Healthcare Happy Hour

Democrats Secure Narrow Senate Majority Following Georgia Runoff Elections Jan 08, 2021

Jon Ossoff and The Reverend Dr. Raphael Warnock emerged victorious in Tuesday’s Georgia runoffs, meaning the Senate is now split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, with the vice president able to break any ties. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner, John Greene and Chris Hartmann explain what this means for Congressional politics moving forward.

How Will Joe Biden’s Cabinet Shape NAHU Advocacy Efforts? Jan 15, 2021

As we discussed on last week’s podcast, Democrats now have a narrow majority in the Senate, meaning President-Elect Joe Biden will have a much easier time forming his cabinet. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner, John Greene and Chris Hartmann discuss Biden’s nominations for key positions so far, including secretary of Health and Human Services, attorney general, secretary of Labor and secretary of Treasury.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! 2021 Capitol Conference Talking Points Are Now Available Jan 22, 2021

Earlier this week, NAHU released the general talking points that Capitol Conference attendees will use in their meetings with their members of Congress. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner gives a brief overview of these talking points and what you can expect if you attend the first-ever virtual Capitol Conference. Leading up to Capitol Conference, the Healthcare Happy Hour will feature episodes on each topic with more in-depth information to prepare you for your Congressional meetings.

NAHU Lobbyists Explain How to Craft Your Message to Legislators Jan 29, 2021

On last week’s edition of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we briefly discussed our general talking points that Capitol Conference attendees will use in their meetings with their members of Congress – those are available in the Advocacy section of the NAHU website. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, John Greene and Chris Hartmann discuss what it’s like lobbying virtually and how to convey our legislative priorities to different audiences. In the coming weeks, we will take a deeper dive into specific talking points that are important for you to know before meeting with your members Congress.

What COVID-19 Relief Measures Is NAHU Requesting from Legislators? Feb 05, 2021

We are less than three weeks away from our 31st Annual – and first-ever virtual - Capitol Conference! As promised, we are reviewing NAHU’s legislative priorities in detail leading up to our conference so that you are prepared for your meetings with your member of Congress. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses what NAHU is asking for from legislators in the area of coronavirus relief.

Medicare, Market Stabilizers and Much More Feb 12, 2021

We are rapidly approaching our 31st annual – and first-ever virtual - Capitol Conference. We are reviewing NAHU’s legislative priorities in detail leading up to the conference so that you are prepared for meetings with your members of Congress. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner, John Greene and Chris Hartmann talk about what NAHU is asking for in the areas of Medicare, employer reporting, prescription drug prices and more.

Public Option, Single Payer, Medicare for All – Oh My! Feb 19, 2021

We are just three days away from our 31st annual Capitol Conference so if you haven’t registered yet – registration closes tomorrow, so what are you waiting for? Go to NAHU.org now! And while you register, listen to Marcy M. Buckner, John Greene and Chris Hartmann talk about one of the most pertinent issues our industry is facing – the potential for a public option or single-payer healthcare system.

2021 Capitol Conference Recap (Part 1) Mar 05, 2021

Welcome back to the Healthcare Happy Hour after our short Capitol Conference hiatus. And what a Cap Con it was! We were able to bring to you legislators from both sides of the aisle, innovative thinkers in health economics, a big name from CMS, coalition partners and, of course, our keynotes - Dr. Deepak Chopra and Shasta Nelson. Today Marcy M. Buckner and Dan Parker are joined by Legislative Council vice Chair Mark Gaunya, who also served as this year’s Cap Con chairperson, to recap the event. In the first part of our Capitol Conference recap, we discuss what attendees heard from the keynote speakers, members of Congress, Jeff Grant from CMS/CCIIO, and Avik Roy from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. In part 2, we will talk about what attendees heard from NAHU’s coalition partners and the fabulous breakout sessions attendees were able to engage with.

American Rescue Plan Includes COBRA, ACA Exchange Subsidies, Child Tax Credit and More Mar 12, 2021

We know you anticipated part two of our Capitol Conference recap, but we decided to push that to next Friday, March 19, because earlier this week Congress passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, another immense piece of legislation aimed at providing COVID-19 relief to businesses and consumers. On this week’ episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner, John Greene and Chris Hartmann discuss the relevant details.

2021 Capitol Conference Recap (Part 2) Mar 19, 2021

This is the second part of a conversation between Marcy M. Buckner, Mark Gaunya and Dan Parker about NAHU’s first-ever virtual Capitol Conference. In Part 1 we discussed what attendees heard from the keynote speakers, members of Congress, Jeff Grant from CMS/CCIIO, and Avik Roy from the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. This week, we are talking about what attendees heard from NAHU’s coalition partners and the fabulous breakout sessions attendees were able to engage with. If you weren’t able to watch all of the breakout sessions during Capitol Conference, they are available to watch on demand until May 23.

Compliance Corner Reviews the American Rescue Plan Mar 26, 2021

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law a few weeks ago, and with it came an abundance of compliance concerns. Last week, NAHU hosted a Compliance Corner webinar presented by Vice President and Director of Employee Benefit Compliance for First Insurance Group Barb Gerken. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Barb joins us again along with Compliance Corner Committee members Carol Taylor and Deanna Sizemore to discuss things in greater detail. This episode is focused primarily on the portions of the legislation that impact the ACA marketplace and COBRA subsidies. If you’re looking for a broader overview of the law, please listen to the March 12 edition of the Healthcare Happy Hour.

Special Guests Discuss Transparency in Healthcare Apr 02, 2021

“Transparency” is the word on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, as we are joined by special guest Cynthia Fisher, founder and chairman of Patient Rights Advocate, a nonprofit organization focused on transparency in healthcare. In addition to Cynthia, we are also joined by NAHU Legislative Council Vice Chair and staunch transparency advocate Mark Gaunya. The two have a conversation about recent hospital price transparency rules, how transparency can lower healthcare costs and more.

Special Guest Dr. Daniel Kraft Discusses Innovations in Healthcare Apr 09, 2021

Congress is out of session this week, but while they are on recess the Healthcare Happy Hour is focused on innovation. On this week’s episode, we are joined by special guest Dr. Daniel Kraft, a Stanford- and Harvard-trained physician and scientist, and the host of CVS Health’s new podcast Healthy Conversations. Dr. Kraft discusses the many innovations in technology that will hopefully bring down healthcare costs and increase positive outcomes for patients, the potential for the FDA to expedite drug approval following the success of Operation Warp Speed, and much more. CVS Health's Healthy Conversations podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.

The Department of Labor Releases ARPA COBRA Guidance Apr 16, 2021

Last week, the Department of Labor released guidance regarding the COBRA subsidy provisions of the American Rescue Plan, offering much-needed answers to some frequently asked questions agents, brokers, employers and consumers have had over the last month. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner reviews this guidance, what it answers and what it doesn’t answer. To learn more about this COBRA guidance, register for our Compliance Corner webinar on April 29 at 1:00 pm where we will go into greater detail. Please submit your questions about ARP and COBRA to legislative@nahu.org, and we will address it during the webinar.

What Are Democrats Planning? Apr 23, 2021

Democrats were able to pass the American Rescue Plan Act last month using their razor-thin majority in the Senate by utilizing budget reconciliation. Now, the Senate parliamentarian ruled that Democrats could use the reconciliation process again if they so choose. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, John Greene and Chris Hartmann discuss what could be passed as a result of this ruling.

Special Guests Discuss NAHU’s Mental Health Task Force Apr 30, 2021

The pandemic has made it more evident than ever how important it is to focus on mental and behavioral health. Along with other legislative working groups, NAHU’s Mental Health Task Force, which was first created last year, explores legislative and regulatory developments as they relate to mental health parity in the market. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Dede Kennedy and Tracey Pal Izzi from the task force join us to discuss the task force, the work they’ve done thus far, and the results of an important all-member survey.

BAN's Perry Braun Joins NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein May 07, 2021

On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein sits down with Perry Braun, executive director of the Benefit Advisors Network. The two discuss President Biden’s first 100 days in office, the impact of the pandemic on our industry, current and future industry trends, NAHU’s advocacy efforts and more. Benefit Advisors Network is comprised of agencies in the employee benefits space that work collaboratively to bring solutions to the complex issues employers are faced with today. BAN has clients in 45 states, the territory of Guam and recently expanded into Canada. Perry Braun leads BAN and has worked in the insurance and healthcare space for 35 years.

