolves around family, sports, music, cooking, writing and faith.
There’s usually a football, basketball, or baseball game on in the background, alongside soccer or swim practice for my son.
Music is my therapy—jazz, 90s, classic rock, R&B, and a little country. I also play drums when no one is home.
When there’s no time for golf, fishing, or being outdoors, I’m in the kitchen planning our next meal.
I’m at my best when I pray, spend time with loved ones, help others, and count my blessings.
Best of health.
Ted McNeil
Founder & Principal Broker
BenZen Insurance®