(Washington, D.C.) – The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) held its 28th Annual Capitol Conference on February 26-28 in Washington, D.C. The theme of the meeting was Shaping Healthcare’s Future through Advocacy. Over 800 health insurance professionals from across the country did just that by promoting sensible solutions for health insurance issues to congressional leaders.

Helen Ornellas attended this conference, both for the opportunity to learn more about healthcare reform and its impact on healthcare consumers, as well as to communicate the role of the agent and brokers to Congress. She visited with Ami Bera from California. Ornellas has been a NAHU member for 5 years; this was her 2nd Capitol Conference. Helen serves as President of the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters, one of over 200 NAHU chapters across the country.

Capitol Conference guest speakers included key healthcare policymakers and leaders who addressed the future of health reform under the new Administration. Other presentations addressed the scope and structure of state-based exchanges, employer reporting, single-payer, medical loss ratio, improvements to Medicare, consumer protections and how businesses need to adapt to the new market reality.

“It is important that we continue to provide our members with the tools they need to stay informed about health reform and what has been implemented, while also giving them a voice to have an impact on regulations that have yet to be made,” said NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein. “We are educating agents and brokers so they know what to expect and how to best prepare and assist their clients.”

“Every year, our members look forward to engaging in an open discussion about healthcare reform with their legislators,” said NAHU President Mike Embry. “We believe there is a critical need to ensure that the healthcare delivery system is solvent, accessible and efficient. NAHU’s Capitol Conference gives us the tools we need to help our clients access the coverage they deserve at a price they can afford.”

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The National Association of Health Underwriters represents 100,000 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for millions of Americans.

Sacramento, CA (01/29/2018) — Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) was recently recognized with Gold Certification on 01/26/2018.

Sacramento was recognized for this award as part of NAHU’s Chapter Certification Program, which is an ongoing program that recognizes excelling chapters throughout the calendar year.

“The leadership of NAHU members has a far-reaching impact on providing for the healthcare needs of individuals, families and business in their communities. We are grateful for Sacramento’s hard work with chapter development and recognize them for their efforts with this well-deserved award,” said NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein.

“SAHU exemplifies the dedication to providing the best opportunities for our members through their dedication to chapter development,” said Helen Ornellas, president of SAHU. “This year, SAHU organized food drives in our local community, held monthly meetings as part of our communications efforts and hosted quarterly social events to increase and maintain NAHU memberships. These projects and many others have set a standard of excellence in the health insurance industry that we are proud to represent.”

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The National Association of Health Underwriters represents 100,000 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for millions of Americans.

Sacramento, CA (7/31/17) — Cerrina Jensen, former Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) president and current member, was recently recognized by Employee Benefits Adviser as one of the Nation’s top 30 most influential women in benefits advising.

This prestigious award recognizes female industry leaders for a variety of achievements, including the know-how to find substantial savings for employer clients and strengthen an organization’s bottom line, such as Cerrina Jensen does in her benefits practice with CoreMark Insurance Services.

Cerrina has been a SAHU member for over 12 years, served on its Board for 7 years and was named Board Member of the Year in 2015. She is a benefit consultant for CoreMark Insurance Service, where she has worked for the past 5 years. Cerrina lives in Folsom, CA with her husband, Aaron, and has two children Markus and Ciana.

“It gives me great pleasure to recognize Cerrina Jensen with the title of Most Influential Women in Benefits 2017. Cerrina is an expert in her field and SAHU is proud to have her as a member of our local chapter. Cerrina continues to be a mentor to our local and statewide broker community. In addition, her work at the state level with CAHU is invaluable during these times in CA. Her clients are very fortunate to have her on their side” Said SAHU President Helen Ornellas.

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The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters represents over 200 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for many people in our communities.

Sacramento, CA (7/27/17) — Samantha Siders recently received the Emerging Leader Award at the National Association of Health Underwriters’ (NAHU) 87th Annual Convention and Exhibition in Orlando, FL.

Samantha was recognized for this award that honors NAHU members with less than five years in the industry who have made significant contributions in connection with association volunteer service at the local, state and national level. Her commitment of time, talent and finances to the advancement of the association and health insurance shows an impressive understanding of health insurance for one so new to the industry.

“The leadership of NAHU members has a far-reaching impact on providing for the healthcare needs of individuals, families and business in their communities. We are grateful for Samantha’s leadership and recognize her for those efforts with this well-deserved award,” said NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein.

