The Benefits Brief

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

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.

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

Show notes

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.

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

Show notes

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.

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

Show notes

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.

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

Show notes

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.

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

Show notes

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.

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

Show notes

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.

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

Show notes

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!

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

Show notes

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.

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

Show notes

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.

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