Are You Doing Your Part?

BY DAWN McFARLAND

Yep — admittedly, I have gulped more than my fair share of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) Kool-Aid. And you know what? If I hadn’t I would have missed out on so many things.

I came into this industry post Affordable Care Act (ACA) — actually licensed in 2012. My first full year in the industry involved soaking up so much conflicting information. From the rookie perspective I saw so much good — no pre-existing health issues for people that so desperately needed help?!

On the other side …

But at an affordable price — for who? Agents did not believe Covered California, Obamacare, Healthcare.gov or ACA would actuallyhappen — up until the very day of going live!

My perspective as a post-ACA agent was so different from the agents I came to work with and understand better.

I was fortunate enough to learn about the Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters (LAAHU) from a colleague. After attending one monthly member meeting, I got a call from Sima Reid, the current membership chair for LAAHU. I was a serious industry rookie, going out on commission only for the very first time ever in an industry that was being flipped upside down. I quicklyrecognized the value of working with brokers in partnership because of the strength of the relationship with their clients and felt getting involved with the association would be a smart networking move. In the conversation with Sima, she made the most meaningful impression on me. She encouraged me to really get involved, and not just see the association as a means of networking and developing business, but to be part of a bigger cause in an industry that would support me.

So, I did.

I jumped in whole heartedly under Dede Kennedy-Simington’s leadership, with the chapter historians and supporters Joan Bumgarner (she is sorely missed!) and David Benson. Dede has been such a mentor in leadership — always shooting for the moon! We have grabbed more than a few stars on the way back!

My involvement has given me the best industry education I could ask for, alongside exceptional experience.

It has given me a place to land as an entrepreneur for the first time, learning with like minded (AND different minded) business owners. It has allowed me the opportunity to talk with so much acknowledged industry experience.

As you know, the health insurance industry has been in crazy change mode for as long as any of you with 30+ years of service know. Look at how much we have shifted and imagine if we had not gotten as far as we had with technology prior to March 2020. Look at the accomplishments through all of that by CAHU and NAHU!

Then there is this whole other side of membership when you get involved. People coming together for a purpose bigger than themselves, building new relationships and mentorships. Driving a business is hard work. Being around others who drive business ismotivating.

Serving in leadership roles supports your growth and we are ALWAYS looking for more people to jump in and serve. And once you begin serving, you find lifelong friendships with colleagues across the country.

As a now long time volunteer in the association (where did the time go?) I can attest to three important things:

• If you want to see change, you need to get AND stay involved to help turn the ship.
• The more diverse our shared experiences, the better educated we can all be at making positive changes in the industry.
• Your voice matters, but cannot be heard unless you use it.

And why am I telling you my “why join AU membership” story? Because we need YOU. From national down to the state and local levels, our membership numbers are declining (tons of reasons why) so we need to draw attention to the value that has been given and the voice that we DO have to make positive impacts on the way our country finances healthcare. You may not notice it now so much, because frankly most of our industry has thrived in this crazy time.

“… we need YOU. From national down to the state and local levels, our membership numbers are declining (tons of reasons why) so we need to draw attention to the value that has been given and the voice that we DO have to make positive impacts on the way our country finances healthcare.”

But if our numbers continue to decline, the strength of our organization declines with it. And where do you think agents will land if we do not have strength in numbers, as conversations of “Medicare for All” continue to swirl? Communicating the work we do for the American people is important. We need to make sure we continue to explain the “role of the agent” to our governing bodies so they understand that it is not “just a sale” but a relationship of service with our clients. The association gives our collective voice power. I believe that if you really understood the value of membership, it would be the easiest $40ish dollars per month to give.

If you want a peek into the value NAHU has on Capitol Hill, join us for Capitol Conference February 22-24. It will be virtual this year and you can find out more info at NAHU.org. If you would like to be a part of the lobbying efforts that take place at Cap Con, be sure to reach out to your local chapter. We are ALWAYS looking for constituents to attend the legislator meetings. Be careful — that is wheremany of us catch the fever! Also keep your eyes out for CAHU’s Capitol Summit in May where we get to be in touch with California lawmakers — fingers crossed for a hybrid version.

If you don’t see any value beyond legislative — pay your dues anyway to support our efforts on your behalf! You don’t have to join us at the events (virtual or live) but we would love to see you!

Here’s to a new year and prayerfully a healthy one for all of you and your families! For more info go to the membership section of NAHU.org.

DAWN McFARLAND is founder and president of M&M Benefit Solutions Insurance Services. She is passionate about helping individuals — especially Medicare eligible — navigate choosing how they receive their health care. She believes in education as one of the means to help changethe high cost of healthcare. Dawn currently serves as VP of legislation for CAHU; on the Medicare Advisory Council and the Membership Council for NAHU and is currently a member and past president of the Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters.

Contact: dawn@mnmbenefitsolutions.com or visit www.mnmbenefitsolutions.com.

grabbed more than a few stars on the way back!

My involvement has given me the best industry education I could ask for, alongside exceptional experience.

It has given me a place to land as an entrepreneur for the first time, learning with like minded (AND different minded) business owners. It has allowed me

the opportunity to talk with so much acknowledged industry experience.

As you know, the health insurance industry has been in crazy change mode for as long as any of you with 30+ years of service know. Look at how much we have shifted and imagine if we had not gotten as far as we had with technology prior to March 2020. Look at the accomplishments through all of that by CAHU and NAHU!

Then there is this whole other side of membership when you get involved. People coming together for a purpose bigger than themselves, building new relationships and mentorships. Driving a business is hard work. Being around others who drive business ismotivating.

Serving in leadership roles supports your