Over 1 Million Consumers Enroll During SEP May 14, 2021

In January, President Biden established a new special enrollment period via executive order from February 15 to April 15, since extended to August 15. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are highlighting the milestone of 1 million consumers covered on the ACA exchange since the beginning of the SEP. In addition, we preview the next episode of the President’s Perspective podcast, hosted by NAHU President Dane Rianhard and Membership Council Chair David C. Smith. The forthcoming episode will feature Jerald Tillman, founder of the National African-American Insurance Association. Dane, David and Jerald have a fantastic conversation about how Mr. Tillman got his start in the industry, why he feels associations are vital to the industry, why he established an association for black insurance professionals, and the work that they have done. Make sure to listen to the full episode on Tuesday May, 18.

IRS Releases ARP COBRA Guidance May 21, 2021

The Treasury Department and IRS released long-anticipated guidance regarding the full subsidization of COBRA premiums that was included in the American Rescue Plan Act. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, our friends from Compliance Corner -- COO & Compliance Officer of Kirby Employee Benefits Carol Taylor and CEO of MZQ Consulting Jennifer Berman – join us to provide an overview of this new notice and what you and your clients need to know.

State-Level Activity You Need to Know About May 28, 2021

Last month, NAHU began publishing the State Update, a member-exclusive newsletter highlighting all the relevant political and regulatory health insurance news at the state level. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by Husni Abdelaziz, NAHU’s director of government affairs. Husni monitors legislative and regulatory issues in 30 states, and works closely with NAHU’s Northeast, Midwest and Southwest chapters and their lobbyists. We discuss why NAHU is publishing the State Update and all of the pertinent legislative issues we are seeing at the state level throughout the country.

Surprise! NAHU Submits Comments Ahead of Balance Billing Regulations Jun 04, 2021

On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour we are revisiting an issue that we have not discussed in detail in some time – balance billing, also known as surprise billing. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, passed at the end of 2020, included a ban on surprise billing, with much of the implementation left up to regulatory bodies. NAHU submitted a letter this week to the relevant federal agencies with comments and concerns about the implementation of this law, and Marcy M. Buckner is here to review.

What’s the Status of Broker Compensation Disclosure? Jun 11, 2021

On last week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we discussed NAHU’s letter to federal agencies regarding concerns about the implementation of the surprise billing provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This week, Marcy M. Buckner is back to talk about another comment letter we submitted last week – this one concerning the hot-button issue of broker compensation disclosure. We review the law that passed at the end of 2020 that made these disclosure requirements, what NAHU is doing to ensure it is implemented fairly, and more.

Supreme Court Effectively Upholds ACA in Texas v. United States Ruling Jun 18, 2021

The Supreme Court finally issued a long-awaited decision in California v. Texas case, the case that could have struck down the entirety of the ACA. Ultimately the Court ruled 7 to 2 to effectively uphold the ACA as law of the land. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses the ruling and its implications moving forward.

Legislators Introduce Bills to Put an End to Medicare Observation-Status Loophole Jun 25, 2021

NAHU allies in Congress introduced bills that would address the three-day stay requirement for Medicare beneficiaries who are considered to be under observation status while being hospitalized. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Vice President of Congressional Affairs and resident Medicare policy expert John Greene discusses these new bills and how they seek to resolve this issue.

Special Guest from UBA Discusses the Benefits of Our Associations Jul 09, 2021

On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by Brian Luciani, partner at Blueprint Benefit Advisors and vice chair of the Board of Directors at United Benefit Advisors. We discuss UBA, Brian's experience during the pandemic at UBA and his personal business, their Annual Health Plan Survey, and more.

Federal Agencies Release First Round of Surprise-Billing Regulations Jul 16, 2021

Federal agencies recently released “Part 1” of the highly anticipated regulation regarding the ban on surprise billing included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The 2,000-plus-page CAA encompassed many provisions, including a ban on surprise billing referred to as the No Surprises Act. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner reviews what is included in this first round of regulatory language regarding the No Surprises Act.

NAHU Responds to RFI Regarding Reporting on Pharmacy Benefits and Prescription Drug Costs Jul 23, 2021

Last week we discussed the balance-billing ban included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act that passed at the end of 2020. This week, we’re discussing another provision that was included in the CAA – a request for information regarding reporting on pharmacy benefits and prescription-drug costs. Marcy M. Buckner explains the RFI and our response to it, as well as some upcoming comment letters that NAHU will be submitting.

Senators Move Bipartisan Package Forward while Democrats Develop Their Own Jul 30, 2021

With August recess rapidly approaching, the Senate voted to move forward Wednesday on a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal with over $550 billion in new spending. Meanwhile, Democrats internally debate provisions of their own package, expected to top $3 trillion, which they plan to pass via the reconciliation process. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s vice presidents of congressional affairs, Chris Hartmann and John Greene, discuss the details of these bills and what they’re hearing on Capitol Hill

It’s Time to Get on Your Legislator’s Calendar to Discuss NAHU’s Legislative Priorities Aug 06, 2021

August recess has already begun for the House and is poised to begin this weekend for the Senate. Now is the time to get on the calendars of your representative and senators to talk with them about NAHU’s legislative priorities. What are those priorities? On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Marcy M. Buckner is here to discuss them.

Calling All Medicare Agents! Check out NAHU’s New Medicare Advantage Training Aug 13, 2021

Did you know that NAHU has a brand-new Medicare and Medicare Advantage certification course? If you are looking for a new way to complete your annual Medicare Advantage training, NAHU should be your first stop. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s senior vice president of education Farren Baer is here to discuss the course and the value it can bring.

Special Guest Discusses the Importance of Telemedicine Aug 20, 2021

The coronavirus pandemic has obviously altered many aspects of our society, but one in particular has been the way in which consumers think about healthcare and receive healthcare services. With millions of healthcare consumers looking for a way to see their physician without needing to leave their home, telemedicine has become a crucial conversation. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, emergency medicine physician and chief medical officer at Summus Global, Dr. Mary Mulcare, joins us to discuss the importance of telehealth moving forward

DOL Delays Several Requirements under CAA and Transparency Rule Aug 27, 2021

Late last week, the Department of Labor released new guidance regarding the implementation of the Transparency in Coverage final rule and sections of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, or CAA. The guidance, a series of FAQs, provides an updated timeline for when these policies will go in to place, just as NAHU requested. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner reviews these FAQs and what they mean for you and your clients.

NAHU Submits Comments to Agencies on Surprise-Billing Interim Final Rule Sep 03, 2021

Federal agencies recently released an interim final rule, “Part One” of the highly anticipated regulation regarding the ban on surprise billing included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This week, NAHU submitted comments to the administration with our thoughts and concerns about the rule. If you want to hear a detailed analysis of what’s included in this interim final rule, you can listen to the July 16 edition of the podcast. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are focusing specifically on our response to the interim final rule, with Marcy M. Buckner joining us once again to review those comments.

Will Democrats’ Reconciliation Package Lower the Medicare Eligibility Age? Sep 10, 2021

As August recess comes to an end, Congress will be back to work on the two major legislative packages that NAHU has discussed for the past few months – the $1 trillion bipartisan INVEST in America Act, and Democrats’ $3.5 trillion dollar reconciliation package. On the July 30 edition of the podcast, we discussed the status of these packages prior to August recess. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s vice presidents of congressional affairs, Chris Hartmann and John Greene, return to discuss what the timeline looks like for passage of these bills and what may be encompassed in the reconciliation package – including potentially lowering the Medicare eligibility age.

Individual-Market Broker Compensation Transparency Proposed Rules Published Sep 17, 2021

This week HHS published a proposed rule regarding requirements created by the Consolidated Appropriations Act. This much-anticipated proposed rule deals with broker compensation transparency requirements for individual and short-term limited duration plans as well as information regarding surprise billing of air ambulances. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s senior vice president of government affairs Marcy M. Buckner is here to discuss the proposed rule, what it means for you, and where we go from here.

One More Final Rule on 2022 Payment Parameters Sep 24, 2021

Late last week HHS and the Treasury Department released a final rule on the 2022 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters, or NBPP, updating several areas and finalizing standards for issuers, marketplaces and navigators for the 2022 plan year. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses what changes this final rule makes. Additionally, we will also discuss a comment letter that NAHU just submitted on electronic-filing requirements for certain IRS documents that employers need to submit.

Employer Reporting Bill Introduced as Democrats Continue Reconciliation Debate Oct 01, 2021

NAHU allies in the House introduced H.R. 5318 last week, better known as the Commonsense Reporting Act. This bill deals with ACA employer reporting requirements under section 6055 and 6056. In addition, things are heating up on Capitol Hill as Democrats continue infighting regarding what to include in their reconciliation package. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s Vice President of Congressional Affairs Chris Hartmann and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Marcy Bucker are here to discuss the status of reconciliation talks, in addition to the specifics of the employer reporting bill.

