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Well summer vacation’s are over, school is back in session and everyone is getting back to their daily work. It’s a time when we typically start throwing ourselves fully into our work again and re-developing that laser focus on our clients that made us the success that we are today.
In a way I love this time of year. Vacations are great and we need them, but there is something truly satisfying about being good at helping others. Any of us who have taken the time to think about what we provide and how many we protect have to be gratified in the role we play. The fact that we can make a living at it is the icing on the cake.
But I want you remember that the role you play and the people you protect are in harm’s way. There are forces at work politically that wish to eliminate what you and I do. Though they claim to be advocates of the people, the system they plan to offer has only proven effective at increasing wait times and decreasing treatment. For sure it is cheaper. Just as our insurance would be if we did not cover critical illnesses for people over age 55, as I hear Great Britain does, or charged a minimum 60% income tax, as I hear Germany does, or had people wait literally years for CT Scans or MRI’s, as I hear Canada does.
If price were the only issue, we could solve that problem right now by reducing benefits. But it is not just about price, is it? It’s about families being able to focus on their loved one, when they’re sick or injured, without once having to think about the impact it is going to have on their home or assets. It’s about being the advocate when communications between families and corporations fail. It’s about giving people what they need instead of just words.
In the coming months please know how important it is that you make just a few moments at critical times to respond to the Operation Shout requests and to contact your Senators and Congressmen. Make sure your voice is heard and, if you are not yet a member, please join 20,000 of your brothers and sisters and massively amplify your voice. |
| South Atlanta will be supporting the Freshen Up Ministry by collecting toiletry items. Any normal use toiletry items are appreciated and put to great use by this worthy organization. Collect any unused toiletry items such as shampoos, conditioners, soaps, etc at your next hotel stay! Items are collected monthly at each membership meeting. |
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM). During the month of September, LIFE is making great efforts to motivate Americans to think about their life insurance needs and to do take action to address those needs! Some highlights of LIFE's September 2008 promotional and educational activities include:
1. Advertising via main stream print and on-line mediums.
2. realLIFEstories published in Newsweek and avaialble for download and re-distribution.
3. Public Service Announcements
4. "Oh, the Excuses" Flash Video
5. Reaching out to Multicultural Markets
Take the opportunity to join in this crusade - increasing your business and value to your clients!
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The industry still indicates that HDHP's and H.S.A.'s will continue to ride the wave of the future of health insurance and healthcare. Yet, many Americans are aprehensive about jumping on board.
Undeniably, the uncertainty of the cost of healthcare and the gain of high deductibles at the loss of copays seem to be the largest barrier to gaining more acceptance.
Be on the look out...as early as 2009, financing options to lessen the 'no co-pays high deductible fear' are going to become available through means such as an Employer Sponsored Line of Credit for HDHP plans. |
And the winner is....
The lucky winner of the Ipod Shuffle at the State Convention Business Card Contest was Rudi Stryker Caruthers. Hope you enjoy, Rudi!
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How to be effective with lawmakers..*
Politics? They say that politics, among other things, make the world go round, right? If so, we are at the threshhold of having our world turned up side down! We each have a responsibility to take action to irmpove the industry in which we share such passion for!
It's critical (NOW) to make a connection with your legislators. In order to do so, you need to know how to deal with your lawmakers to help them understand, in an educated manner, the true nature of the issues we face. Nahu's Legislative Advocacy page is a great resource to help you gather facts and prepare for a meeting with a legislator (http://www.nahu.org/legislative/index.cfm). Below you will find key elements of making an effective presenation to lawmakers.
1. Know your audience. Know the legislators' and staff members' backgrounds, occupations, hometowns, interests, etc.
2. Confirm and arrive promptly. Confirm your meeting with the scheduler. Arrive promptly, but be prepared to wait.
3. Be well-prepared. Have your points and thoughts logically organized. If you get a chance, practice your point with a friend or co-worker and ask them for suggestions.
4. Make a connection. Identify yourself and describe your business operation or association membership. Help your lawmaker understand how you are qualified to speak about the matter - either because if affects you directly or because you have expertise in the area.
5. Be Brief. Keep your points reasonably concise (less than 5 minutes) and to the point. Speak in a normal manner, using everyday language (avoid industry jargon) to explain the effects of an issue on your clients and the community.
6. Staff is important. Although many may seem young and inexperienced, staff is vital to running a Congressional or legislative office. Treat them with respect, cultivate a relationship and build trust because these are the people who brief legislators.
7. Be certain of your answers. Don't attempt to answer questions if you don't have the answers or aren't sure of the facts. Offer to provide additional information after the meeting.
8. What's your ask? Conclude with a specific request. If it's your first meeting, you may not want to make a significant request, but seek a follow-up (in-district meeting, potentially with clients or a 'town hall') meeting.
9. Thank you and follow-up. Send a handwritten thank you that repeats your main points and restates your ask. Follow up with promised information; be sure to do so as soon as possible. This will add to your credibility.
*Excerpts taken from and with permission from Humana.
We have found a few great resources that should help you with your business...
Check out this free guide to Long Term Care Insurance: http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/health/ltc/guide.htm
www.lifehappens.org is a great resource for promotional and educational materials that support September's Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM).
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| According to a study by Bests Review, 2006, two-thirds of employees would trade a vacation day for eye care benefits! What's more, regular eye exams are a basic component of wellness. Regular eye exams can lead to early detection of diseases including glaucoma, diabetes and cancer. Early detection leads to lower claims exposure and utilization. |
Local Chapter Meeting Schedules:
South Atlanta........September 18th....visit www.saahu.com for more details.
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