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January 2015
Board Members
President Mike Ripley
Vice President Mike Ripley
Past President Carolyn Beck
Secretary Jennifer Revell
Treasurer Rita Musser
Awards Chair Carolyn Beck
Communications Chair Nicole Fairbairn
Education Chair Cindy Trahin
ISAHU-PAC Chair David Berman
HUPAC Chair Denny Wright
Legislative Chair Dwight Hall
Marketing Chair Kristen Kaweck
Media Relations Kathy Goffer
Membership Chair Bill Robinson
Retention Chair Tina Hazelip
[email protected] ISAHU January 2015 Page 1
This issue
Message from your ISAHU President P. 2 2014 Year in Review P. 3 ISAHU-PAC Update P. 4
Travel Apps P. 5 Swearing In Ceremonies P. 7
Tax Time P. 8 Designations in Healthcare P. 9
Legislative Update P. 10 Annual Capitol Conference P. 12
Technology Can Help P. 13 Chapter Updates/ACA Violations P. 14
Media Relations P. 16
January 19th – One America Auditorium
ISAHU will again be sponsoring ISAHU Day On The Hill and this year it will include the NAHU Self-Funding Certification Course.
The event will be held Jan 19th at the One America Auditorium in downtown Indianapolis. (There’s still time left to register!)
(Auditorium of the American United Life Building, One American Square, 510A, Indianapolis, IN 46282)
The schedule will be as follows: 8:15am – 8:45am: Registration/Breakfast 8:45am – 10:15am: Panel Discussion – Healthcare Update 2015 Panelists: Trent Hahn/Matt Long (Bose Public Affairs Group), John Willey (Anthem), Mike Ripley (Indiana Chamber of Commerce) and Andrew Berger (Indiana Manufacturers Association) 10:15am – 11:15am: Statehouse visit to ISAHU (legislators TBA) 11:15am – 12:30pm: Lunch on your own. 12:30pm – 1:00pm: Registration for Self-Funding Certification Course 1:00pm – 4:30pm: Self-Funding Certification Course (Note: There is no charge for the Panel Discussion.)
The cost of the Self-Funded Certification Course is $175 for NAHU members and $275 for non-members. (Click here to register for the course.) More information
on the course is included in the Newsletter and on the www.inahu.org website.
Also note: A separate registration form for the Day On The Hill portion of the event will be forthcoming and also be posted on the www.inahu.org
website in the near future.
Registrations need to be received by January 14th to ensure you receive all class materials.
Please mark your calendars and join us for an exciting day of legislative information and personal development.
For questions, contact – Dwight “D” Hall, ISAHU Legislative Chair , [email protected], Ph: 317-370-9664
ISAHU January 2015 Page 2
New Year—Great Start! by Mike Ripley, President
As we start the new year, it’s not hard to want to forget 2014. With the continued roll out of the health marketplace, there were
enough headlines about Obamacare to fill an Anthology. However, we prevailed as an industry. We proved that we are still an integral part of the health insurance world. We served the senior market, the under 65 individual market, and the group market. We even served segments of each of those markets. As an association we are a very diverse group. Recently, Pat Griffey, our region 3 VP, and I were discussing how even at conventions and seminars a set of questions could be asked that would visually explain the diversity of our organization. For example: “Who uses B2B on the NAHU website? Does anyone utilize Compliance Corner? Are any of you taking part in Operation Shout?” As we all know, there would be some people in every corner of the room that would raise their hands at these questions, but certainly not everyone for each question. In 2015, ISAHU will do its best to serve the various segments in our organization. Please reach out to any board member to let us know how you think we might serve you better. Good Luck and Happy New Year! Mike Ripley
Connect with ISAHU
What type of social media do you use? Check out ISAHU on one of the following:
Like us on Facebook! ISAHU is now on Twitter! Please follow us @INSTAHU for updates on what is happening with your State chapter.
