DAHU Members are Like Life Jackets!

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1 DALLAS ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH UNDERWRITERS NEWSLETTER PRESIDENT S MESSAGE September 2016 DAHU Members are Like Life Jackets! Picture yourself taking a boat ride on a sunny day the water is calm. Most of us don t worry about where the life jackets are located on the boat (unless you can t swim). But once the wind picks up, the skies turn dark, or the engine quits, most of us think instinctively about grabbing a life jacket. Or, at least we make sure one is at arm s reach. DAHU members are like life jackets! When costs are low, plan designs are simple and networks are allencompassing, the general public may decide to navigate the health insurance market alone. Being a member of the Dallas Association of Health Underwriters arms you with the tools to stay buoyant! - Ed Oleksiak But as prices rise, deductibles increase, networks get more narrow, carrier options dwindle, formularies change, Medicare comes into the picture, self-funding options appear, technology gets more complicated, and compliance rules increase those same customers are looking for their life jackets. That means they are looking for YOU, the DAHU member! Being a member of the Dallas Association of Health Underwriters arms you with the tools to stay buoyant! Attending lunches and other functions can help prepare or warn you of impending high seas. Our customers may feel like they are drowning as the waves crash over their heads, the water gets cold, the sharks swarm and the boat disappears from sight, but if they hang onto their Benefits Consultant (their life jacket) we can get them safely to shore to live through another plan year! Make sure you are your customer s life jackets. If you haven t joined DAHU yet, let me know and I ll connect you with our membership team. And, best of luck in Q4. Ed Oleksiak, President EOleksiak@holmesmurphy.com In this issue: Legislation in 2017 HUPAC & TAHUPAC Bank Draft Drawings Next Luncheon Meeting Photos from After Hours Reasons to Join an Association 1

2 By Jay A. Huminsky, RHU, REBC As you may already be aware, HUPAC is the Political Action Committee of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU). HUPAC is the expression of our First Amendment rights to free speech and association guaranteed by the Constitution. Such political expression has become more than a useful option for professionals in a heavily-regulated business like the health insurance industry; it has become a necessity! Being a member of NAHU supports an organization and infrastructure that elevates our industry in the eyes of the public. Jay Huminsky, RHU, REBC DONATE HUPAC is registered with the Federal Election Commission. Since NAHU and similar organizations are prohibited from making direct political contributions, HUPAC was created to allow contributors (like you and me) to achieve maximum effect by combining our contributions in support of a candidate. HUPAC'S MISSION: "The purpose of the National Association of Health Underwriter's (NAHU) Political Action Committee (HUPAC) is to raise funds from NAHU members for the purpose of supporting the political campaigns of candidates who believe in private sector solutions for the health and financial security of all Americans." TAHUPAC has a similar mission, but is collected solely for the purpose of local Texas political campaigns and candidates. Being a member of NAHU supports an organization and infrastructure that elevates our industry in the eyes of the public. NAHU supports the purpose of agents and provides members with resources and information which adds to client value. It has been shown that any extra dollars and support given to these two Political Action Committees is crucial to influencing political action in America today. Please join me and other HUPAC and TAHUPAC contributors who want to protect our industry. Additional information can also be found on line at: TAHUPAC.org and NAHU.org/hupac 2

3 DO YOU DRAFT? Sign up for your NAHU dues to be paid by bank draft and get your name in drawings to win a gift card from NAHU! Are you renewing your membership between now and December 31, 2016? Panel L to R: Veronica Moore, HHS Region 6; Ahmad Goree from US Small Business Administration; Ruby Blum, Advisor to Judge Clay Jenkins; Melissa Scarborough, CMS; Daniel Bouton, Health Insurance Marketplace DAHU Monthly Luncheon 9/21/2016 The Other Insurance Market The Underserved On Wednesday September 21st, a panel of experts discussed the Other Insurance Market the underserved and underinsured. Are you going to join NAHU before the end of the year? If you are signing up as a new member OR a returning member, sign up for the bank draft and earn a chance to win a $ gift card. There will be 14 separate drawings... so that means you have 14 chances to win! Jay Huminsky filled in for DAHU President Ed Oleksiak who couldn t be with us that day; and Jay did a great job emceeing this panel discussion. Those in attendance learned something new about this rarely-discussed topic. Many thanks to our panelists! Also, for any NEW member that joins before 12/31 and signs up for bank draft, you will be entered into a completely different drawing for a $ gift card. Again, 14 drawings will take place. There will also be a Grand Prize drawing of a $ gift card! Now is YOUR chance to earn the opportunity to win a gift card for your efforts! NAHU.org 3

