It is the most American of activities, the petitioning of our elected representatives in the hope that we can get our government to enact legislation that will help us to live happier and more productive lives. This is the essence of Capitol Conference, the annual meeting of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP).
I recently joined a gathering of 750 health insurance agents and industry employees in Washington DC. As I have detailed in previous years, we were in our nation’s capital to hear from the heads of regulatory departments such as CMS, Congressmen, Senators, and thought leaders on the issues impacting us and our clients. This year, the beginning of Trump 2.0, was particularly important. How would the new administration try to change Medicare, Medicaid, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)? Most of us had booked our rooms and flights before DOGE began to focus on Social Security and Medicare. The news coming from Washington since the inauguration confirmed the need for us to be there in person.
The focus for me has always been the meetings with our elected representatives. I was honored to lead delegations to the offices of two of Ohio’s members of Congress. Due to votes, our meetings were with the legislative aides, not the Members. I had had the pleasure of talking again with Ms. L. Hannah, Congresswoman Shontel Brown’s Legislative Assistant. She is well aware of the issues impacting our district. Our other appointment was with Ms. K. Walker, MPH, Congressman Greg Landsman’s Legislative Aide. One of the reasons I love wandering around the Halls of Congress is the opportunity to interact with the bright, talented 20 and 30 somethings who choose to devote themselves to public service. These are our future leaders.
Our issues – our Ask – our Talking Points are always more focused on our clients than ourselves. It is odd, but we, the agents, are in the best position to advocate for the health care access of the average American. Here are a few of the highlights:
- Codify telehealth benefits for High Deductible Health Plans and Medicare
- Advance PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager) reforms for lower costs and greater transparency
- Revisit site-neutral payments which will help lower health care costs
- Preserve tax incentives for employer sponsored benefits. Over 175 million Americans are covered by employer-sponsored group health insurance.
- Reintroduce COBRA as Credible Coverage legislation
There were also some suggestions to improve the enrollment process for Medicare Part D (Rx). I would be happy to discuss any of these topics in greater detail. That is probably better left to one on one conversations.
What is important is that these aren’t Democratic or Republican positions. There is nothing inherently partisan about making sure that Americans of any age can access and pay for health care.
The House of Representatives voted last week to extend telehealth for six more months. It wasn’t a standalone bill. It was part of the continuing resolution. Telehealth coverage for millions of Americans is still an option until September 25th. It isn’t permanent. It isn’t even till the end of the year, but it is a small victory.
And we should celebrate every victory, no matter how small.
Dave
Picture – Out With The Old – David L Cunix