ISAHU January 2015 Page 3
INDIANA STATE ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH UNDERWRITERS 2014 ANNUAL SUMMARY REPORT OF CHAPTER
ACTIVITIES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
by Mike Ripley, ISAHU President
Meeting Attendance at: National Convention in Scottsdale, AR (6/29-7/2/2014) 17 members attended Capitol Conference (2/24 – 2/26/2014) 21 members attended Region 3 Meeting – Indianapolis, IN 100+ 7th Annual State Convention held in Indianapolis, IN (7/21-7/23/2014) 10th Annual Awards Program held during the Convention State Leadership Training Workshops held during the Convention Held Monthly ISAHU Board meetings 12 meetings
Held ISAHU Strategic Planning Meeting 14 attendees (ISAHU Officers, Committee Chairs & Chapter Presidents)
Chapter Business Activities: 2014 - 2015 ISAHU Annual Budget approved D & O Insurance & Liability Insurance for State Chapter & Local Chapters in Indiana Qualified for the NAHU “Gold Seal Certification” in 3/2011, 3/2012 & 3/2014 (Note: Indiana was the 1st chapter in the Nation to qualify as “Gold”!)
Professional Strategic Business Plan reviewed and published in June and August 2014 - With the help of Raybourn Group International
Published New Website in late 2014
Communications: Monthly newsletter emailed to all members and other insurance professionals Email blasts with up-to-date Legislative news from Indiana & DC
Lobbyist’s reports from Bose Public Affairs posted to ISAHU website Local chapter presidents encouraged to participate in monthly ISAHU Board meetings Local chapter presidents included in the distribution of ISAHU Board meeting notices and updates
Legislative Activity: ISAHU renewed lobbying contract with Bose Public Affairs Group ISAHU actively operates a State Political Action Committee (ISAHU-PAC) ISAHU-PAC renewed its contract with Stakeholder, Inc. to administer compliance and fundraising Actively promoted HUPAC in e-newsletters, website and special email blasts Active Legislative Committee that coordinates state & federal legislative initiatives throughout the year Email blasts to members regarding up to the minute activities in the General Assembly IDOI Liaison agreement and regular contact with the Insurance Commissioner and other IDOI staff Carol Cutter Scholarship was awarded to a first time Capitol Conference attendee ISAHU Members attended many events to meet with State & Federal legislators
Education & Awards: CE classes were presented as part of 2014 State Convention for a total of 6 CE credit hours ISAHU won their 8th consecutive Landmark Award in 2014 LPRT program promoted to the membership – 12 qualifiers in 2014 NAHU’s Triple Crown Award promoted to the membership
Members working with industry related groups: Nicole Fairbairn, serves on the Board of the Indiana Small Employer Insurer Voluntary
Reinsurance Program (ISEIVRP). David Berman serves on the NAHU Legislative Council Patricia Griffey serves on the NAIFA-Elkhart Chapter Board ISAHU Board members participated in events hosted by the “PIA” and NAIFA
Future events: 2015 Capitol Conference in Washington, DC 2/23 thru 2/25/2015 2015 NAHU National Convention in Scottsdale, AZ 6/28 thru 7/01/2015
2015 Region 3 Conference – Location TBD Date TBD 8th Annual ISAHU State Convention – Indianapolis, IN Date TBD
ISAHU-PAC Update, by David Berman, ISAHU-PAC Chair
ISAHU January 2015 Page 4
The Elections are over and the in the State Senate the Republicans hold 40 Seats out of 50 Seats & in the State House of Representatives, the Republicans hold 71 Seats out of 100 Seats. ISAHU continues to be in a Great Position to protect Agents & Brokers & our Industry due to our relationships with the President Pro Tempore in the Senate, David Long & with the Speaker of the House Brian Bosma. We also are very close to the Insurance Committees in both the Senate & the House as well as most of the Committee Members. Several of the Committee Members are actually Agents & Brokers. We don’t anticipate any Legislation that will negatively impact Agents & Brokers or, our Industry. Currently, there are only 6 Bills that have been filed, 2 in the House & 4 in the Senate: HB1043 – Medical Malpractice Caps, filed by Rep. Jerry Torr (R). Increases the Medical Malpractice Cap from $1,250,000 to $1,650,000 for claims arising after June 30, 2015. Increases the maximum amount of liability for a healthcare provider or a healthcare provider’s insurer from $250,000 to $300,000. HB1063 – Dental & Optometry Service Coverage, filed by Rep. Ron Bacon (R). Prohibits Dental & Vision Insurers & HMOs from requiring dentists & optometrists to accept certain payments unless the healthcare services are covered