Samantha has served on the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) Board for 4 years, currently leading the Vanguard Council. She is the Regional Sales Manager for Choice Administrators, where she has worked for the past 4 ½ years. Samantha lives in Shingle Springs with her husband, Casey, and 2 ½ year old daughter Kendyl. The Sider family will be welcoming a baby boy in January.

“Samantha Siders exemplifies the dedication that provides the best opportunities for our members through their leadership and dedication,” said Helen Ornellas, president of Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters. “This year, she organized networking events, volunteered with our local charities and hosted seminars to further our members’ educational efforts. These projects and many others have set a standard of excellence in the health insurance industry that we are proud to represent.”

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The National Association of Health Underwriters represents 100,000 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for millions of Americans.

Sacramento, CA (7/26/17) — Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) recently received the Presidential Citation Award at the National Association of Health Underwriters’ (NAHU) 87th Annual Convention and Exhibition in Orlando, FL.

Ned Schaut, 2016-2017 SAHU President, was recognized for this award for increasing chapter membership, retaining membership, sponsoring continued education courses, hosting speakers and presentations, bolstering relationships with industry partners, and meeting with state legislators.

“The leadership of NAHU members has a far-reaching impact on providing for the healthcare needs of individuals, families and business in their communities. We are grateful for SAHU’s efforts to reach out to the public in order to strengthen membership and recognize them for those efforts with this well-deserved award,” said NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein.
Ned Schaut has been a NAHU member for over 9 years, has served on the SAHU board for 4 years and is currently serving as Past President. Ned is the President of Eureka Insurance Solutions in Roseville, CA and lives in Auburn with his wife and 5 children.

“Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters exemplifies the dedication that provides the best opportunities for our members,” said Ned Schaut, past president of SAHU. “This year, our chapter organized food and clothing drives in our local community, sent email and social media e-blasts as part of our communications efforts and hosted a Professional Development Day to further our members’ educational efforts. These projects and many others have set a standard of excellence in the health insurance industry that we are proud to represent.”

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The National Association of Health Underwriters represents 100,000 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for millions of Americans.

Sacramento, CA (7/25/17) — Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) recently received the Pacesetter Award at the National Association of Health Underwriters’ (NAHU) 87th Annual Convention and Exhibition in Orlando, FL.

Sacramento was recognized for the Pacesetter Award for the third consecutive year. The criteria for receiving this award includes attendance at national and regional meetings, chapter management, hosting local meetings and events, communications, membership activities and growth, public service projects, media relations efforts, and continuing education.

“The leadership of NAHU members has a far-reaching impact on providing for the healthcare needs of individuals, families and business in their communities. We are grateful for SAHU’s hard work and recognize them with this well-deserved award,” said NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein.

“SAHU exemplifies the dedication that provides the best opportunities for our members,” said Helen Ornellas, president of SAHU. “This year, our chapter organized community service events, sent weekly industry updates as part of our communications efforts and hosted Luncheons to further our members’ educational efforts. These projects and many others have set a standard of excellence in the health insurance industry that we are proud to represent.”

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The National Association of Health Underwriters represents 100,000 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for millions of Americans.

(Sacramento, CA) — The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU), an organization of health insurance agents, brokers and professionals, installed its 2017-2018 board.

Helen Ornellas was installed as SAHU president. Helen has been in the insurance industry for 15 years and is the founder of Onellas & Associates. Helen has served on the SAHU Board for the past 5 years. Helen lives in Folsom, CA and when she is not helping her clients with their insurance needs, she enjoys visiting her daughter in Los Angeles and volunteering in the community.

“Local agents and brokers serve as a source of truth about healthcare coverage that links the needs of citizens, business and policymakers to create a healthy, more fiscally responsible American healthcare system,” Ornellas said.

The 2017-2018 Board:
 President: Helen Ornellas, Ornellas & Associates, Woodland, CA
 Past President: Ned Schaut, Eureka Insurance Solutions, Roseville, CA
 President Elect: Alexis DeVorss, WestCorp Financial & Insurance, Folsom, CA
 Secretary: Michele Torres, Sutter Health Plus, Sacramento, CA
 Treasurer: Brad Davis, Wraith Scarlett & Randolph, Woodland, CA
 Legislation: David Brabender, Atman Insurance, Sacramento, CA
 Media/PR: Scott Gilroy, Kansas City Life Insurance Company, Sacramento, CA
 Membership/Retention: Lauren Bayha, Principal Financial Group, Sacramento, CA
 Membership/New: Crystal McDevitt, Western Health Advantage, Sacramento, CA
 PAC: Lisa Hutcherson, AFLAC WWHQ, Sacramento, CA
 Vanguard Council: Samantha Siders, Choice Administrators, Sacramento, CA
 Professional Development: Josh Keller, Kaiser Permanente, Sacramento, CA
 Programs: Teri Blake, Word & Brown, Folsom, CA
 Community Service: Carmen Perea, Wraith Scarlett & Randolph, Woodland, CA
 Awards: Michele Meder, Trusted American Insurance Agency, Roseville, CA
 Communications: Teresa Sale, Warren G. Bender Company, Roseville, CA
 Medicare: Kathy Mennel, Mennel Insurance Solutions, Sacramento, CA
 Carrier Relations: Marcy McCulloch, Rogers Benefit Group, Rocklin, CA