4 DAHU Monthly Luncheon and Meeting September 21st, 2016 The Clubs of Prestonwood Panel: The Other Insurance Market The Underserved 4

5 Hail Litigation Reform 2017 Legislative Agenda Independent Insurance Agents of Texas Upcoming 85th Legislative session Reserve the right to go to the courthouse Preserve a competitive market place Insure that the courthouse is the last resort when disputing a claim Common sense reform Surplus Lines Freedom Provide a choice for sophisticated commercial buyers Require purchaser to retain or employ a qualified risk manager as defined in the insurance code Receive a signed disclosure from the insured TDI approval Financially sound surplus lines insurers Coverage Change Notification Plain language notification must compare previous coverage to new offer Provide notice to agent and customer prior to use Clarifies properly notified change in coverage is not a nonrenewal TDI approval for change of notice form Uncooperative Insured All claimed are denied due to non-cooperation from the insured, agent or carrier Issue a 10 day notice of cancellation for non-cooperation Cancellation may not be rescinded after claims denial has been sent Access TWIA Reciprocity for non-resident licensed agents Louisiana Citizens changes Information on the Legislative Session Agenda provided by: Lee Loftis, IIAT Govt. Affairs Director lloftis@iiat.org (512) (office) (512) (cell) 5

6 TAHU INITIATIVES By Jennifer Stanley On Behalf of the TAHU Legislative Council Highlight on Two Proposed Legislative Initiatives for the 85th Legislature 1) Fix the "spousal glitch." There is a discrepancy between the ACA and Texas Insurance Code definitions (relating to dependents) which prevents a dependent spouse from getting a subsidized Exchange plan. The ACA permits a spouse to be excluded from a minimum essential coverage (MEC) plan but requires coverage to be offered for dependents, defined as an employee s child who is under 26 years of age, excluding foster and stepchildren. Conversely, Texas law defines dependents to include spouses with the child(ren). This means Texas carriers must either exclude all dependents (including spouse); or exclude none of them; but the spouse cannot be split out. To remain consistent with TAHU's Global Position against mandates, this change should be permissive; that is, it would be a carrier s choice to offer coverage to include spousal coverage or not. 2) Enhanced continuing education program for selffunding plans and stop-loss insurance. Several months ago, TDI proposed the State's first ever possible regulation on stop-loss insurance as part of its informal draft of the Chapter 26 rules on employerrelated benefit plans. The proposal was widely rejected not only by stakeholders, but from prominent members of the legislative and executive branches. As a result it was withdrawn from future chapter 26 revisions. One idea caught on in stakeholder discussions: a requirement for a disclosure / acknowledgment form to be signed by the (employer) buyer. Its purpose would make sure that the employer understands the difference between fully-insured and self-funded plans. The TDI commissioner was rumored to have liked this requirement a lot, and wanted to adopt a rule for it alone. I recommended that TAHU ask the Legislature to pass a bill that is identical to the one it worked for in 2009, Senate Bill 79. SB 79 provided for increased continuing education (C.E.) for agents who wanted to become small group "specialists." The proposed bill would create a similar program with a focus on self-funded plans and stop-loss insurance. The curriculum would ensure an employer is fully informed. Here are some benefits of this bill: 1) Everyone agrees more employers than ever are considering self-funding plans. The Employers who are purchasing and the brokers selling them should be as fully informed and educated on these plans as possible. 2) The CE would be permissive (just like S.B. 79's C.E. on small employer plans). No one is REQUIRED to do anything. 3) In general, education benefits the public and brokers alike. Who can argue with more education, especially if it's on a voluntary basis? If you would like more information about this subject, please contact me at jstanley@ipot.net Initiatives Approved by the TAHU Legislative Council, March 3,