services. Prohibits dentist & optometrists from charging for non-covered services an amount that exceeds the usual & customary charges for the services. SB26 – Coverage of Prescription Eye Drops, filed by Senator Pat Miller (R). Requires that certain state employee health plans, policies of accident & sickness insurance & HMOs contracts must cover refills & additional units of Rx eye drops specified conditions. (the introduced version of this bill was prepared by the interim committee on public health, behavioral health & human services). SB47 – Healthcare Professional Cultural Training, filed by Senator Jean Breaux (D). Requires an individual seeking licensure in a healthcare profession to complete cultural competency training. SB227 – Removal of Exemptions from “DO NOT CALL” Law, filed by Senator Michael Delph (R). Removes existing exemptions from the statute governing telephone solicitations of consumers (Indiana’s “DO NOT CALL list) for calls made by the following:
1) Tax Exempt Charitable Organizations 2) Licensed Real Estate Brokers 3) Licensed Insurance Producers & Surplus Lines Producers 4) Newspapers
SB328 – Medicare Supplement for State Employees, filed by Senator Jean Leising (R). Requires the State Department of Personnel to make available to certain State Employees a Group Medicare Supplement Insurance Policy. Requires the State of Indiana to pay a % of the Group Medicare Supplement Policy premium equal to the average % paid for self-insured health coverage for active employees. We are very well represented @ the State House by Bose Public Affairs Group as our PAID LOBBYIST! If there are any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact me, [email protected], or 318-590-7887.
ISAHU January 2015 Page 5
Top Five Business Travel Apps to Simplify Your Time From Employee Benefit Adviser, Shared by Carolyn Beck, Awards Chair
Overview: Between traveling to open-enrollment meetings and industry conferences, to prospecting new clients, benefit advisers spend a significant amount of their working hours on business travel. Here are the top five business travel apps to simplify your time on the road, according to Certify:
TripCase TripCase helps you manage your entire trip itinerary in one place. You can combine bookings from multiple sources, including your hotel website and travel agency and receive free flight alerts based on your trip details. The app allows you to add notes to your itinerary, with reminders or other thoughts, ideas and details. It also allows you to share some or all of your travel plans with friends, family and colleagues. Hotel Tonight When your half-day business trip turns into an overnighter and you need a hotel room fast, this app helps you book one. Choose from a hand-picked selection of top-rated hotels with last-minute discount pricing. Booking a room takes just 10 seconds, ac-cording to the app developers —3 taps and a swipe! Certify Certify helps business travelers easily track expenses on the go. Employees can take a photo of a receipt using their smartphone or camera-enabled tablet. They can even snap a picture of the parking meter or the bellman holding the tip they just paid him, and Certify will turn it into an electronic receipt. Seamless Everybody’s gotta eat, but knowing where to find some grub when you’r e out of town can be difficult. Seamless helps you or-der food right from your phone for delivery or takeout from local restaurants. View thousands of menus online, enjoy free online ordering and wait for your food to come to you. You can also enjoy exclusive discounts and deals. Waze Stuck in a traffic jam and wondering if you’re going to make your next meeting on time? Waze is a community-based traffic and navigation app that can help you decide whether to stay on the clogged freeway or look for an alternative route. Drivers in the area use the app to share real-time traffic and road info.
ISAHU January 2015 Page 6
ISAHU Represented on Capitol Hill During Swearing In Ceremonies
David Berman,
Susan Rider,
Congressman
Andre Carson's
wife and daughter
and D. Hall taken
outside the
Congressman's
office on Jan 6,
2015.
D. Hall, David Berman and Susan
Rider in NAHU offices while
in Washing D.C. for
Swearing In Ceremonies
David Berman, Susan Rider, Congressman Larry Buschon and D. Hall taken in Washington, D.C. during Swearing In Ceremony festivities on Jan. 6th.
ISAHU January 2015 Page 7
David Berman, D. Hall and Susan Rider with several of NAHU staff in lobby of NAHU offices in Washington, D.C. taken on Jan. 6, 2015.
Susan Rider, D. Hall, Congresswoman Susan Brooks and David Berman taken during part of Swearing In festivities in Washington, D.C. on Jan 6, 2015.
