Healthcare Happy Hour

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, sponsored by RxBenefits, host David Saltzman discusses the recent decision by Centene Corporation, through its subsidiary WellCare, to stop paying commissions to agents and brokers for enrolling Medicare beneficiaries in standalone Part D drug plans. Nicole LePetri, director of public policy & advocacy at NABIP, explains the implications of this decision for agents, brokers, and consumers, and discusses NABIP's advocacy efforts in response to these changes. The conversation also touches on the future outlook for NABIP members and the importance of feedback from agents and beneficiaries.

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, sponsored by RxBenefits, host David Saltzman speaks with John Jasinski, senior vice president at CalSurance, about the complexities of Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, particularly in the context of the evolving landscape of self-funded plans. They discuss the various risks associated with professional liability, the importance of effective communication and documentation, and strategies for advisors to protect themselves from potential claims. The conversation also touches on compliance issues and the tailored coverage options available for different types of professionals in the insurance industry.

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman interviews NABIP PAC Chair Joshua Haberman to discuss the importance of political action committees (PACs) in the health insurance industry. Haberman shares his journey into the insurance business and his involvement with NABIP. They explain what a PAC is and how NABIP PAC works to support legislative priorities related to access and affordability in healthcare. They also discuss the role of PACs in building relationships with elected representatives and the impact of PAC contributions on policy outcomes.

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman speaks with Andy Bonner, co-founder, president and CEO of Healthcare2U, about his personal journey into the healthcare industry after a misdiagnosis led to a cancer diagnosis. Andy discusses the creation of Healthcare2U, a direct primary care model that aims to provide affordable healthcare solutions to underserved populations. The conversation explores the patient experience, the importance of board-certified care, and the challenges of addressing care deserts in the healthcare system.

In this episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour podcast, host David Saltzman interviews Danielle Roberts, the chair of the NABIP Medicare Advisory Group. They discuss Danielle's background in insurance and how she transitioned her business to focus solely on Medicare. They also talk about the role of the Medicare Advisory Group and their current initiatives, including lobbying CMS to remove agents from the third-party marketing organization definition and advocating for changes in Part D coverage. Danielle emphasizes the importance of staying informed and encourages Medicare advisors to join the NABIP Broker to Broker community for support and guidance.

In this episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, host David Saltzman interviews Bianca Saul, the chair of the NABIP Employer Working Group. They discuss Saul's background in the industry and the role of the working group in advocating for employer-provided health coverage. They also touch on topics such as employer reporting, fiduciary responsibility, transparency, mental health parity, and the potential impact of the upcoming election on health policy. The working group aims to address these issues and make an impact through NABIP's advocacy efforts.

NABIP Membership Chair Leslie Shelton discusses her journey into the insurance business and her passion for membership. She emphasizes the importance of making new members feel welcome and supported, and shares strategies for improving the member experience. Shelton also highlights the social aspect of NABIP and the value of networking and building relationships within the industry. She encourages members to spread the word about NABIP and offers tips for approaching potential new members. Shelton concludes by discussing upcoming events and the future of NABIP.

NABIP’s Vice President of Congressional Affairs Michael Andel and Tiber Creek Group’s Andrew McKechnie discuss setting meetings with your federal legislators during August recess and how to get the most out of these meeting. NABIP has released August talking points for all members to use and is encouraging all members to meet with their federal legislators while they are in their district offices for the entirety of the month of August.

Alicia Riedl, the new national president of NABIP, shares her journey in the insurance industry and discusses the issues and initiatives that NABIP is focusing on. She emphasizes the importance of creating a healthcare system centered around the consumer and highlights NABIP's efforts to advocate for a better healthcare system. Riedl also discusses the challenges faced by advisors in the industry, such as restrictive rebating laws and the need for transparency. She shares her views on leadership and the qualities that make a good leader. The conversation also touches on the role of technology, chapter development, and membership changes within NABIP.

Join us for a special episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour podcast, sponsored by our Premier Affinity Partner, AgencyBloc,  an agency management system that helps health and life insurance agents manage their information, leads, policies, and communications with clients. Alongside our host, David Saltzman, they discuss their AMS, along with additional solutions like marketing tools, a commissions module, and a small group quoting and enrollment tool called QuotePlus. QuotePlus is designed for the small group side and can quote ACA products, community rated products, underwritten products, and self-funded products. Agency Bloc helps advisors differentiate themselves by offering a consolidated quoting tool that allows them to view all available products in the market. They also help advisors automate time-consuming processes, manage paperwork, and streamline workflows. The core agency management software helps advisors manage their leads, prospects, marketing communications, renewals, and commissions.

We all know it’s an election year, and Congressional action has been limited. Join host David Saltzman and NABIP lobbyists John Greene and Michael Andel to discuss several key topics related to healthcare legislation, including employer reporting and the challenges faced by employers in complying with the reporting requirements. They also discuss the status of legislation related to telehealth expansion, COBRA bills and the need for a one-time open enrollment for seniors transitioning to Medicare.

