Indianapolis Association of Health Underwriters

Quarterly Member Meeting for July

IAHU — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:59:26 +0000

Speaker: Pete the Planner (Download Pete the Planner’s Bio Sheet – PDF)

Pete the Planner is an author, radio host, and TV personality best known for his practical money advice on networks like CNN and CBS. Pete has done consulting work for companies like Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Slingshot SEO, Roche, the National Guard, RCI, RE/MAX and more.

Pete’s public speaking engagements focus on bringing financial health and stability to the workplace in a manageable and funny presentation. To learn more, visit PeteThePlanner.com, or check back here for more information on an upcoming appearance with IAHU.

CE: TBA

Where: Ritz Charles, 12156 North Meridian Street, Carmel, IN 46032

Schedule:

8:30 – Registration / Breakfast
9:00 – Business Meeting / Swearing in the 2013 Board
9:30- Guest Speaker – Pete the Planner
10:45 – CE – TBD

Sponsor and Charity - TBA

Public Exchanges vs. Self-Insured Health Plans

IAHU — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:47:54 +0000

Employer Health Plans Under Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)

Under PPACA, starting January 1, 2014 businesses with 50 or more full-time employee equivalents must provide coverage under the act or face penalties.

Download Public Exchanges vs. Self-Insured Health Plans – PDF

Monthly Meeting Update

IAHU — Fri, 31 May 2013 21:56:54 +0000

There have been a few changes made to the upcoming monthly meetings schedule.

There will be no member meeting for the month of June.

On July 10, we will have our quarterly member meeting, and on July 11 we will be hosting our annual golf outing.

New information regarding Health Insurance Marketplace Guidance

IndyAHU — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:24:42 +0000

Please see this information from CMS/HHS regarding Health Insurance Marketplace Guidance. It basically outlines how brokers/agents will operate with the Marketplace (Exchange) options.

Please continue to review all information coming out from NAHU to assist in staying current on rules and regulations, etc.

Download information packet (PDF)

Dwight “D” Hall
D. Hall & Associates/Sagamore Health Network
IAHU Legislative Chair

Exchange Presentation from the 2013 Sales Congress

IndyAHU — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:13:20 +0000

“Exchanges Under Tealth Care Reform”

Presented by Susan Rider, CSFS at the 2013 Annual IAHU Sales Congress.

Download the presentation

Tell your story today – Brokers Making a Difference

IAHU — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:40:05 +0000

Americans Deserve Access to Professionally Licensed and Trained Health Insurance Agents, Brokers and Consultants. As Congress considers meaningful proposals for national health reform, one key test of public approval for any sustainable and equitable reforms will be ensuring that all Americans have the ability to choose the health insurance plan that best fits their needs. Another key test will be ensuring continued access to the services of independent – and state-licensed – agents, brokers and consultants who serve as American consumers’ counselors and advocates.

Professionally licensed health insurance agents, brokers and consultants provide valuable services to individuals and employers to obtain prices for coverage that best fits their needs. Licensed specialists design benefit plans, explain coordination issues of public and private benefits to individuals/employees, and solve problems that may occur once coverage is in place. They are also at the forefront of helping to design and implement cutting-edge health promotion and wellness programs for employers-a focus that everyone agrees is key to combating increasing health care costs.

Agents and brokers are subject to rigorous licensing and continuing education requirements and serve a proud and important role as advocates for their clients. They help gain coverage for and service the benefit needs for millions of Americans.

Some contend that agents and brokers add unnecessary expense to the cost of health insurance, and that a government-run entity can substitute for the role and value of professional benefit specialists. However, the record clearly indicates that government bureaucrats are ill-equipped to provide the personal service, timely objective information, guidance and accountability that professionally trained and licensed agents and brokers deliver on a daily basis.

Whether issues involve compliance with or navigating options on state and federal laws, regulations and issues (including tax decisions, HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Nondiscrimination Act, etc.), professionally licensed and trained agents, brokers and consultants are there every day as consumer advocates and provide peace of mind to millions of employers, workers, individuals and families.