GOP Congressmen and Women and Senator
Dan Coats taken during some of Swearing In
festivities in Washington, D.C. on Jan 6, 2015
David Berman, Congressman Todd
Rokita, D. Hall and Kathy Rokita
The following pictures were taken during David Berman, Susan Rider and Dwight “D” Hall’s trip to Washington, D.C. on January 6th to participate in some of the Swearing In Ceremonies for the 114th Congress. They were invited by Congresswoman Susan Brooks and other Congressmen from the Central IN area. While there, they were able to meet personally with all seven GOP House members as well as with Congressman Andre Carson’s wife at his office. They also met with Senator Dan Coats and stopped by Senator Joe Donnelly’s office and met with his Legislative Aide. Due to many of the Capitol Hill staffers moving on to other opportunities at each Election Cycle, it was a great opportunity to meet several new staff members. This will be extremely helpful for the upcoming NAHU Capitol Conference.
ISAHU January 2015 Page 8
2014 TAX TIME IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Shared by Rita Musser
Now that 2015 has arrived, it is the time of year when we begin to think about the warmth of Spring – and April tax deadlines!
As our members work on their 2014 tax returns, the question comes up: “What portion of my NAHU dues can I deduct as a normal business expense?” Per the IRS regulations, the following percentages of 2014 dues vs. 2014 lobbying expenses for the three NAHU membership levels determine the allowable deductible amounts.
Allocation % Paid in Disallowed Allowable Business NAHU Levels of Dues Lobbyist Fees Amount Expense for 2014
Local Chapter Dues $ 45.00 0% $ 0 $ 45.00 ISAHU Dues $ 90.00 50% $ 45.00 $ 45.00 NAHU Dues $ 270.00 25% $ 67.50 $ 202.50
Totals $ 405.00 $ 112.50 $ 292.50 (NOTE: The percentage of dues that can / cannot be deducted as a normal business expense changes each year. We will confirm these percentages at the end of each year and will report any changes in these percentages to the membership as soon as we receive the information from NAHU and in the monthly ISAHU newsletters.)
(Sidenote: Jennifer Murphy confirmed that the amount of National dues that can be counted as “routine business expenses” remained at 75% for 2014)
ISAHU January 2015 Page 9
Designations in Healthcare By Carolyn Beck, Awards Chair
As a member of NAHU you have an opportunity gain various designations that will set you apart from other industry professionals.
To learn more about these opportunities log on to the NAHU website at www.nahu.org and click on the Professional Development Opportunities section and select designations.
Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) Program NAHU has partnered with the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans to offer our members discounts on one of the industry's premier designations - Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS).
NAHU members receive a 10% discount on all learning guides/study manuals and a $30 discount off the regular price of each exam. See below for more information!
The CEBS designation is a total compensation credential that is recognized for the depth and breadth of critical knowledge that it provides. CEBS courses are designed to give you current, need-to-know information that will enable you to your job better and solve your organizational challenges. The courses cover all areas of total compensation - giving you a comprehensive perspective on the issues facing your business.
The prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania has been the academic partner of CEBS since the program began. You can expect the best, so here's your opportunity to earn a credential from one of the top business schools in the country.
CEBS recognizes that not everyone wants the same thing. That's why they also offer the opportunity to earn specialty designations in group benefits (GBA), retirement plans (RPA) and compensation management (CMS). By completing three courses, you'll be able to put a credential after your name! And the best part is that all of these courses count fully toward the requirements to earn the CEBS designation. CEBS courses are designed for self-study, and with optional online classes, computer-based testing and instant grade results, CEBS can fit your schedule!
Each course is designed to stand alone. You may determine the sequence in which you take the courses based on your personal or professional needs, educational background or work experience. The courses, materials, examinations and grading standards are geared to an upper-division level of an accredited college or university.
ISAHU January 2015 Page 10
Welcome to 2015 folks! I hope that you all had a very happy Holiday Season.
As you know, both Washington, D.C. and the Indiana State House are back in session so the legislative process for 2015 has begun. And remember as Will Rogers once said – “I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.”
Just as a reminder, here’s the results of the November election -
Washington Senate – GOP 54 with the results of the LA race on Dec 6th – Democrats/Independents 46 House – GOP 246 (at least – a couple of recounts still in process) out of 435.