NAHU Celebrates Regulatory Victory Following Surprise-Billing Interim Final Rules Oct 08, 2021

Last week federal agencies published an interim final rule regarding requirements related to surprise billing. This much-anticipated IFR, considered “Part 2” of the administration’s surprise billing ban regulations, deals with the process to settle out-of-network payment disputes that will arise between providers and payers in addition to outlining requirements for healthcare cost estimates for uninsured, or self-paying, individuals. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner is here to discuss the IFR, how exactly this dispute resolution process works, and how this is a victory for NAHU.

Special Guest from Medcom Benefit Solutions Discusses Important Compliance Topics Oct 15, 2021

On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by Michelle Barki, Senior Legal Counsel at Medcom Benefit Solutions, and member of NAHU’s Compliance Corner committee. As some listeners may know, Medcom is an NAHU affinity partner. We discuss what sorts of benefit solutions Medcom offers their clients, how folks can leverage NAHU’s partnership with Medcom for some tremendous resources, in addition to a conversation around a few compliance areas relevant to you.

NAHU Meets with Department of Labor about Broker Compensation Disclosure Oct 22, 2021

Last month, federal agencies published a proposed rule regarding requirements created by the No Surprises Act, a section of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. That proposed rule deals with broker-compensation transparency requirements for individual and short-term limited duration plans as well as information regarding surprise billing of air ambulances. This proposed rule did not deal with compensation disclosure in the group market, so what is happening there? On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses how NAHU is handling the group-market disclosure requirements ahead of potential regulations and what sort of questions we were able to pose in a meeting with the Department of Labor this week.

White House Releases New Framework for Democrats’ Reconciliation Package Oct 29, 2021

The White House released a new framework for Democrats’ reconciliation package this week that cuts back many of the health insurance provisions initially included in early House versions of the bill. What is still included? What has been cut? How does this framework relate to what will be included in the final version of the Build Back Better Act? On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s vice presidents of congressional affairs Chris Hartmann and John Greene discuss all the new information on what may, or may not, be included in the reconciliation bill. In addition, they discuss recent congressional hearings that NAHU was able to submit written testimony for.

NAHU Submits Comments on the Individual Market Broker Compensation Disclosure Proposed Rule Nov 05, 2021

Back in September, HHS released a set of proposed rules dealing with broker compensation disclosure in the individual and short-term limited duration markets, as well as surprise billing requirements for air ambulance providers. As we do with all relevant proposed regulations, NAHU submitted comments to the Administration with our questions and concerns. In addition, CMS and OSHA issued interim final rules regarding national COVID-19 vaccine requirements. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses what we included in our comments and what is included in the new vaccine mandate guidance.

Congress Officially Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Package Nov 12, 2021

The House of Representatives passed the INVEST in America Act last Friday, the $1 trillion bipartisan legislative package that is comprised of “pure” infrastructure provisions. Since the Senate already passed the package in August the bill is ready to be signed into law by President Biden, which is expected to occur next week. This bill is separate from the Build Back Better Act, Democrats’ reconciliation package that continues to undergo changes. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s Chris Hartmann and John Greene are here to discuss the passage of the INVEST Act and provide updates on the Build Back Better bill. Additionally, Marcy Buckner is also here to discuss a very important webinar that NAHU hosted earlier this week.

NAHU Gives Thanks Ahead of Thanksgiving Nov 19, 2021

The Healthcare Happy Hour and Washington Update will be taking a break next week as we get together with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. In light of the holiday, on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner, John Greene and Chris Hartmann review everything that we at NAHU have been thankful for so far this year, between certain COVID-19 relief, a historic Capitol Conference, surprise-billing rules and everything in between.

IRS Proposed Rule Would Make Changes to ACA Reporting, Good-Faith Relief Dec 03, 2021

Welcome back to the podcast everyone! We hope you had a safe and fun Thanksgiving with your friends and family. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are catching you up on several things that transpired over the break, including a new IRS notice that impacts ACA reporting requirements, the status of OSHA and CMS vaccine mandates, and an update on the Build Back Better Act reconciliation package.

Special Guests from PAHCF Discuss New Polling on Medicare-for-All Dec 10, 2021

While the Senate continues deliberation on the Build Back Better Act and lawmakers await decisions from the parliamentarian on what can be included in the reconciliation package, we are taking a break from that conversation to discuss public polling and Medicare for All with very special guests from the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, I’m joined by Lauren Crawford Shaver and Phillip Morris from the Partnership to discuss some recent polling numbers and to see what most Americans really want to see in health insurance reform moving forward.

NAHU Submits Comments on Surprise-Billing IFR as Provider Groups File Suit Dec 17, 2021

Surprise billing is the focus on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, as NAHU submitted comments to the Biden administration last week with our commentary on the latest surprise-billing interim final rule. This much-anticipated IFR, considered “Part 2” of the administration’s surprise-billing-ban regulations, was published in October. In addition to discussing some of NAHU’s comments on this IFR, we discuss some recent legal challenges to the regulation and the impact they may have moving forward.

DOL Releases Guidance on Broker Compensation Disclosure Requirements Jan 07, 2022

Happy New Year! We hope you had a fun and safe holiday season and we’re happy to be back in your feed wherever you listen to podcasts. As you all know, the Consolidated Appropriations Act’s broker compensation disclosure requirements apply to contracts entered or renewed on December 27, 2021. Late last week, the Department of Labor finally issued guidance, in which they announced a new temporary good-faith enforcement policy in addition to answering several questions that you all have posed over the last several months. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner is here to tell you everything you need to know about this recent guidance.

NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein Discusses Industry Trends with Special Guest Perry Braun Jan 14, 2022

On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein sits down for a discussion with Managing Director of Business Consulting at The Alera Group Perry Braun. This is the fourth annual conversation between the two. They discuss health insurance industry trends of the last year as well as potential trends to watch in 2022, including challenges that employers, employees, and families are facing as the pandemic continues to impact the industry at large.

Looking Forward to NAHU’s 32nd Annual Capitol Conference Jan 21, 2022

NAHU’s 32nd annual Capitol Conference is going to be held in-person once again, from February 27 to March 2 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill here in the nation’s capital. This unique and inspiring meeting has the potential to be a game-changer this year. We’re sure you have plenty of questions before you register, so on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner is here to discuss all things Capitol Conference.

Supreme Court Justice Announces Retirement Jan 28, 2022

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced this week that he will be retiring, setting the stage for President Biden to make the first Supreme Court nomination of his term. What does Breyer’s retirement mean for the Supreme Court moving forward? In addition to that piece of news, NAHU submitted comments to CMS this week regarding the proposed Notice of Benefits and Payment Parameters for the 2023 plan year. Here to discuss all of this – as always – is NAHU’s Marcy M. Buckner.

California Single-Payer Bill Fails to Pass Assembly Feb 04, 2022

January 31 was the last day for the California Assembly to pass bills introduced in 2021, including AB 1400 – a bill that would have established a single-payer healthcare system for all California residents… had it passed. Thankfully that bill did not pass, due in large part to the efforts of our guests this week. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by the legislative chair of our California statewide chapter, Dawn McFarland, along with legislative advocate and chapter lobbyist Faith Borges, to discuss the bill and how the initiative was successfully defeated

CBO Recommends Capping or Eliminating Employer Tax Exclusion Feb 11, 2022

We are just a little over two weeks away from NAHU’s 32nd annual Capitol Conference, where health insurance professionals from across the country will be able to meet with their legislators, in-person and virtually, to advocate on behalf of our industry. Recently, NAHU’s government affairs staff learned of a new potential threat to the employer exclusion, a tax benefit that serves a crucial role in employer-sponsored health insurance. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s vice presidents of congressional affairs, John Greene and Chris Hartmann, discuss employer exclusion, along with a general overview of legislative developments ahead of our Capitol Conference.

Capitol Conference 2022 – Know Before You Go Feb 18, 2022

Calling all Capitol Conference attendees and those curious about this year’s event: In just a little over one week, NAHU members from across the country will attend NAHU’s premier legislative event, both in-person and virtually. On this week’s episode, NAHU’s Marcy M. Buckner is here to preview this year’s conference. We break down the agenda and the can’t-miss speakers, provide a preview of the breakout sessions, and share tips for making the most of your visit. You won’t want to miss this episode for essential info ahead of your trip to the nation’s capital, especially amidst pandemic uncertainties. Stay tuned for the second part of our Capitol Conference discussion where we will discuss NAHU’s legislative talking points for the event. That episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour will be released on Tuesday, February 22.

