Press Releases

A Time to Change

Lessons Learned at NAHU Capital Conference 2011

Having just returned from the NAHU 21^st Annual Capitol Conference inWashingtonDC, I wanted to share a recap of the powerful speeches and interesting discussions.  But before diving into such specifics, I think I would share an outline of a magazine advertisement I read in my favorite fashion magazine on my plane ride home.

I suspect I am not alone in sharing the profound need to escape in extra curricular activities after a heavy work week.  For me, the solitude of a thick fashion magazine was just the ticket for the plane.

In the pages of my magazine, I read an advertisement that stated although the internet is booming and electronic devices were abundant places to capture readership, the magazine industry is experiencing a rise in readership over the past five years.  Even with the digital media age, the appeal of magazines is growing.  Ben Hassett for Conde Nast sited the example that since the 12 year life of Google, readership actually increased by 11 percent.

He went on to state “what it proves, once again, is that a new medium doesn’t necessarily displace an existing one.  Just as movies didn’t kill radio.  Just as TV didn’t kill movies.  An established medium can continue to flourish so long as it continues to offer a unique experience.”

So there it is.  A profound and perfect prelude to use, remember and grasp as our industry quickly changes the way people access, use and think about healthcare.  Chin up I say.  The role of the established agent can and will continue just differently.  It is time to stop the crisis thought and design the unique business plan to take control of your business. 

As health care reform hits home (the catchy sub-title of our conference material) it is up to you to continue to be engaged by asking your clients for feedback on the impact of these reform law changes to their business.  The real world examples from each business owner and employee will grab the attention of Congress. 

There are several key elements you can ask them to comment.  One is the value and inclusion of agents & brokers.  Ask them to comment how you help them not only place and review insurance products but how you consistently help them resolve billing issues, claim discrepancies and explain covered benefits.  Use a real world example. 

Second, employers cannot afford to maintain benefits that increase the degree of administration compliance that inhibits the job growth.  Specifically, action needs to be taken on the 1099 provisions and Section 105(h) requirements.  The reporting requirement for the new 1099 reporting is an added burden on business costs as it will use more resources to implement.    We need our economy to stimulate new jobs.  Those resources will continue to take away from funds that could have been used for company growth and investment.

Businesses will be required to pay for costly testing and significant changes to their benefit offering if the 105(h) non discrimination testing rules remain without amendment.  We ask that employers be allowed to offer multiple plans without penalty, simplify the test by testing the participation of all eligible at the beginning of the year and not just those enrolled at end of the plan year.  In addition, a clear definition on how frequently the non-discrimination test must occur is required. 

The best message to get to Congress is by way of email and from a constituent.  Work with your clients.  Find out who their representative may be and help them draft a note to send.  These everyday real world examples make a difference. 

Now it is your turn.  Go make a difference.  Help your client.  Be unique. 

Jodie E. Braner

AAHU/GAHU Media Chairman

AAHU Immediate Past President