Indiana Senate – GOP 40 – Democrats 10 House – GOP 71 – Democrats 29
There continue to be political events and fund raisers at both the State and Federal levels. It’s very important that ISAHU be present at a select number of these and members of your Legislative Team do our very best to participate when cost effective to do so.
Some of the recent events attended:
D. Hall, David Berman, Bill Robinson, Kristen Kaweck, Mike Miles and Susan Rider were guests at the Insurance Institute of IN Legislative Reception on January 7th.
Meetings took place with various industry and Legislative personnel during the event.
David Berman, Susan Rider and D. Hall were in D.C. on January 6th to participate in some of the Swearing In Ceremonies. While there, we were able to meet with all seven GOP House members personally and also met with Congressman Andre Carson’s wife at his office. We also met with Senator Dan Coats and stopped by Senator Joe Donnelly’s office.
Legislative Update Dwight “D” Hall
With every election cycle, many of the Capitol Hill staffers move on to other opportunities. We were able to obtain the new scheduler and legislative aide information from all offices which will be extremely helpful for the upcoming NAHU Capitol Conference.
By attending such “group” functions as described above, we are able to stretch HUPAC, ISAHU-PAC and association/individual member dollars to the maximum.
As I try to remind folks, please remember that our elected officials are always in need of hearing your concerns on healthcare (and other issues as well.). They particularly are looking for actual stories from you, your clients and prospects that outline either pitfalls or successes regarding ACA. Anything we can share with our elected officials regarding areas of expertise - healthcare and otherwise - is important. Please share with them when you can.
Federal Update As you know, Open Enrollment for ACA started on Nov 15th and it appears that the www.healthcare.gov site continues to work much better than last year. Hopefully those of you who have and continue to utilize it for your clients are having a much better experience than before. Please feel welcome to share your successes and frustrations with the site with your Local Legislative Chairs so they may share with the State Legislative Team.
The new members of the 114th Congress were sworn in on January 6th out in Washington. And we’re beginning to see the new Congress take action on various fronts. One item already passed in the House 252 – 172 is the HR30 - Save American Workers Act introduced by Congressman Todd Young from Indiana’s 9th District and Democrat Dan Lipinski from IL.
The Senate version S. 30 – 40 Hours Is Full Time Act has been introduced by Senator Joe Donnelly – D – IN and Senator Susan Collins – R – Maine. No hearing date has yet been set by Senator Lamar Alexander.
With Senator Mitch McConnell now leading the Senate, there is a much greater possibility that legislation passed
by the House will receive hearings in the Senate. There undoubtedly will be many Healthcare related bills coming from the House that will impact ACA so this will be an interesting session for sure.
As always, please continue to read the Newswires and Legislative Updates that come from NAHU. It’s absolutely the best information available for your use.
State House Update The “Long (Budget) Session” started Jan 6th and is scheduled to end by April 29th. Still at this point, there is no indication that there will be any major health care issues brought forward. And due to the make up of both the House and Senate, this should not change. This success is due to ongoing efforts of the ISAHU Lobbying firm – Bose Public Affairs, efforts by the Legislative Team and our relationships with other “sister” associations like Big I, PIA, NAIFA, IMA and NFIB. Updates will be provided as any information becomes known.
ISAHU will again be sponsoring ISAHU Day On The Hill. It will be held Jan 19th at the One America Auditorium in downtown Indianapolis beginning at 8:15am and will include a Panel Discussion from local healthcare experts in the morning and the NAHU Self-Funding Certification Course in the afternoon. More on this will be found in this newsletter and on the www.inahu.org website.
General Information I know I make a statement on this every month, but I feel it to be important that we recognize how genuinely blessed we are to have our NAHU staff watching out for us in D.C. There is no question they continue to be the absolute top folks in D.C. on healthcare issues and Congress relies on them on an ongoing basis. In addition, please remember how blessed we are to have those countless NAHU members around the State and Country that continuously put in long hours to ensure the best information possible is being shared with Legislators, HHS, CMS, IRS, DOL, DOI’s and of course NAHU members. Many of these folks do this in anonymity and solely for the benefit of the Association, our members and the general public.