White Paper (PDF)

NAHU’s Healthcare Reform Timeline

IAHU — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 00:48:27 +0000

Individual and group health plans that existed on or before March 23, 2010, had the option to choose grandfathered
status once health reform was enacted. Individuals and employer group plans that elected to keep their current policy on a grandfathered basis can only do so if they maintain essentially the same benefits and follow strict rules that limit yearly increases to employee out-of-pocket costs. The only substantive plan changes a grandfathered plan can make are those required by a preexisting collective bargaining agreement or to add or delete new employees and dependents. An amendment to the grandfathered plan rules issued in November 2010 allows all group health plans to switch insurance companies and shop for the same coverage at a lower cost and maintain their grandfathered status, as long as the structure of the coverage doesn’t violate one of the other rules for maintaining grandfathered status. Furthermore, many of the market-reform provisions slated to take effect in plan years beginning on or after September 23, 2010, will apply to all plans, whether or not they hold grandfathered status.

Download the full PDF guide

Berman Receives Distinguished Service Award

IAHU — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 19:20:00 +0000

Indianapolis, IN—David Berman, of Neace Lukens, recently received the Distinguished Service Award at the National Association of Health Underwriter’s Annual Convention in Las Vegas. The Distinguished Service Award honors NAHU members who have performed special service at the local, state or national level over an extended period of time.

David Berman was recognized for this award for his continued charitable work, most recently, during the tornado’s in Indiana David helped organize a state-wide effort with all local chapters to help our members, their friends, and family by collecting over $3000. He is also helping to coordinate a day in which Health Underwriters offers their physical labor to help rebuild Henryville, IN.

David actively keeps our membership informed of all new legislation, bulletin releases and assists in the coordination of meetings between our lobbying firm and legislative events throughout the state. David’s passion to educate the consumer on their rights as it relates to the Employee Benefits market place is like no other.

“The judges felt that Berman clearly demonstrated the leadership and dedication that this award was designed to recognize,” said Jay Welch, president of Indianapolis Association of Health Underwriters. “With his 26 years of membership, his leadership and his involvement with the Indianapolis Community, Berman has proven his commitment to and passion for this field. He was a clear winner for this award.”

The mission of the Indianapolis Association of Health Underwriters (IAHU) is to inform, serve, and protect the consumer in the areas of individual and group benefit planning by: promoting ethics, integrity and professionalism among our members; functioning as an independent information and educational resource; promoting free market delivery of health care by licensed, professional, consumer advocates.

IAHU supports several hundred members, committed to sensible health care coverage, and will continue to push for meaningful health insurance that is affordable to everyone. IAHU members adhere to the highest ethical standards of conduct in the industry.

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Contact

Susan Rider
Media Chair
317-686-6459
srider@gregoryappel.com

Download a PDF copy of this release

Indianapolis Association of Health Underwriters Elects New Officers

IAHU — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 19:13:46 +0000

Indianapolis, IN — The Indianapolis Association of Health Underwriters, an organization of health insurance agents, brokers and other professionals will install its 2012-2013 Executive Board at its July 11, 2012 membership meeting at the Ritz Charles in Carmel, IN.

Jay Welch of BDS Agency in Carmel, IN was installed as president. Include a few sentences about the new president and his or her past accomplishments and leadership positions held.

“I’m thrilled to be heading this organization at a time when our members are becoming more critical to employers and consumers,” said Jay Welch. “We help consumers obtain and use one of the most critical and personal services they own. When a spouse is sick or a child is in pain, it is the health plans we sell and service that cures the illness and eases the pain. Consumers now more than ever need our expertise in choosing the right plan. What we do simply can’t be done by a website, a distant bureaucrat or government manual. Our focus over the next year will be not only to demonstrate this value but to enhance it.”

“We’re on the front line of health care and it is important that we make a big difference,” added Jay Welch. “This year, our members will be educating the public as it relates to healthcare reform. We will make it our mission to ensure that the public is aware of the provisions and how they will impact their families.