Reviewing NAHU's Capitol Conference 2022 Talking Points Feb 22, 2022

This past Friday, NAHU senior vice president of government affairs Marcy M. Buckner reviewed everything you need to know about our 32nd annual Capitol Conference before you go. Today, as promised, we are discussing our tailored legislative talking points – the list of legislative priorities and why we support or oppose them - that you will utilize in meetings with your lawmakers. Returning to discuss the talking is points is Marcy Buckner, joined this time by our vice presidents of congressional affairs John Greene and Chris Hartmann.

Special Guest Misty Baker Discusses NAHU's 32nd Annual Capitol Conference Mar 11, 2022

This week’s episode was recorded at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill during the last day of NAHU’s annual Capitol Conference, where hundreds of agents, brokers and health insurance professionals showed up both in-person and virtually to make their voices heard. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy Buckner is joined by Legislative Council Vice Chair Misty Baker, who also served as this year’s Cap Con chairperson, to discuss the event.

Special Guests from AgencyBloc Provide Important Tips on Vendor Vetting Practices Mar 18, 2022

Following Capitol Conference, we are taking a break from policy and politics to talk about the importance of finding the right products and vendors for your agency. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by our friends Kelsey Rosauer and Steve Ogden from NAHU partner and agency management company AgencyBloc to discuss AgencyBloc’s vendor vetting services and more.

NAHU’s Volunteer Committees – What They Do and How You Can Participate Mar 25, 2022

While NAHU staff handle certain crucial duties, NAHU is ultimately a member-driven organization. That means that what we do relies on NAHU members such as you volunteering in various capacities and helping make our association what it is. Did you know that NAHU has a wide array of volunteer committees covering a large swath of areas, from legislative matters to professional development to membership and our Leading Producers Round Table? On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Chief Experience Officer Farren Baer, Vice President of Leadership Services Brooke Willson, Senior Vice President of Public Relations Kelly Loussedes and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Marcy M. Buckner join the podcast to discuss the committees and how you can participate in one.

NAHU Submits Testimony to Congress on Universal Healthcare and Mental Health Parity Apr 01, 2022

NAHU’s legislative advocacy work takes many forms, one of which is the process of submitting written testimony to Congress. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Marcy M. Buckner and Vice Presidents of Congressional Affairs John Greene and Chris Hartmann discuss two pieces of testimony we submitted this week as well as the overall importance of submitting testimony for the record.

Biden Administration Proposes Regulation to Fix the Family Glitch Apr 08, 2022

Earlier this week, the Biden Administration announced the release of a proposed rule to fix the “family glitch,” an inconsistency in current ACA regulations. Fixing the family glitch has been a legislative priority of NAHU for several years now. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner explains the family glitch and what this proposed rule would do to fix it.

Senate Confirms Ketanji Brown Jackson to Supreme Court Apr 15, 2022

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has been officially confirmed to the Supreme Court of the United States – but she has not been sworn in quite yet. Judge Jackson was confirmed by the Senate last Thursday, April 7, cementing her place in history as the first Black woman to be a member of the nation’s highest court. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses Jackson’s appointment, when Jackson will be sworn in, and what it could mean for healthcare moving forward.

NAHU Previews the 2023 Medicare & You Handbook Apr 22, 2022

For several plan years now, NAHU has had the opportunity to submit comments and suggested edits to CMS regarding the next plan year edition of the “Medicare & You” handbook. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, president of The Brokerage Inc. and chair of the Medicare Advisory Group Mike Smith and NAHU’s John Greene join us to discuss the handbook and our suggestions.

CMS Releases Proposed Rule Establishing New Medicare SEPs, Enrollment Window Changes, and More Apr 29, 2022

Earlier this week, CMS released a proposed rule aimed at minimizing gaps in coverage for Medicare beneficiaries and the Medicare-eligible population. The proposed regulation would implement a few policy changes that were a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, most notably new special enrollment periods that would be triggered in certain situations. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s Marcy M. Buckner and John Greene are here to discuss the proposed rule.

Special Guests from AgencyBloc Discuss Broker-Compensation Disclosure and How to Take Control of Your Commissions May 06, 2022

Law now requires that agent, broker and consultant compensation be disclosed for arrangements entered into, renewed or extended on or after December 27, 2021. But the nature of compensation in our industry, both direct and indirect, can be complex, making compliance with broker-compensation disclosure difficult. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Brand Manager Kelsey Rosauer and Product Manager Kayleen Homewood from NAHU partner and agency-management company AgencyBloc join us to discuss broker-compensation disclosure and how their tools and services can assist you.

HM Insurance Group President Mark Lawrence Discusses the Importance of Stop-Loss Coverage May 13, 2022

For self-funded employers, navigating the world of health insurance can be complex and often overwhelming. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by special guest Mark Lawrence, president of HM Insurance Group, to discuss the challenges that self-insured employers face, specifically regarding large, unpredictable claims and how stop-loss coverage can help them.

NAHU Discusses Medicare Marketing Final Rule with CMS May 20, 2022

Last week, NAHU spoke with CMS officials from the Division of Surveillance, Compliance and Marketing about a recently finalized rule from the agency regarding marketing requirements that are set to begin in October. Additionally, the Commonsense Reporting Act of 2021 was introduced in the House early this week, mirroring the language included in the Senate bill. Here to discuss these items on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour are NAHU’s Marcy M. Buckner and John Greene.

Primary Palooza Sets the Foundation for Midterm Elections May 27, 2022

The 2022 midterm elections are just around the corner, and important primary elections have taken place across the country over the last few weeks. Idaho, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Alaska, Minnesota, Georgia and Alabama held various primary elections for federal and gubernatorial offices. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s Chris Hartmann and John Greene discuss a few of these election results and their potential impacts come November.

Genworth CEO Discusses the Ins and Outs of the Long-Term Care Insurance Industry Jun 03, 2022

Thomas J. McInerney is president and CEO of Genworth Financial, a leading company in the long-term care and mortgage insurance industries. If you work in the long-term care space, you know Genworth and the role that they have played in the industry. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Noel Evans and Lori Martin, members of NAHU’s Long-Term Care Advisory Group, sit down with Tom McInerney for an in-depth discussion on what drew Tom to Genworth and long-term care, new Genworth products, a recent cost of care survey, and more.

CMS Releases Guidance Clarifying Broker Compensation for Special Enrollment Periods Jun 10, 2022

Hopefully, you all saw in your inbox on Tuesday that NAHU, and all individual market brokers, had a major regulatory victory this week. A new FAQ from CMS has made a vital clarification regarding broker compensation during special enrollment periods. In addition, discussions around the Build Back Better reconciliation package have resumed, and several important primary elections took place earlier this week. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s Chris Hartmann and John Greene review all these items and what you need to know.

NAHU Submits Comments on Family Glitch Proposed Rule (Plus an Annual Convention Preview!) Jun 17, 2022

Last week, NAHU submitted comments on the Biden administration’s proposed rule to fix the ACA family glitch, where we noted our questions, concerns and suggestions for the Treasury Department to consider before the rule is finalized. Additionally, NAHU’s Annual Convention in Austin, Texas, is right around the corner. For those of you who are attending in-person, there is a legislative track of professional development breakout sessions that you absolutely must hear about. Here to discuss all of this on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour is NAHU’s Marcy M. Buckner.

NAHU Submits Comments on Proposed Rule Establishing New Medicare Special Enrollment Periods Jun 24, 2022

It’s almost time for NAHU’s Annual Convention! But, before we see your bright smiling faces in Austin, there is some regulatory news to discuss! This week, NAHU submitted comments to CMS in response to a proposed rule released in April that makes policy changes to the Medicare enrollment process, among other important changes. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s John Greene discusses our comment letter to the administration. Additionally, we discuss how you can complete your Medicare Advantage training with NAHU.

Supreme Court Issues Decision in Abortion Rights Case Jul 08, 2022

We hope everyone had an excellent Fourth of July weekend, and we hope all those who attended NAHU’s Annual Convention enjoyed themselves! On June 24, the Supreme Court issued a decision in the case of Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, effectively overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey’s previously established constitutional right to abortion access. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses the implications of the Dobbs decision on ERISA, employee benefits, state laws and more.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! NAHU Releases Summer 2022 Federal Priorities Jul 15, 2022

The House will begin its annual August Recess on August 1, with the Senate joining them one week later on August 8. Throughout the month of August, members of Congress are back in their home states and districts. That makes August the perfect time to schedule a meeting with your legislator! On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU lobbyists John Greene and Chris Hartmann discuss August recess appointments and our Summer 2022 talking points that will assist you in those meetings.