Cont. on page 11
ISAHU January 2015 Page 12
Capitol Conference Registration is Now Open! Online registration is now open and we invite you to register today! For twenty-five years, NAHU members have been coming to Washington, D.C., to stand together and make their voices heard. This year, make sure your voice is amongst the crowd. By registering for NAHU's 25th Annual Capitol Conference, you will have the opportunity to join with hundreds of your colleagues from around the country to lobby for health reform changes of importance to you and your clients on Capitol Hill. You will also get to hear from exciting speakers representing Congress, the Administration and other health reform stakeholders, network with other agents and see our Health Underwriters Political Action Committee at work. With the 114th Congress about to convene under new leadership, now is the perfect time to come to Washington, D.C., and stand up as a force for change.
Your Best Value! Based on attendee feedback, we are continuing CapConPLUS. This year, each session includes so much content about nuanced aspects of health reform that you're going to want to attend them all. Sessions will focus on employer mandate and reporting, containing healthcare costs, navigating special enrollment periods and more. The schedule only allows for enough time for attendees to pick two sessions to attend in person, but with CapConPLUS you don't have to miss a thing! By selecting CapConPLUS during registration, you will receive audio recordings of all general sessions and breakouts, synced to the PowerPoints.
Limited Spaces Available. Register today.
Annual Capitol Conference From Carolyn Beck, ISAHU Awards Chair & Region 3, Chapter Development Chair
With the mid-term elections behind us we only have exciting times ahead! It is the hope of ISAHU that we will have record turnout at NAHU’s 25th Annual Capitol Conference this year! Now is the time to start planning to send your President-elect and Legislative Chair to Capitol Conference! As someone that has attended this event in prior years, I can assure you that this is one event you do not want to miss! By sending your President Elect to Capitol Conference you will gather award points toward the Pacesetter Award. More importantly you will have the opportunity to attend the Leadership Forum which provides a great learning opportunity for those who will be assuming the President position at their locals July, 2015. Additionally, you should send your Legislative Chair which will gain you Award points as well. However the Legislative Chair should be there to establish relationship with your various local representatives during the “Hill” visits! Having the opportunity to visit your Legislators is a very overwhelming experience. As a member of NAHU, you voice is heard in Washington DC. Many of our Legislators do recognize the NAHU name and the fact that we have a strong political influence. By registering for NAHU’s 25th Annual Capitol Conference, you will have the opportunity to join with hundreds of your colleagues from around the country to lobby for health reform changes of importance to you and your clients on Capitol Hill. You will also get to hear from exciting speakers representing Congress, the Administration and other health reform stakeholders, network with other agents and see our Health Underwriters Political Action Committee at work. Monday’s General Session will feature a presentation by David Houle on the future of healthcare. David Houle is consistently ranked as one of the top futurists in the world today. In the last five years he has delivered keynotes on six continents and 12 countries. He has received two Emmys and the prestigious George Foster Peabody award. His 2012 book, The New Health Age: the Future of Health Care in America, co-authored with Jonathan Fleece, became a #1 best seller on Amazon in the categories of Medicine and Future of Health Care MARK YOUR CALENDARS and plan to ATTEND!!!! February 22nd 2015 Leadership Forum February 23-25, 2015 Capitol Conference Location: Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW Washington, DC Phone: 402-592-6464 ISAHU hopes to see you there!
ISAHU January 2015 Page 13
Technology Can Help with Customer Service by Kristen Kaweck, Marketing Chair
More and more businesses and business people are using social media and technology to gather leads, analytics, and data. Some business people aren’t really sure why you should use social media or technology for their business, and the answer is customer service. Customer Service is greatly overlooked when company’s first starts out with their new technology strategy. They forget what/who they are fighting for; which is ultimately their client!
There is no denying the fact that good customer service can go a long way and can make or break a company big or small. Technology can help you enhance the quality of customer service you are delivering. It is important to under-stand how technology can help you anticipate customer needs; critique processes to best serve customers, and of course improve efficiency. When technology is used to help customer service, it can drive costs down while increases business simultaneously. Let’s look at some of the ways technology can help you and your business.
The Platforms:
Websites Websites are great because it allows the customer to search and find the answers to their own questions. This saves time precious time for your company’s phone lines. It is also a great way for customers to seek answers from others and communicate about your product. It is also a great platform for an individual to be able to buy a product.