The new officers are as follows:

Jay Welch, President, BDS Agency
Keyana Warren, President-Elect, BDS Agency
Andrew Bard, Immediate-Past President, HCC Medical
Lani Thompson, Secretary, Cigna
David Frye, Treasurer, Frye Brokerage

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CONTACT

Susan Rider
Media Chair
317-686-6459
srider@gregoryappel.com

Download a PDF copy of this release

NAHU Members save $130 on RHU and REBC Program

IndyAHU — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 18:04:52 +0000

Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) Program

The Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) designation is the undisputed professional credential for persons involved in the sale and service of disability income and health insurance. Individuals earning the RHU designation demonstrate a high level of knowledge about the principles and practices governing the disability income and health insurance business.

NAHU is passionate about helping its members expand their knowledge and opportunities. We can help you reach new levels of success with our online Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) classes. The first RHU HS 325 Group Benefits course was a huge success. NAHU’s exclusive online courses have been a huge success. NAHU and The American College are now enrolling students for the upcoming semester. The course will again be taught by Julie King, CLU, ChFC, CEBS, RHU, REBC, one of NAHU’s leading experts.

HS 313 Enrollment Form—HS 313 provides an overview of individual health insurance that is designed to meet the needs of individuals, families and certain business situations. This course covers medical expense insurance, disability income insurance and long-term care insurance. It discusses types of policies, contractual provisions, regulation and underwriting. Consumer-directed health plans are also covered.

HS 325 Enrollment Form—HS 325 analyzes group insurance benefits including the governmental environment, contract provisions, marketing, underwriting, rating, plan design, cost containment and alternative funding methods. It covers the various private programs related to the economic problems of death, old age and disability. The course also discusses cafeteria plans and consumer-directed health plans such as HSAs and HRAs.

HS 340 Enrollment Form—HS 340 covers advanced topics in group benefits. It addresses COBRA, ERISA, HIPAA privacy rules, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, health plans for federal workers, voluntary benefits, dental benefits, self-funding, international benefits and ethics.

HS 344 Enrollment Form—HS 344 covers advanced topics in managed care. It analyzes managed health care in detail, covering topics such as physician and member behavior, provider compensation, authorization systems, member services, specialty managed care services, value, accreditation, information systems, sales, marketing and federal legislation.

Once you have enrolled, your instructor will contact you via e-mail with further class information.

The American College has developed several brochures that provide additional information about our programs and explain the value of earning a designation. These brochures assist our students and graduates with promoting their credentials to their clients and peers. To view an online version of these brochures, click here.

Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC) Program

The Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC) program focuses on providing the student with the knowledge necessary to become a professional in the sale and service of employee benefits plans. Individuals earning the REBC designation develop an understanding of the various types of group benefits and retirement plans, and the practical knowledge needed for choosing and/or designing the best benefits package that will meet the client’s needs.

NEW! HS 326, Planning for Retirement Needs—focuses on retirement planning for the business, the business owner and the individual. It covers qualified plans, nonqualified plans, IRAs and retirement needs for individual clients. The course emphasizes the practical knowledge needed for choosing the best retirement plan and designing a plan that will meet a client’s needs, and it discusses personal retirement planning and retirement distribution planning.

NEW! HS 343, Compensation and Personnel Management—covers a broad area of human resource management, including total compensation planning and the interrelationship of employee benefits and cash compensation. It discusses employee recruitment, selection, interviewing and orientation, training and management development, performance appraisal, safety and health, labor relations and collective bargaining, and equal opportunity and the law.

Course Schedule and Fees

NAHU members save $130 on webinar classes.

2012 Schedule

HS 313— Tuesdays, beginning July 17
HS 325—Wednesdays, beginning July 18
HS 340—Thursdays, beginning July 19

2012 Fee Summary

Admission: $140
Course Fee: $620
Shipping: $25

Technical Requirements for Webcasts

Microsoft Windows 98 or higher
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher or Netscape 7.2 or higher
Broadband internet connection recommended
64 MB RAM
800×600 pixels monitor resolution (1024×768 recommended)
Windows Media Player. Download the program here

If you have any questions, contact Farren Ross in NAHU’s Education Department