Health on the Hill

With the promise of federal health care reform proposals looming in coming months, NAIFA and AHIA have organized a Joint Fly In on July 15, 2009, with other producer organizations to rally against any reforms that will be detrimental to the producer community. There are a number of issues being discussed that cause immediate concern including a questionable role for the agent in Exchanges, the phase-out of existing small group plans, a new public plan and an employer play or pay requirement.

Advisors know that we must build on the strengths of the current system, reduce costs, get every American covered, and improve value throughout our health-care system—without resorting to new government programs or jeopardizing the high quality of care we enjoy and expect as American consumers.

Today we find ourselves at a defining moment for our nation, and our industry is at the center of the debate.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is circulating among its members an outline of a comprehensive health reform proposal. Reports on the plan indicate it includes a public plan option without a specific role for professional health insurance advisors—instead, it suggests using an internet website as a “gateway” to health plan choices. Also included in the plan are both individual and employer mandates. On financing, because how to pay for health reform falls within the Finance Committee’s jurisdiction, it notes only that health reform will be paid for “appropriately and fairly.”

Details are still under negotiation among HELP Committee members, and thus can change. Plus, HELP is working closely with the Senate Finance Committee. The HELP Committee outline says the plan is bipartisan, but the GOP has expressed concern about many of its provisions. Modifications from inter-committee consultations are also likely.

The HELP plan would create a national health benefit exchange, and would permit States to establish their own exchanges in collaboration with the federal government. HELP Committee Chairman Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) says the public plan option available on the “gateway” website (along with private insurance plans) would provide “more affordable” insurance than the health insurance currently available.

The HELP bill would mandate guaranteed issue and renewal of policies, and limits premium variations to those based on family composition, geography and age, and then only “within clear and reasonable limits.” It prohibits use of preexisting conditions and experience rating by insurance plans. Individuals would be required to buy health insurance (subsidies are provided for individuals who cannot afford it). Employers would have to offer and pay for health insurance. The plan also includes a new federal insurance program that would allow workers to buy government-provided disability benefits.
Hearings are expected to follow with a mark-up in mid-June.

The Finance Committee, chaired by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), has already conducted three bi-partisan walk-throughs of its concept proposals and will hold mark-up sessions in early to mid-June. Concerns with some of the suggested proposals are detailed in the May 15 GovTalk and the May 18 Gov Watch. We have expanded our advocacy efforts to include a coalition of insurance producers that is lobbying intensely for the role of the agent.

Following mark-ups of their bills, both Committees will meld their legislation together before sending it to the Senate floor for consideration in July.

In the House, the Committees on Energy and Commerce, chaired by Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), Ways & Means, chaired by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), and Education and Labor, chaired by Rep. George Miller (D-CA), will reportedly release their joint draft bill during the week of June 15.Hearings will be held in each Committee, possibly at the Subcommittee level, during the week of June 22.Full committee hearings will commence the week of July 6 and mark-ups in each committee will reportedly be held during the week of July 13. The goal is to bring the legislation to the House floor during the week of July 27.

Agents in district meetings and staff in DC have been and must remain active in communicating concerns on three crucial issues:

The role of the professional health insurance advisor.
Some in Congress think that everyday Americans can choose the health insurance that is best for them with no more assistance than a website or an 800 number to a government employee. We know better. Health insurance can be complex—and even when it is relatively simple, there are enough variables and individual situations that professional advice is necessary if people are to make the wisest possible decisions for their own coverage. Health insurance advisors help employers and individuals sort through issues involving cost, deductibles, copays, coverage limits, benefit packages, whether to use flexible spending arrangements and/or high deductible health plans/health savings accounts, long-term care insurance needs, etc. Their value-added services must continue to be available in a reformed health care system.

Public plan option
The health insurance industry has requested federal regulation to make sure health insurance is accessible and affordable. A public plan option risks such competitive advantage to the government that it will kill private health insurance. Regulation is the better choice, at least initially.

Financing
Lawmakers must come up with $1 trillion or more to pay for health reform. It would be wrong, and harmful to society and the economy, were Congress to approve proposals to impose new taxes on life insurance, or to tax employer-provided health insurance in a way that would cause many—perhaps most—employers to stop offering health insurance to their workforce.