Reconciliation Talks Resume with Focus on Prescription Drugs, ACA Subsidies Jul 22, 2022

The Build Back Better Act, the reconciliation package that Democrats have been trying to piece together for the better part of a year, may finally have legs – and may end up containing only a few, specific healthcare provisions, both of which are relevant to NAHU. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU Vice Presidents of Congressional Affairs Chris Hartmann and John Greene are back on the pod to discuss the most recent developments in Build Back Better and its new possibility of passage.

ACA Faces New Legal Challenge Jul 29, 2022

There is a new legal challenge to the ACA in Texas. No, you’re not having déjà vu – there is another legal challenge coming out of Texas, specifically challenging the ACA’s preventative care mandate. HHS also released a proposed rule this week that would revise Section 1557 of the ACA – the nondiscrimination portion of the healthcare law. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s Marcy M. Buckner is back to discuss these legal and regulatory developments.

Primary Results Shape 2022 Midterm Election Outlook Aug 05, 2022

We are now less than 100 days until the 2022 midterm elections in November. With every House seat contested and some key Senate seats contested, this year’s midterms are as important as ever. In June we discussed a host of primary elections that helped shape what November’s elections will look like. This week, there were more primaries across six states. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s Marcy Buckner and Chris Hartmann are here to break down the most competitive primary results and provide an overview of what could happen come November.

What’s in the Final Version of Democrats’ Reconciliation Package? Aug 12, 2022

After over a year of deliberation, Senate Democrats’ reconciliation bill – now titled the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 – passed the Senate last weekend 51-50, with every Democrat on board and Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tiebreaking vote. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU lobbyists John Greene and Chris Hartmann are here to discuss the version of the bill that passed the Senate (and is now being considered by the House), how NAHU was successful in ensuring a number of harmful provisions did not make it into that last version, and where we go from here.

What Is Site-Neutral Payment Reform and How Does it Affect You? Aug 19, 2022

The president signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 into law earlier this week. We covered the relevant provisions of this new law on last week’s edition of the Healthcare Happy Hour, so if you are interested in learning more about the healthcare components included in that package, please listen to last week’s episode! On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by special guest Heather Meade, principal at Washington Council Ernest and Young and adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center, to raise a topic that we have yet to discuss on the podcast – site-neutral payment reform.

Biden Administration Releases Third Surprise-Billing Rule and "TiC" Guidance Aug 26, 2022

The Biden administration issued a new final rule regarding the implementation of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 – specifically the law’s surprise-billing ban, as well as certain transparency provisions. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which passed almost two years ago now, banned the practice of balance billing and put into place consumer protections so that patients are no longer saddled with a surprise bill. However, the implementation of this law and specifically the independent dispute resolution process that deals with out-of-network bills, has been subject to scrutiny and provider-backed lawsuits. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses the new rule and what it means moving forward.

NAHU Submits Responses to CMS Medicare RFI Sep 02, 2022

NAHU responded to a request for information from CMS this week regarding the Medicare Advantage program. Specifically, CMS is seeking comments on how the agency can strengthen Medicare Advantage in ways that align with CMS’ strategic plan. We submitted two responses to this RFI – one earlier this month focused solely on the new Medicare marketing rule and one focused on other aspects of Medicare and Medicare Advantage. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner talks about our responses and how youcan help us delay implementation of the marketing rule!

District Court Judge Rules ACA Preventive Care Mandate Unconstitutional Sep 09, 2022

On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner touches upon a few topics: a recent district court ruling out of Texas saying that the ACA preventive care mandate violates religious freedoms, a new letter that NAHU has sent to CMS regarding the new Medicare marketing rule, and a new request for information from the agency.

CMS Provides Some Medicare Marketing Clarification (Plus – An Overview of the Summer’s Final Primary Elections!) Sep 16, 2022

NAHU received some answers from CMS regarding questions we posed in a recent letter to the agency’s marketing division regarding the Medicare marketing final rule that is set to be implemented on October 1. This week also saw a new bill introduced on a very important Medicare issue, as well as the last primary elections of the season before we head into November. To discuss all of this and more, on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, are NAHU Vice Presidents of Congressional Affairs Chris Hartmann and John Greene.

A Primary Election Recap with HUPAC Manager Nathan Makla Sep 23, 2022

How much do you know about the National Association of Health Underwriters Political Action Committee, or HUPAC? On last week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU vice presidents of congressional affairs Chris Hartmann and John Greene discussed the last few primary elections of the season. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined once again by Chris Hartmann, but we are also joined by HUPAC Manager Nathan Makla, making his podcast debut! The two provide a broad overview of this year’s primaries and HUPAC’s role in elections past, present, and future.

NAHU Submits Comments to the NAIC on Unfair Trade Practice Model Amendments Sep 30, 2022

NAHU submitted a comment letter to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners this week regarding proposed changes to the NAIC’s Unfair Trade Practices Model Act, a law that regulates each state's insurance industry. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses the NAIC’s proposed amendments as well as the questions and concerns we submitted to the association.

NAHU Submits Comments on ACA Nondiscrimination Proposed Rule Oct 07, 2022

HHS released a proposed rule at the end of July that would make significant revisions to Section 1557 of the ACA – a section of the law that deals with nondiscrimination. NAHU submitted comments in response to the proposed rule this week outlining what we support and where we have concerns. Here to discuss our letter, on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, is Marcy M. Buckner!

Biden Administration Releases Family Glitch Final Rule Oct 14, 2022

HHS officially released the final rule on the ACA family glitch earlier this week. That’s right, the family glitch final rule is finally here! On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses the family glitch, the proposed rule and what, if anything, has changed since its finalization, NAHU’s opinion on the regulation, and where we go from here.

CMS Issues Guidance on Medicare Marketing Requirements Oct 21, 2022

CMS released FAQs on Wednesday regarding the Medicare Marketing Rule, providing official written clarification on several questions that NAHU and our members have posed to the agency over the last several months. Additionally, NAHU’s John Greene hosted a panel at Better Medicare Alliance’s 2022 National Medicare Advantage Summit earlier this week. To discuss this and more, on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, is NAHU Vice President of Congressional Affairs John Greene.

Do You Have Questions About the Family Glitch Before Open Enrollment? Oct 28, 2022

As we are all aware of by now, HHS released the final rule to fix the ACA’s family glitch earlier this month. On the October 14 edition of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s Marcy M. Buckner discussed the regulation in detail. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy is back to provide some more information on the final rule after discussions with CCIIO.

2022 Midterm Election Preview Nov 04, 2022

On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU Vice President of Congressional Affairs John Greene and NAHU HUPAC Manager Nathan Makla provide a preview of next week’s midterm election discussing the key races that will determine Senate and House party control.

2022 Midterm Election Review Nov 11, 2022

On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU Vice President of Congressional Affairs John Greene and NAHU HUPAC Manager Nathan Makla discuss the midterm elections and how control of the Senate and House has still yet to be determined. They also review the key Senate races which will determine which party holds the chamber in the 118th Congress and what we may expect during the lame duck session.

National Long-Term Care Awareness Month Nov 18, 2022

On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by special guests and Long-Term Care Advisory Group members Lori Martin and Steve Cain to discuss LTC in health policy. Lori, president of Envision Benefit Specialists LLC, and Steve, director at LTCI Partners, discuss the importance and execution of long-term care needs for people over 65 during LTC awareness month.

Bill Introduced to Exclude Agents/Brokers from Medicare Marketing Requirements Dec 02, 2022

NAHU is happy to announce that a bill has been introduced that would exclude Medicare agents from the recent, burdensome Medicare Advantage marketing requirements. Here to discuss this – as well as to provide a midterm election update – on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, is NAHU’s John Greene and Marcy M. Buckner.

HRA Council Releases 2022 Report on ICHRA and QSEHRA Trends Dec 09, 2022

Health insurance professionals, particularly those who work on the employer-sponsored end of things, are acutely aware of health reimbursement arrangements, or HRAs. But exactly how many and what types of employers are adopting and utilizing their HRAs? And what about the growth of other types of HRAs, including the relatively new individual coverage HRAs, or ICHRAS? On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by special guests Mark Mixer and Robin Paoli of the HRA Council to discuss the Council’s inaugural report on growth trends for ICHRA and QSEHRA.