7 Four Benefits to Joining DAHU: 1. Networking: Associations provide unparalleled networking opportunities, allowing individuals to connect with their peers, mentors, and other industry leaders. As a member, you are in the unique position to attend conventions, seminars, luncheons, social activities, and other related events with like-minded professionals in the field. These events are attended by the brightest minds and are a hotbed of ideas and collaborative efforts. 2. Education: The field of insurance is always in a state of change. Professionals can keep up with the newest developments through their associations seminars, continuing education courses and other education opportunities provided to them. Additionally, many associations conveniently offer all of the certification courses you will need throughout your entire career. Your professional organization also provides access to mentors, giving you an opportunity to participate in mentoring others as well. Having a mentor in any field will help your career grow and thrive. 3. Intrinsic Value: Associations are always in need of new blood to help organize their annual meetings, workshops, continuing education courses and legislative committees. Helping your organization work to improve your profession as well as to help improve the overall state of Insurance can be a very rewarding opportunity. To fully receive the benefits of membership, you need to be engaged with the association. With any membership, however, you get what you put into it. Get involved as often as possible and you will reap the benefits offered to you as a member. 4. Jobs: associations are great places to find the latest jobs in your field or professional people to fill your open employment position(s). DONNA MCCRIGHT Past President, DAHU Belonging to the Dallas Association of Health Underwriters will help you become more familiar with the workings of TAHU and NAHU! Know that as a DAHU Member, (or perspective member) you are needed, and are part of a very successful association. For membership information, please Suzanne Crim (Portions excerpted from HEALTHeCareers 7

8 DAHU AFTERHOURS SOCIAL Is it hard for you to get away from the office to attend a DAHU Luncheon in the middle of the day? Do you prefer a more casual and laid-back atmosphere? Do you want to meet and network with others involved in the health insurance industry? Then the DAHU AfterHours Social may be just right for you! #flushotbandaid Suzanne Crim gets her Flu Shot from Vaccine Administrators on 9/22/16 thanks to Ovation Health & Life Services! Another Successful Event! For more information, DAHU.org Were you able to join DAHU at the After-Hours Social on September 22nd? If so, you enjoyed delicious appetizers which were sponsored by CXC Solutions. Held at Ida Claire on Belt Line Road, this month s fun included the opportunity to get a flu shot from Vaccine Administrators! Thanks to Daniel LaBroad (pictured above, right), those in attendance were able to get their flu shot AND a free drink ticket. Ovation donated $5 from each shot to Jonathan s Place! Thanks, CXC Solutions and Vaccine Administrators for your continued Support of DAHU! 8

9 After Hours Social on 9/22/16 Held at Ida Claire, Dallas TX 9

10 Save the Date! December 14 at DAHU! Drive to Austin! WHAT: Day at the Capital DATE: January 17, 2017 HOTEL: Hampton Inn,1701 Lavaca St, Austin, TX (512) WHY: The Legislature will be in session!!! NEXT MEETING: Jessica J. Watts, CEBS, PHR, SHRM-CP Jessica s expertise includes providing compliance and regulatory support for all aspects of employee benefits, including health, welfare and retirement. Jessica serves as a member of the Legislative Council for the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), co-chair of the Compliance Corner working group, and serves as the Texas Association of Health Underwriters (TAHU) Director of State Legislative Affairs. She was recently chosen as one of 37 under 37 to watch by Certified magazine, published by the HR Certification Institute. Jessica volunteers with the Junior League of Austin. Please register today for the December 14 luncheon holiday party to hear Jessica speak on Legislative Updates. Registration is now open at DAHU.org October 19! Cynthia Stamer will join DAHU as guest speaker in October to talk about the New DOL Fiduciary Guidelines as they pertain to the health insurance industry. She will also discuss how to protect yourself and your clients from this increased liability. Register before October 14 for the best price at DAHU.org! Dallas Association of Health Underwriters Newsletter Vol. 2 No. 9 Editor: jbrandone@gmail.com 10