Email Customer service can be improved by utilizing email and many ways. For example, I use automated emails to send out a welcome pack to new health insurance agents that have recently become appointed with us. This email is sent out automatically two weeks after their appointment. The email contains resources, documents, and help tools to make it easier for the agent to get started selling our products. Email can be used in many ways.
Communications Technology can allow you to unify communications. This would allow you to know that a customer sent a voicemail and email the same day with the same request. This prevents the company reaching out to the customer twice and ultimately wasting precious time.
Software Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is crucial for technology to improve customer service. Software allows you to manage customer relations with more sophisticated data-gathering tools. It provides all of the necessary tools to help with the three platforms listed above.
The reason why technology gives businesses an edge on customer service is because they have a better understanding of their market. They know what their customers want, and when they want it. Generating loyalty comes easy when you are offering quality products and services in a responsive manner. If you want to start using technology to en-hance customer service, the first things you need to focus on are:
1) Use a CRM tool 2) Collect insights on your target market 3) Streamline you marketing automation campaigns 4) Make your company accessible (social media, email, websites, etc) 5) Encourage your staff to embrace change
It’s not too late to begin implementing technology to improve customer service to better serve your business goals.
Northeast Indiana AHU | Cindy Trahin, President No Report
ISAHU January 2015 Page 14
We had a number of members and guests who braved the sub-zero and single digit temperatures to attend our January meeting. We presented a two-hour C.E. course on Primary Care. Next month we have a very interesting guest speaker. Marla Morse is the Navigator trainer and Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator for Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Indiana. She will share with us her Marketplace experiences along with those she has trained to help. Marla has used the NAHU.org website “Find Agents” tab to locate local agents when a question has arisen needing an experienced agent’s help. We are looking forward to hearing her viewpoints and sharing some of our own!
Our annual golf outing is coming up May 22nd at Timbergate Golf Course in Edinburgh. It may seem a little early to be thinking about golf, but it will be here before we know it. Please put the date on your calendars and consider joining us. You have to admit just the thought of green grass and a warm breeze is a nice vision right now!
Chapter Updates Greater Bloomington AHU | Doug Skinner, President At the time of this submission we are about to have our January meeting. We have our next meeting scheduled for Tuesday March 10th. I will send out information regarding the location as we firm this up.
We are also in the planning stages of our CE Day we usually hold each year in conjunction with our local NAIFA Members. We typically have 5-6 ours of CE.
If you have any topics or speakers you think would be good for our CE Day please get in touch with me.
Indianapolis AHU | Justin Harter, IAHU Website Coordinator
No Report
Northwest Indiana AHU | Carla Cohen, President No Report
South Central Indiana AHU | Andrea Bogard, President
Greater Northern Indiana AHU | James Brogdon, President No Report
Southwest Indiana AHU | Chris Barthel, President No Report
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Violations – Penalties and Excise Taxes
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes numerous reforms for group health plans and creates new compliance obligations for employers and health plan sponsors. The ACA, for example, requires health plans to eliminate pre-existing condition exclusions and provide coverage for preventive care services without cost-sharing. Some of the reforms for health plans apply to all health plans, while others apply only to nongrandfathered plans or to insured plans in the small group market.
Starting in 2015, the ACA requires applicable large employers (ALEs) to either provide affordable, minimum value health cov-erage to full-time employees or face penalties. Employers and plan sponsors must also comply with new reporting and disclo-sure requirements, such as the health coverage reporting requirements under Internal Revenue Code (Code) Sections 6055 and 6056. In addition, the ACA imposes several taxes and fees on health plan sponsors, such as the transitional reinsurance fee and the tax on high-cost employer plans.
Failing to comply with the ACA’s requirements can cause severe consequences for an employer. The potential consequences vary depending on the ACA requirement that is involved and the nature and extent of the violation. Employers should keep these consequences in mind as they continue to work on ACA compliance.
For the rest of this article—please go click here. www.inahu.org/
Brought to you by Gregory & Appel Insurance
Shared by Susan Rider, Past President
ISAHU January 2015 Page 15
ISAHU January 2015 Page 16
Happy New Year and Congratulations on a stellar 4th Quarter!!!