Employee Benefit Trends with Special Guest Carla Adams Dec 16, 2022

Businesses need to find, hire and keep the best employees. They also need to simplify HR processes and make compliance and legal requirements easier. That’s where isolved comes in. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Director of Benefit Services Carla Adams joins us to discuss isolved’s 2022 employee benefit surveys, and provide insight on workplace trends, the changing needs of the workforce and the value benefits play in helping meet employee needs.

Federal Agencies Release Several Proposed and Final Regulations Before Year's End Dec 23, 2022

Welcome to the last podcast of the year – and the last ever NAHU Healthcare Happy Hour, because next time you listen, we will be the NABIP Healthcare Happy Hour, the official podcast of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals! Last week the agencies released a host of relevant regulatory content, including a new Medicare Advantage and Part D proposed rule that would impact independent agents. On this week’s Healthcare Happy Hour, NAHU’s Marcy Buckner is back to discuss this proposal as well as several other proposed and final rules impacting the employer-sponsored and individual markets.

What Was in the End-of-Year Omnibus Bill? Jan 06, 2023

Happy New Year, and welcome to the NABIP Healthcare Happy Hour! On this week’s episode, NABIP’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Marcy M. Buckner is here to review some items that were released over the holidays, including the end-of-year omnibus package, a delay on certain CAA reporting requirements, and a new report on surprise billing.

NABIP Lobbyists Discuss Important Committee Assignments Jan 13, 2023

Kevin McCarthy is officially speaker of the House after a turbulent series of votes late last week, allowing the House to conduct official business and begin solidifying Congressional members’ committee assignments. To discuss all the happenings of this new Congress, on this week’s episode of the NABIP Healthcare Happy Hour are Vice President of Congressional Affairs John Greene and – making his podcast debut – our new Vice President of Congressional Affairs Michael Andel!

Medicare Mergers and Acquisitions – the Realities of Selling Your Business Jan 20, 2023

On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are providing an audio preview of a significant resource for those interested in Medicare M&A. In this three-part panel, the most knowledgeable M&A minds in our industry -- Brett Rosen, Dan Mangus and Jennifer Borislow -- review what you need to consider if you are selling your Medicare business. In the first section that you can listen to here now, the trio discuss the emotional aspects of selling your business and what you need to mentally prepare for before, during and after the process. In the remaining two parts that you can watch on NABIP.org, the panel discusses the operational and financial considerations you must take into account when selling your Medicare business. Interested in watching the panel and accessing the other two parts? Check out NABIP’s Agency M&A portal now at https://nabip.org/mergers-and-acquisitions-portal/agency-mergers-acquisitions.

Capitol Conference 2023 - How to Meet with Your Legislators Jan 27, 2023

We are just one month away from our annual Capitol Conference, and the first Capitol Conference as the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals! As folks who have already been to Cap Con know, it’s the responsibility of each chapter's delegation to make their appointments for Congressional lobbying visits during Cap Con. But how? On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Director of Government Affairs Husni Abdelaziz joins us to walk you through the process

NABIP Submits Several Comments to HHS/CMS Feb 03, 2023

This week NABIP submitted two comment letters and one response to a request for information to HHS and CMS. One of these comment letters is in response to the proposed 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters, which contains provisions directly impacting agents and brokers. Here to discuss our comments on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour is none other than Marcy M. Buckner!

Capitol Conference 2023 – NABIP’s Legislative Priorities Feb 10, 2023

President Joe Biden delivered the 2023 State of the Union on Tuesday evening. As usual, healthcare and the administration’s healthcare priorities were a large part of the presidential address. Hey, speaking of addresses in DC, are you ready to come to 400 New Jersey Avenue NW? Because that’s where NABIP’s 2023 Capitol Conference will be hosted! We know listeners have been anxiously awaiting the association’s talking points for members’ meetings with their lawmakers. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy Buckner returns to discuss our legislative priorities for Capitol Conference as well as the State of the Union Address.

NABIP Submits Comments on New Medicare Marketing Proposed Rule Feb 17, 2023

We hope you’re looking forward to NABIP’s Capitol Conference from February 26 through March 1! We will cover everything you need to know before you go on next week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour. But today we have another topic to discuss: At the end of December, we discussed a new proposed rule on policy and technical changes to the Medicare and Medicare Advantage programs. There were a few provisions in this draft regulation that directly impacted independent Medicare agents. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner returns to talk about the comment letter we just submitted to the administration with our questions and concerns with this proposed rule.

Capitol Conference 2023 - Know Before You Go! Feb 24, 2023

NABIP’s Capitol Conference is just a few days away! Will you be attending this year? We certainly hope you are. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NABIP’s Husni Abdelaziz and Dan Parker review what you need to know about the event before you go. If you are interested in learning more about our federal talking points, please listen to the February 10 edition of the Healthcare Happy Hour.

Capitol Conference 2023 Recap with Special Guest Greg Stancil Mar 03, 2023

This episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour was recording live at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, on the last day of NABIP’s 2023 Capitol Conference, where hundreds of insurance professionals showed to make their voices heard! In our official Cap Con recap, NABIP's Marcy M. Buckner and Dan Parker are joined by Legislative Council Vice Chair Greg Stancil - who also served as this year’s Cap Con chairperson - to discuss the event.

NABIP’s Marcy M. Buckner Answers Your Unanswered Cap Con Questions Mar 10, 2023

As we talked about during last week’s Capitol Conference recap with Greg Stancil, NABIP had some amazing speakers at this year’s conference. Many of them took questions, but unfortunately time constraints prevented us from asking those questions. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NABIP’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Marcy M. Buckner reviews some of the questions that we were not able to get to.

Compliance Corner Committee Members Talk RxDC Reporting Mar 17, 2023

Under Section 204 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, employer-based health plans must submit certain information about prescription drugs and healthcare spending. This data submission is known as RxDC reporting. During yesterday’s Compliance Corner webinar, NABIP Compliance Corner members Barb Gerken and Samantha Malovrh discussed RxDC reporting, who is responsible for this reporting, and how to maintain compliance. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are providing a snippet of the 60-minute webinar! But RxDC reporting is not the only topic that the compliance gurus covered - we are just a couple of short months away from the official end of the public health emergency that was prompted by the pandemic. What happens when the emergency period ends? Watch the rest of the webinar to find out at www.nabip.org!

Special Guest Rick Israel Shares Touching Story on the Importance of Succession Planning Mar 24, 2023

Do you own your agency or business? Have you thought about succession planning – even if you are young? On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by Rick Israel – principal of South Florida Affiliated Health Insurers, Medicare adviser and NABIP member – to talk about the perpetuation of his father's business (now his business). Rick’s story serves as a poignant reminder to all independent agents on the importance of having a plan for your business in the unfortunate event that something happens to you.

Special Guest Beth Ashmore Reviews Factors to Consider Before Selling Your Agency Mar 31, 2023

Do you own your agency? Are you interested in selling your business, or is there a potential acquisition in your future? Last week, Rick Israel joined us to discuss the importance of succession planning in your business. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by NABIP Past President Beth Ashmore, whose agency in Lubbock, Texas, was acquired not too long ago. She is on the podcast this week to discuss the acquisition and important factors to consider before selling.

CMS Releases 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule Apr 07, 2023

On Wednesday evening, CMS released the 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule, which contains several provisions that are directly relevant to our Medicare members. We discussed the regulation back when it was just a proposed rule in late December and – on this week’s Healthcare Happy Hour – NABIP’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Marcy M. Buckner is back to discuss the final rule and what you need to know!

NABIP-Supported Legislation Introduced, President Signs Resolution Ending National Emergency Apr 14, 2023

President Biden signed a resolution on Monday ending the COVID-19 national emergency earlier than scheduled… but the public health emergency is still set to expire on May 11. What’s the difference? On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Vice Presidents of Congressional Affairs John Greene and Michael Andel review what the end of the national emergency means, in addition to reviewing some NABIP-supported legislation that we need your help getting passed.

An Individual Market Agent’s Perspective on the Medicaid Unwinding Apr 21, 2023

As we have discussed a few times on the podcast, we are amid what is being referred to as the “Medicaid Unwinding,” where tens of millions of Medicaid beneficiaries are having their eligibility redetermined. CMS estimates that nearly 15 million individuals are poised to lose coverage over the next 12 months following the end of a major public health emergency flexibility, and many of those beneficiaries will be looking for new health coverage in the individual market. On this week’s Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by special guest and member of NABIP’s Legislative Council Joshua Brooker to talk about the unwinding period from the agent’s perspective.

