#SETSEGStaff – Isaac Updike
For Michigan public schools, staying compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can be complex and challenging. ACA tracking and reporting require careful monitoring of employee hours, benefits eligibility, and adherence to federal healthcare mandates. Public schools, with their large and diverse workforces — often including part-time staff — face the added difficulty of ensuring accurate reporting to avoid costly penalties while also offering affordable healthcare to eligible employees.
That’s where SET SEG’s ACA Tracking & Reporting team steps in. Meet Isaac Updike, our ACA Data Analyst, who plays a pivotal role in helping our member districts navigate these challenges and maintain ACA compliance.
Q&A: Isaac Updike
Q: What is your role at SET SEG?
I oversee or maintain our ACA software. Essentially, I make sure the lights stay on – fixing bugs, providing analytical resources to our team, and also monitoring compliance among our membership.
Q: What do you like about your job?
What I love most about my job is the people and the culture here at SET SEG. It’s a genuinely friendly and collaborative environment where everyone’s ideas are welcome, and teamwork is a big part of what we do. It makes the workplace enjoyable, and I’ve built some great relationships along the way. We’ve had a lot of fun get-togethers, and many of my coworkers have become lifelong friends.
What sets SET SEG apart is that the culture isn’t just a buzzword – it’s something that’s truly lived every day. Leadership is approachable and always open to hearing ideas, and from day one, I’ve felt like my voice is valued.
On top of that, the mission here is something I’m proud to be part of. Having come from a large corporate insurance environment, the focus there was on profit. Here, we’re focused on serving public schools, which is close to my heart as a public school graduate. It’s rewarding to know that the work we do makes a real difference.
Q: What does working at SET SEG mean to you?
Working at SET SEG means a lot to me for two reasons. Professionally, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the work I do makes a real difference. I have no ethical concerns about the work we do here – we’re genuinely helping public schools. When a school comes to us facing a fine for compliance, and we’re able to negotiate it down or put a strategy in place to prevent future issues, it’s rewarding to see the positive impact we have.
And personally, it provides a sense of security. The benefits package here gives me peace of mind, allowing me to focus on what matters most without the worries that many people face. I can take time off to visit my family out of state and have access to affordable healthcare.
Q: How do you feel like you make an impact through SET SEG?
The impact I make at SET SEG goes beyond just helping schools avoid fines. We work closely with districts to create benefit plans that not only meet their employees’ needs but also comply with the law. What I do is take the burden off school leadership by using my expertise to manage these complex tasks.
This allows business managers and superintendents to focus on what truly matters – educating students and supporting staff – while we handle the behind-the-scenes work to ensure everything runs smoothly. It’s rewarding to know that our support makes their jobs easier.
Q: What do you wish others knew about SET SEG’s ACA Tracking & Reporting service?
What I wish more people knew about SET SEG’s ACA Tracking & Reporting service is that we’re not just a software tool – we’re also a trusted advisor on ACA compliance. While our tools are great for generating reports, we offer so much more. We provide personalized resources and work closely with our members to ensure they understand their obligations and stay compliant. We want schools to know we’re here to help them navigate these complex requirements.
For non-members, it’s important to understand that ACA enforcement can be tricky. It’s surprisingly easy to fall out of compliance without realizing it, and some districts may not even know there’s an issue until they receive a fine years later. Whether you work with us or another benefits advisor, it’s crucial to check in and ensure you’re following the right procedures to avoid unexpected penalties.