This episode of NABIP’s Healthcare Happy Hour is a deep dive into the recent changes surrounding short-term limited duration insurance (STLDI). It explores concerns surrounding STLDI’s impact on risk pools and the ACA market. Join OneDigital’s Scott Wham and host David Saltzman for a conversation that addresses the new rule, marketing practices of STLDI plans and the challenges faced by employers in offering minimum essential coverage. It also touches on the potential spillover effects on other plans, such as hospital indemnity plans. The conversation also looks at future trends, like the focus on prescription drug costs and the possibility of repeal and replace efforts.

In this episode of NABIP’s Healthcare Happy Hour, sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, our new host, David Saltzman, interviews Sarah Ann Flaherty and Adam Sheehan from AccuRisk about the differences between fully insured and self-insured health plans. They discuss the benefits and risks of each type of plan, as well as the role of stop-loss insurance in self-funded plans. They also explore the flexibility and cost-saving potential of self-funded plans, as well as the importance of data analysis and employee engagement in making informed decisions. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the inclusion of ancillary benefits in self-funded plans.

Welcome back, one and all, to NABIP’s Healthcare Happy Hour podcast. Earlier this week, the association submitted our response to a Request for Information, or RFI, from the House Education and Workforce Committee. The RFI focused on the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (much more commonly referred to as ERISA). In light of the law’s 50th anniversary, the committee issued this RFI to stakeholders to see what areas surrounding ERISA that may benefit from new legislation to reflect how healthcare is delivered today, so it is crucial that NABIP be a part of this conversation. Additionally, this will be the final episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour hosted and produced by NABIP’s Dan Parker. We will all miss “the Voice of NABIP,” who has been a staple of the podcast for the last few years – but we are also excited about what the future holds for the Happy Hour!

In this special edition of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we take you inside the halls of the 34th Annual Capitol Conference, held in Washington D.C. from February 25th to 28th, 2024. This episode, recorded live amidst the buzz and excitement of Cap Con, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the heart of healthcare policy discussions and developments that are shaping the future. Join NABIP's very own Dan Parker and John Greene, along with esteemed Legislative Council Vice Chair and Conference Chair Jennifer Berman, and the charismatic CAHIP president and Cap Con emcee, Tim Kanter, as they dissect and discuss the pivotal moments of this year's conference.

As our listeners are aware, NABIP’s 34th Capitol Conference is just around the corner, from February 25-28, 2024, here in Washington D.C. If for some reason you haven’t registered yet, we’re positive you’ll be clamoring to be registered as soon as this episode ends! We have the privilege this week of welcoming a very special guest: Amy Walter - the keynote speaker at this year’s Capitol Conference. Amy Walter is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, where she offers in-depth analysis of the issues, trends, and events that are shaping the political environment. Known for her objective and insightful commentary, Amy has earned her place as one of Washington's Most Powerful Women. Get a sneak peek of what Amy will be discussing in this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, where she provides her take on the 2024 elections thus far.

Happy New Year! We hope you all enjoyed the holidays after a long fourth quarter and OEP. We’re going to kick the year off today by discussing the comments that NABIP submitted to CMS regarding the recent, alarming, proposed regulations relevant to FMOs and Medicare agent compensation. We also saw a hotly anticipated proposed rule come out on Association Health Plans over the holidays, so we will be reviewing that as well. Additionally, we’ll look at what to expect from Congress in early 2024. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, to discuss all of this, are none other than John Greene and Michael Andel.

Welcome back to NABIP’s Healthcare Happy Hour podcast! Earlier this week, NABIP submitted a response to a request for information, or RFI, from the tri-agencies on coverage of over-the-counter preventive services. But in addition to that, NABIP Director of State Affairs Max Karlin is making his official podcast debut to discuss his experience at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, more commonly known as NAIC, last week.

We hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends. As our Medicare agents are aware through our communications over the last few weeks, CMS recently issued a new Medicare Advantage proposed rule for the contract year 2025. Included in the draft regulation are provisions related to broker compensation and “administrative fees,” as well as proposed regulations impacting field marketing organizations, more commonly known as FMOs. Additionally, we’re looking at what Congress is doing and what we can expect from the chambers before the end of the year.

Did you know that November is Long-Term Care Insurance Awareness Month? NABIP was the driving force behind the 2001 proclamation that established LTCI Awareness Month. LTCI is an area that grows more important every day, with over 10,000 individuals turning 65 daily and about 70 percent seniors requiring some form of long-term care. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, LTC Advisory Group members Lori Martin and Steve Cain sit down with Jamala Arland, senior vice president of LTC Inforce at Genworth. Genworth has the largest bloc of private LTCI business, covering over 1 million Americans. The trio discuss LTCI legislation (from Washington state’s program to California’s task force considering future legislation) as well as what listeners can do for their LTCI clients.