As you continue to finalize the last details of your 4th quarter enrollment activity, it’s time to take a breath and reflect on what went right. How did your relentless desire to get the perfect contract for each client work out? The results are in: You made it: you beat the deadlines, your clients have the coverage they need at a price they can afford. But for each unique client, there is a personal story that reminds us why we do what we do.
The NAHU organization and our Region 3 Media Relations and Communications Chair, Dave Cluley, want to showcase our members. As State Media Relations Chair, I encourage everyone to take a few moments to celebrate your successes by sharing your expertise and personal stories. There are two fast and easy ways. This month we focus on those special moments where you made the difference. Share your stories of when you were able to turn a bad situation around and made a positive impact for your client.
The First Media Relations Challenge for ISAHU members in 2015:
Brokers Making a Difference website: Your national team is working to update the content of this website and the goal is to include it as part of the NAHU website. This pro-ject is slated for completion before Capital Conference. We need your help with updating the stories. Testimonials are one of the best ways to show value, and validate ones hard work. It is awesome when someone shares their story about how the agent/broker/carrier helped them navigate through the maze we now call health care...
Currently, ISAHU only has a couple of spokespersons in a few select fields and NO stories of Service Excellence... How can that be Possible!! WE HAVE AWESOME MEMBERS DOING OUTSTANDING THINGS...... It's time to share our success stories with these "Super Testimonials" It will strengthen your individual branding in the industry and with your current and future clients!
You don't have the time or like to write? No problem – our NAHU staff will write the story. All you need to do is be willing to share. Follow these 3 simple steps:
1) permission from your client to share their thoughts, 2) jot down the bullet points, & 3) email them to: [email protected]
NAHU will write the piece... it's that easy!!
Should you have questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me. We look forward to showcasing our ISAHU members.
Media Relations By Kathy Goffer, Media Relations Chair
ISAHU January 2015 Page 17
ISAHU January 2015 Page 18
You Should Join NAHU Because… 1. NAHU will protect your right to serve your clients needs. 2. You will obtain timely, informative news. 3. You can attend continuing education seminars on the hottest insurance topics. 4. You will share information with top producing insurance professionals. 5. You can participate in grassroots efforts that respond to local, State, and federal legislative issues. 6. You will benefit from a variety of member-only discount programs. 7. NAHU’s Code of Ethics demonstrates to your clients your commitment to professionalism 8. You will play an active role in the future of the health insurance industry. 9. You will receive a subscription to HIU, the association’s monthly magazine. 10. With NAHU following trends in Large and Small Group Managed Care Plans, Individual Health Plans, Long Term Care Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Medicare Supplements, you will benefit from membership no matter your specialty.
ISAHU's Mission Statement: ISAHU will improve its members' ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Americans through education, advocacy and professional development.
ISAHU's Vision Statement: Every American will have access to private sector solutions for health, financial and retirement security and the services of insurance professionals. NOTE: ISAHU Financial Reports are available for review. Please contact the ISAHU Treasurer for copies of the Annual Budget Report or monthly financial reports. The ISAHU By-Laws, ISAHU Policy and Procedures and ISAHU Strategic Plan are available for review. Please contact the ISAHU Secretary to request copies. ISAHU By-Laws and Strategic Plan are also available on the ISAHU website. Visit www.inahu.org to review.
NAHU/ISAHU Dues According to IRS regulations, only a portion of the $495.00 dues paid to NAHU is considered to be deductible as a “normal business expense”. Federal Law prohibits the portion of member dues allocated to lobbying activities to be considered as a “normal business expense”. In Indiana, the amount of NAHU dues are that are considered to be “normal business expense” deductions are:
NAHU $202.50 ISAHU 45.00 Local Chapters 45.00 $292.50
Note: Contributions made to the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) are not deductible as a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes.
Quick Links • Guidelines for “Corporate List Bill Membership” Program
Association Membership Information and Application
Donate to ISAHU -PAC
Donate to HUPAC
ISAHU Advertising The ISAHU newsletter is distributed via email monthly to all members throughout Indiana and posted to our website at www.inahu.org. For more information on advertising in the monthly newsletter and/or website, please contact ISAHU’s Communications Chair – Nicole Fairbairn at [email protected] .