Special Guests from Nonstop Health Discuss Benefits for Brokers and Employers Apr 28, 2023

North of 175 million Americans receive their health coverage through their employer, among a host of related benefits. Agents, brokers and other insurance professionals who work in the employer market understand how important it is – for both the employer and employee – that a company can provide top-tier health benefits. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by special guests Elizabeth Hodges and Derreck Smith from Nonstop Administration and Insurance Services to discuss how benefits can be recession-proof, how you can be a more trusted advisor to your clients, and what Nonstop Health can do for you. This week's episode is sponsored by Nonstop.

NABIP Submits Written Testimony on Host of Healthcare Issues May 05, 2023

Did you know that NABIP regularly submits written testimony to Congress ahead of relevant healthcare hearings? From small-business tax credits to Association Health Plans to mental health network adequacy, NABIP submits statements to Congressional committees when they are debating policy that impacts our members. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NABIP Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Marcy M. Buckner is back to review our latest testimony.

What You Need to Know About the End of the COVID-19 Emergency Period May 12, 2023

May 11 was the official end date of the public health emergency that has been in place for over three years. There are several temporary health policies and flexibilities impacting Medicare, group and individual plans that were put into place during the pandemic. Do you know which ones are affected by the national emergency as opposed to the public health emergency? Do you know which flexibilities will expire when? In this excerpt from NABIP’s April 20 Compliance Corner webinar, NABIP Legislative Council Manager and CEO of MZQ Consulting Jennifer Berman discussed the end of the emergency periods in detail. Watch the webinar in full on NABIP.org!

A Stay in ACA Preventive Care Mandate Case; NABIP Submits More Testimony May 19, 2023

Earlier this week, a federal appeals court issued a stay on a lower court ruling that struck down provisions of the ACA’s preventive care mandate while it reviews the case. Meanwhile, NABIP submitted more written testimony to Congressional committees on a variety of topics – including direct primary care and hospital consolidation. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses the ACA case and its implications, along with the details of our statements for the Congressional Record.

How to Best Leverage Employee Benefits Portfolios – from Retirement Plans to Pet Insurance May 26, 2023

In a recent benefits survey, 92 percent of respondents said that benefits were important to their overall happiness on the job. In today’s world, that means offering benefits that go beyond health insurance. For those that work in the group market know that employers are always looking for interesting and useful supplementary benefits to attract the best and brightest employees. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, we are joined by Heidi Sirota and Andee Gravitt from Nationwide along with Adam Sheehan from AccuRisk Solutions, to discuss how to best leverage employee benefits portfolios to optimize employee retention. Sponsored by Nationwide *Nationwide has received the DALBAR Plan Participant Service Award from 2014-2022. This recording is educational in nature and is not designed or intended to provide financial, tax, legal, accounting, or other professional advice. Nationwide and its representatives do not give legal or tax advice. An attorney or tax advisor should be consulted for answers to specific questions. Investing involves market risk, including possible loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be achieved. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Nationwide and AccuRisk Solutions are separate and non-affiliated companies. Retirement Resource Group includes Retirement Specialists and Personal Retirement Counselors. Retirement Specialists are registered representatives of Nationwide Investment Services Corporation (NISC), member FINRA, Columbus, OH. The information they provide is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax or investment advice. Personal Retirement Counselors are registered representatives of Nationwide Securities, LLC., member FINRA, SIPC. DBA Nationwide Advisory Services, LLC. in AR, CA, FL, NY, TX, and WY. Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Nationwide Securities, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC, and a Registered Investment Advisor. DBA Nationwide Advisory Services, LLC in AR, CA, FL, NY, TX and WY. Representative of Nationwide Life Insurance Company, affiliated companies and other companies. Nationwide Investment Services Corporation (NISC), member FINRA, Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide Retirement Institute is a division of NISC. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, Nationwide Retirement Institute and Retirement Resource Group are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company © 2023.

Are You Ready for NABIP’s Annual Convention? Jun 02, 2023

NABIP’s Annual Convention is rapidly approaching – our first Convention as the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals! We hope that all our listeners are planning on attending Convention, which will be held June 24 through 27 in New Orleans, Louisiana. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Dan is joined by NABIP Chief Information Officer Illana Maze to discuss the Convention and all the great speakers and sessions that come with it! Register for Convention at https://www.nabip.org. The deadline to register online is June 16. On-site registration will be available but will increase by $50.

House Ways & Means Committee Advances NABIP Federal Priority to Ease Employer Reporting Process Jun 09, 2023

Earlier this week, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced the Employer Reporting Improvement Act which will simplify employer reporting on health insurance coverage. This is a priority that NABIP has long advocated on behalf of. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses what this big win means, along with details of what’s included in the bill and future steps.

Marcy M. Buckner Discusses NABIP Successes and Favorite Memories in Last Podcast Episode Jun 16, 2023

This week is Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Marcy M. Buckner’s last here at the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals. For several years, Marcy has been one of the premier voices on the Healthcare Happy Hour podcast – but that has just been a small piece of her duties at NABIP. After over 11 years, Marcy has left a substantial legacy and everyone, from staff to members, are sad to see her go. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Vice President of Congressional Affairs John Greene and Marcy review some legislative and regulatory successes that NABIP has had during her tenure, as well as some fun and emotional personal anecdotes.

NABIP-Supported Employer-Reporting Bill Passes House Jun 23, 2023

On Wednesday, the House passed the Employer Reporting Improvement Act (H.R. 3801), a bill that provides much-needed relief for employers by easing certain aspects of the reporting requirements under Section 6055 and 6056 of the ACA. This has been an issue that NABIP has been active in for several years now, and for employer-reporting legislation to make it this far is truly exciting. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NABIP lobbyists John Greene and Michael Andel are here to discuss the bill.

Learn How to Track Legislation in Your State with NABIP’s New Interactive Tool Jul 07, 2023

We hope you enjoyed our Annual Convention in New Orleans at the end of June, and we hope you had an excellent Fourth of July. We did not host an episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour podcast last week, but that’s because we’ve been busy with our brand-new State Legislative Tracking Tool, available now on NABIP.org. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Senior Director of Government Affairs Husni Abdelaziz is here to discuss the tool and how you can leverage it to stay informed and engaged with the legislative process in your state and region.

Government Affairs Staff Review PATIENT Act, Proposed Rule on Short-Term Plans, and NABIP Response to NAIC Privacy Provisions Jul 14, 2023

As you saw in last week’s Washington Update, the administration released a proposed regulation that touches on short-term limited duration plans, fixed indemnity plans and level-funded plans. On the Congressional side, NABIP is looking at the PATIENT Act of 2023, a transparency bill that includes many provisions we support. In addition to these items, NABIP submitted a comment letter to the NAIC earlier this week regarding some proposed privacy provisions. To discuss all of this on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour are our very own John Greene and Michael Andel.

The New FFM Consent Form Rules – What Are They, and How Do You Comply? Jul 21, 2023

As of June 18, agents and brokers who operate in states with a federally facilitated marketplace must obtain documentation that consumers they are working with have reviewed their eligibility for applying for coverage. Agents and brokers must also obtain documentation that the consumer consents to work with them when enrolling in advance payments of the premium tax credit and cost-sharing reduction payments. NABIP will be providing a model form over the coming weeks for our membership to utilize. In the meantime, on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Dan is joined by AgencyBloc product director Sara Brammer and Engagement Manager Neal Price, to discuss the new rule and what steps you can take to ensure compliance. Sponsored by AgencyBloc

NABIP’s Summer 2023 Federal Priorities; Tri-Agencies Propose Mental Health Parity Regulation Aug 04, 2023

August Recess is underway! Every year, the House and Senate adjourn for the annual Congressional summer recess. This year, the House will be on recess until September 12 and the Senate will reconvene on September 4. This is a prime time to meet with your federal legislators about NABIP’s talking points, which this year is focused on getting the Employer Reporting Improvement Act across the finish line. In addition to August Recess, a mental health parity proposed rule and technical release was issued by the tri-agencies early last week. To discuss these items, on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, is NABIP Senior Vice President of Government Affairs John Greene and Vice President of Congressional Affairs Michael Andel.

Urge Your Lawmakers to Support Observation Status Fix; Model FFM Consent Form Available Now Aug 18, 2023

Welcome back to the Healthcare Happy Hour! Even though we are in the midst of August recess, a new bill that would resolve one of our Medicare issues has been introduced in the House. NABIP is calling on all members to contact their federal legislators and urge them to co-sponsor bipartisan legislation that would address this important issue. In addition to that, our listeners who work in the individual market will be delighted to hear that our model consent form for those in federally facilitated marketplace states is finally available. To discuss this and more, on this week’s episode of the podcast, is NABIP’s John Greene and Michael Andel.