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The National Association of Health Underwriters represents more than 100,000 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for millions of Americans. NAHU is headquartered in Washington, DC.

Changing the Benefits Landscape, NAHU’s Opportunity Has Arrived

Sacramento, CA – The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) held its 27th Annual Capitol Conference on February 13-15 in Washington, D.C. The theme of the meeting was “Changing the Benefits Landscape, NAHU’s Opportunity Has Arrived.” Nearly 1,000 health insurance professionals from across the country did just that by discussing resolutions for health insurance market stability with congressional leaders. NAHU sees this as an opportunity to continue our advocacy efforts with both Congress and the Administration to focus on marketplace stability. This conference will examine the congressional outlook for health reform moving forward.

Ned Schaut attended this conference, both for the opportunity to learn more about healthcare reform and its impact on healthcare consumers, as well as to communicate the role of the agent and brokers to Congress. He visited with the offices of Doug Lamalfa, Ami Bera and Doris Matsuri from California, Ned has been a NAHU member for 6 years; this was his 4th Capitol Conference. Ned is the President of the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU), one of over 200 NAHU chapters across the country.

Capitol Conference guest speakers included key congressional leaders from both sides of the aisle charged with stabilizing the market. Other presentations addressed the past and future of bipartisan healthcare policy, navigation of insurance carriers, open enrollment, special enrollment periods, healthcare payment reform, essential health benefits, tax credits and penalties, consumer protections and how businesses need to adapt to the new market and Administration.

“It is vital that we provide our members with the most up to date information regarding healthcare, healthcare reform and what may or may not be implemented by the new administration” said SAHU President Ned Schaut.

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The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters represents over 100 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for thousands of local residents.

(Sacramento, CA) – The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) proudly raised $500.00 for River Oak Center for Children on February 3, 2017. The funds were raised from the association’s annual Crab Feed held at Citrus Heights Community Center.

“River Oaks has been helping the children of Sacramento for over 50 years and SAHU is proud to contribute to such a great organization that provides for the future leaders of our community.” said SAHU president Ned Schaut.
This is the 17th annual event held by SAHU with proceeds going to benefit River Oak Center for Children which helps children and youth who need support, coaching and treatment to thrive in school, at home and in the community. Through innovative and evidence-based programs, River Oak strengthens children, youth and families to manage life’s challenges and achieve their full potential.

The event was attended by more than 400 members, friends and families along with many local businesses and organizations.

Gold Sponsors: Allstate Benefits

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The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters represents hundreds of professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for thousands of local residents and employers.

Sacramento, CA — The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) issued the following statement today on the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which was released Monday night by the House Republican Leadership: “SAHU is delighted the proposed AHCA does not include a plan to tax employer-sponsored health insurance,” states SAHU president Ned Schaut. “With the exclusion of the employer sponsored tax, this will allow employees to continue to receive excellent coverage at an affordable cost.”

“The AHCA does maintain important provisions of the current ACA plan, such as: guaranteed issue coverage, allowing children to stay on their parent’s policies to age 26 and coverage of pre-existing conditions.”

“The proposed plan also strengthens individual’s options with regards to Health Savings Accounts and includes key provisions such as the initiation of the Patient and State Stability Fund, which encourages continuous coverage, allowing tax credits to be used for catastrophic coverage, expanding age rating bands and terminating the Health Insurance Tax.”

“SAHU would prefer that the AHCA repealed the ACA’s ‘Cadillac Tax’ on high-cost health plans, however we are satisfied the tax was delayed until 2025. We are encouraged that by working with our local legislature we can address cost issues and suitable ways to fund important provisions of the new law.”

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The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters represents over 100 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for thousands of Northern California residents. SAHU is headquartered in Sacramento, CA.