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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.