Draft Medicare Regs, ACA Affordability Changes and the End of August Recess Sep 01, 2023

It’s September 1, which means it’s officially fourth quarter – though we probably didn’t actually need to tell you that. September 1 also means that we are just a couple of days away from the end of August recess. If you met with your lawmakers over the summer, please log those appointments using a link on NABIP.org, under Advocacy, then Legislative Issues. With that said, we have plenty to discuss this week, most of which is at the regulatory level – between ACA affordability changes and proposed Medicare regulations. To discuss all of this and more on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour are none other than NABIP’s John Greene and Michael Andel.

NABIP Submits Comments on Short-Term Plans, ACA Excepted Benefits, and Level-Funded Plan Arrangements Sep 08, 2023

NABIP submitted a comment letter earlier this week in response to a proposed rule by the Treasury Department, DOL, and HHS on short-term plans, fixed indemnity plans and excepted benefits coverage. The proposed rule also included a request for information on level-funded plans, broadly. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, your favorite NABIP staff members John Greene and Michael Andel review the proposed rule and our comments. Read this comment letter, and all of our regulatory comments and written testimony, on NABIP.org - specifically under "Advocacy," under "Policy Documents."

Optimizing ALE Compliance with ICHRA – A Strategic Guide for Brokers and Agents Sep 15, 2023

Health insurance professionals who in the employer market are acutely aware of health reimbursement arrangements, commonly shortened to HRAs, and how they work. However, the world of individual coverage HRAs, or ICHRAs, is a relatively new form coverage that employers and brokers alike are still learning how to utilize effectively. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, sponsored by Remodel Health, NABIP’s Dan Parker is joined by Justin Clemets co-founder and chief ICHRA officer, Travis Hall, VP of marketing, and John Staub, director of outreach, to discuss how ALEs can utilize ICHRAs, tailoring ICHRAs for various employee classes, broader potential of ICHRAs for different types of reimbursements, and how the Family Glitch fits into all this. Sponsored by Remodel Health

Stop-Loss Professionals Discuss Trends in High-Claim Costs and the Tools to Deal with Them Sep 22, 2023

Over the course of the past decade, the industry has seen a tremendous increase in the sophistication and costs of medical treatment options, including enhanced care of newborns, groundbreaking cancer treatments and pharmaceutical advancements like gene and cell therapies. These have created potentially big wins for patients with challenging diagnoses, but also brought about a continued trend in rising claim costs. As the costs have grown, so has the need to ensure appropriate coverage is in place with a carrier that has the right knowledge, experience and financial stability to help protect each client’s bottom line. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, sponsored by HM Insurance Group, Dan Parker is joined by president of HM Insurance Group’s Mark Lawrence and Eric Berg to discuss the importance of stop-loss coverage amidst this continued trend in rising claim costs. Sponsored by HM Insurance Group.

NABIP Responds to Mental Health Parity Proposed Rule Sep 29, 2023

NABIP submitted a comment letter in response to a proposed rule on mental health parity. Mental health parity and network adequacy in the mental health space has been a prime issue for employers across the country, and NABIP, for several years now. This new proposed rule was issued in early August. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs John Greene is back on the pod to discuss the proposed rule and our comments. Today’s podcast episode covers a portion of our comments. If you are interested in learning more, please read the executive summary and full comment letter on NABIP.org!

ACA and Beyond – A Modern Look at Employee Benefits! Oct 06, 2023

Since its passage well over a decade ago, the Affordable Care Act has fundamentally transformed health insurance and employee benefits – and every year there seems to be more regulation and legislation building on the landmark law. To best serve your clients, you need to be up to speed on all things ACA and beyond. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NABIP’s Dan Parker is joined by Paul Roberts, senior director of education and market development at Word & Brown and instructor of one of NABIP’s best professional development courses – “ACA and Beyond: A Modern Look at Employee Benefits.” Listen to the whole podcast episode to hear a special code you can use to get 20% off our ACA and Beyond course! The code expires October 13.

House Scrambles to Choose New Speaker; Medicare AEP Begins Sunday Oct 13, 2023

Last week, Kevin McCarthy became the first speaker of the House in United States history to be ousted from the position via vote. This week, the House has scrambled to replace McCarthy. While the chamber has a temporary speaker in place, his powers are limited and the GOP majority must choose a permanent leader before anything can be considered on the floor. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, John Greene and Michael Andel discuss what they’re seeing on the Hill. Additionally, the Medicare AEP is about to begin, so we’ll discuss some resources for our members to help with all the requirements for agents.

NABIP CEO Jessica Brooks-Woods Makes Her Healthcare Happy Hour Debut Oct 27, 2023

On September 1, the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals welcomed new Chief Executive Officer Jessica Brooks-Woods. Prior to NABIP, Jessica served as president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Business Group on Health. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Dan Parker is joined by Jessica to discuss what led her to NABIP, what her goals are for the association, and everything else you might have questions about!

NABIP-Supported Employer Reporting Bill Introduced in Senate; What Do You Need to Know for OEP? Nov 03, 2023

As I’m sure all of our listeners are aware, the open enrollment period is underway! Running from November 1 through January 15 (although consumers will actually get one additional day to enroll this year as January 15 falls on a federal holiday), the OEP is an opportunity for millions to get covered, especially those who have lost coverage during the Medicaid unwinding. In addition to the OEP, we have exciting news about one of our oldest legislative priorities – employer reporting relief! On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, John Greene and Michael Andel return to discuss.

Special Guest from Genworth Discusses Long-Term Care Legislation and How Agents Can Help Their Clients Nov 17, 2023

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.

Proposed Regulations Would Impact Medicare Broker Comp, FMOs; What Should You Expect from Congress in December? Dec 01, 2023

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.

NABIP Attends NAIC, Submits Response to Preventive Care RFI Dec 08, 2023

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.

NABIP Submits Strong Comments to CMS on Medicare Advantage and FMO Proposed Rule; DOL Releases Association Health Plan (AHP) Proposed Rule Jan 05, 2024

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.

Capitol Conference Keynote Sneak Peek, Featuring Amy Walter! Feb 02, 2024

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.

The Future is Now – Capitol Conference Reflections and NABIP's Path Forward in Healthcare Mar 08, 2024

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.

NABIP's Vision for the Next Era of ERISA Mar 22, 2024

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!

Exploring Ancillary Benefits in Self-Funded Plans - The Role of Stop-Loss Insurance in Self-Funded Plans May 02, 2024

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.

The Final Rule on Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance (STLDI) and Fixed Indemnity Plans: What it Means for Brokers and their Clients. May 09, 2024

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.

An Update on NABIP’s Legislative Priorities from Capitol Conference May 22, 2024

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.

NABIP’s Healthcare Happy Hour Podcast, sponsored by AgencyBloc May 31, 2024

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.

Navigating the Insurance Industry: A Conversation with Alicia Riedl, NABIP President Jul 23, 2024

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.

Prepare for August Recess Meetings with Michael Andel and Andrew McKechnie! Aug 09, 2024

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.

Improving the Member Experience with NABIP Membership Chair Leslie Shelton Aug 22, 2024

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.

Navigating Compliance and Regulatory Challenges with NABIP Employer Working Group Chair Bianca Saul Sep 05, 2024

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.

Advocating for Changes in Medicare with NABIP Medicare Advisory Group Chair Danielle Roberts Sep 19, 2024

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.

Revolutionizing Healthcare Access with Healthcare2U Sep 26, 2024

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.

The Value and Role of NABIP PAC in Advancing NABIP's Mission with NABIP PAC Chair Joshua Haberman Oct 10, 2024

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.

Effective Risk Management Strategies with CalSurance Oct 24, 2024

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.

Navigating the Changes in Medicare Commissions with NABIP Director of Public Policy & Advocacy Nicole LePetri Oct 31, 2024

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.

Decoding Drug Pricing in America with RxBenefits Nov 14, 2024

In this episode of Healthcare Happy Hour, sponsored by RxBenefits, host David Saltzman speaks with KC Armstrong, director of business development at RxBenefits, about the evolution of the pharmacy industry, the complexities of drug pricing in the U.S., and strategies for self-funded plans. KC shares insights on how RxBenefits has adapted to the rapidly changing landscape of healthcare and pharmacy, the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), and the various factors influencing medication costs. The discussion also highlights the importance of data-driven strategies for employers looking to manage their pharmacy spend effectively.

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