Karen Kirkpatrick, NAHU’s professional development committee chair, was generous enough to send us this insight about what will be happening to kick off this weekend’s events at the NAHU conference in San Diego…
The NAHU Annual Convention (#nahuac2019) in San Diego will provide for personal and professional developmen, as well as thought leadership and inspirational talks. Saturday morning begins with focusing on you — the attendee –and your health, wellness and stress levels. Speakers will be covering the endocrine system, hormones for both men and women, nutrition and a look at cannabis.
Professional Development continues as we examine how agents work “in their business” as well as how they should work “on their business” with business management and healthcare management respectively. Industry heavy hitters John Sbrocco, Craig Lack, Jim King and Chris Wolpert share valuable insights on how to make your business more successful and profitable. Matthew White, Rachel Miner and Emma Passe present their first ever NAHU Broadway performance of VBID: STD or Infectious Strategy. There is sure to be an Oscar in their future! Jennifer Berman talks compliance, which many seem to ignore as we focus on new plan designs. David Saltzman brings his famous podcast to life with Josh Butler and what he’s done to drive down costs for small employers.
The day ends with incredible keynotes/panels. Cara Silletto will offer a new perspective on retaining today’s workforce and how it pertains to our industry. Bill Hennessy, Renee-Marie Stephano and Ralph Weber (with Dr. Josh Luke moderating) will address the future of surgery. On the Medicare side, JSA experts are back talking about important changes in Medicare. NAHU’s own Jessica Waltman (PA), Dawn McFarland (CA), Taylor Vidor (WA), Latrica Schooley (IN) with Pat Griffey (IN and 2019/2020 NAHU President) will discuss for the first time voluntary venefits and Medicare: strange bedfellows or missed opportunity? This session is part of 10 Medicare sessions on two stages during Medicare Extreme.
Register on-site just for Saturday’s learning for $295 or stay for Sunday too for $590. Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. More info at NAHU!
Trump Signs Price Transparency Executive Order
President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week calling for more price transparency in healthcare. The executive order would require insurance companies, doctors and hospitals to give patients more information about the cost of care before they receive it. While the American College of Physicians supported the proposal, other groups expressed concern. The Federation of American Hospitals, the American Hospital Association and America’s Health Insurance Plans released statements expressing concern that the proposal is likely to create excessive administrative burdens and even result in higher — not lower– healthcare costs.
Are You Living in a Cannabis Desert?
At NAHU’s convention on Saturday cannabis pro and registered nurse Elisabeth Mack, as well as Kristine Reese, will be speaking on the financial impact of legalization and more. The cannabis discussion will continue when presenters discuss use and laws affecting your clients’ businesses as well as the journey Epidiolex took to become the first CBD, FDA-approved drug for two types of childhood epilepsy. Yes, people are excited about cannabis. And, yes, it’s legal in California and many other places, but here’s something else to keep in mind: only 14 of 58 counties in the state have laws allowing cannabis retail store fronts. Our friends at Norcal Cannabis Company sent us this map of the California cannabis retail desert.
Specialty Drug Costs Soared Over Last Decade
The cost of specialty drugs has skyrocketed over the last decade, with the cost of 61 widely used drugs almost tripling between 2006 and 2017, according to a recent AARP report. Axios reports that the average annual cost of a specialty drug– the most expensive class of medication– in 2017 was almost $20,000 more than the median U.S. household income.
Making Medicine More Affordable for Women- Listen In!
The current episode of the Commonwealth Fund’s podcast “The Dose” highlights how women in particular are suffering from the high costs of prescription medications. Host Shanoor Seervai talks to two trailblazers about how they’ve developed solutions to the problem. Listen in here.
They’re Predicting Your Death
Well, this is kind of fun…Allison Bell over at ThinkAdvisor has a story up titled How Likely The Government Thinks You Are To Die This Year. You won’t want to miss it!
EVENTS
NAHU Annual Convention –We’ll see you here!
June 29-July 2, Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Keynote speaker is Retired Master Sergeant Cedric King. Sessions focus on practical solutions for your business, including retaining today’s new workforce, buying or selling your agency, data transparency and alternative healthcare management. And there’s an expanded Medicare Extreme! with proven practices and important trends on changes in Medicare, technology solutions, growing your business with group Medicare sales plus more. Plus plenty of opportunity to visit with a variety of vendors and network with colleagues More info here.
LAAHU and VCAHU 5th Annual Medicare Summit– We’ll see you here!
August 20-21, Pickwick Gardens, Burbank
Join Los Angeles and Ventura County Health Underwriters to “Become a Medicare Icon.” Speakers, breakouts, CE and much more! Sponsorship and exhibit info here. Register here.
Association of Health Underwriters Senior Summit– We’ll see you here!
August 28-29, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula
The Sixth Annual Senior Summit sponsored by the Inland Empire, Orange County and San Diego Associations of Health Underwriters is the largest AHU Medicare event in the country. Keynotes, breakout sessions, CE and much more. Early bird pricing in effect until Aug 1: $79 for members, $99 for nonmembers. Register here.
NAAIA National Conference
Sept 11-13, Atlanta- SAVE THE DATE!Leaders from across the insurance and financial services profession will come together at this high energy industry event to further the education, advancement and uplifting of African American insurance professionals. More info soon at www.naaia.org.
Alliance of Comprehensive Planners 2019 Annual Conference
Nov. 12-15, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, San Diego
The Alliance of Comprehensive Planners (ACP) is a community of tax-focused financial planners who provide planning strategies for clients on a fee-only retainer basis. Conference early bird registration rates (which expire Oct. 11, 2019) are in effect now. Participation is open to all interested financial professionals. Companies interested in sponsoring the ACP Annual Conference should contact Jill Colsch at jill@acplanners.org. The agenda is available here: https://2019.acplanners.org/home. More info here.