Agents will be encouraged again during the June recess to participate in state district meetings and attend town hall gatherings to weigh in on the various committee mark-ups. Even if your prior communication with a member seems favorable, it is critical that you communicate throughout the process to reinforce your original message and to address any new concerns that might arise during the numerous stages of the legislative process.

Please let us know if you will join the thousands of advisors already actively involved in shaping the debate by participating in the July Fly-In. Select Yes or No .

FLY-IN SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

• Your meetings on Capitol Hill will include representatives from the other producer groups.
• Joint talking points will be provided via email and at the joint briefing.
• The National Producer Trade Associations will schedule your meetings between 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15th.

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Engage Employers in the Health Care Debate

Free Market Health Care is conducting a national survey of at least 50,000 employers to help the health care reform debate. Free Market Health Care has asked for help in getting employers to complete the survey by June 19. Here is the opportunity to make a huge difference.

The possible new laws Congress wants to pass will change how employers must do business more than any previous federal legislation. The survey - as a result, targets mandatory universal health coverage and the Health Insurance Exchange.

The mandate will force employers into becoming the government’s H.R. department, and drive up their administrative cost. Many small employers say it will put them out of business.

Employers need to be educated about the new role Congress has in mind for them. Surveys are a successful way of educating employers. Employers love to give their opinion that a well-written survey delivers. This national survey will deliver a unified voice of the employer community in reference to universal coverage and the Exchange to Washington, DC.

An outcry from tens of thousands of employers and their employees from across the country will help turn the tide in the current debate.

Please copy the sample email below and send it to every employer on your personal and business email list. Take it yourself, too.

(Suggested email subject line): Let Congress Hear Your Voice-Take the health reform survey

Please take a few minutes and take this survey. Let your opinion about health reform be heard in Washington, DC, and state capitals. Click onto this link or cut and paste it into your browser: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2ise44hfuzshayy/start

As an insurance agent my job is to keep you informed about your health insurance program. As you know, Congress is working quickly to change your health insurance program.

The survey will do three things. First, it will help you understand what’s being considered in Washington, DC. Second, it allows you to voice your opinion. Third, it makes sure your voice will be heard by Congress.

This is urgent. Please take the survey now.

I will make sure you receive the results, and show you how to use them to protect your best interest.

To take the survey, paste this link into your browser: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2ise44hfuzshayy/start

Your Name Here

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eDocAmerica Saves You and Your Clients Money

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eDocAmerica’s services also provide a valuable service to your employees. With this innovative and effective employee benefit your employees can take advantage of 24/7 online access to board certified physicians, dentists, licensed psychologists, a 24/7 Registered Nurse advice line, health/risk assessments, a searchable medical and video library, and weekly health tips all at no additional charge.

Get started today by visiting www.edocamerica.com/portal/ahia/. AHIA members receive preferred pricing of $1.05 a month per employee with no minimum group size requirement. Signing up is easy and only requires these following these simple steps:

• Set up a screen name and password. This will provide you with access to a host of resources to promote the eDocAmerica service.
• Purchase the service for your employees (you can’t sell what you don’t own).
• Upload or enter enrolled employees. For more information on eDocAmerica or other products and services AHIA offers visit www.ahia.net.

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Mark Your Calendars

AHIA Online Forum Series

July 1st: Differentiate and Expand Your Business
August 5th: The Crucial Impact of Critical Illness

 

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Promoting the Role of the Advisor

• AHIA EVP, Diane Boyle, Health Reform, NAIFA’s Advisor Today
• AHIA, Producer Groups Issue Statement Promoting the Value of Health Insurance Agents and Brokers

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2008-2009 AHIA Board of Directors

PRESIDENT
Robelynn H. Abadie, CSA, LUTCF, RFC

PRESIDENT-ELECT
William J. Foudy, LUTCF

SECRETARY
Michael O. Brown, LUTCF

TREASURER
H. Larry Fortenberry, CPA, CLU, ChFC

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Thomas J. Vander Wal

DIRECTORS
Ed Anderson, CLU, LUTCF

An Official Publication of the Association of Health Insurance Advisors®
2901 Telestar Ct, Falls Church, VA 22042, (703) 770-8201, e-mail: ahia@naifa.org, www.ahia.net