Category: Newsroom

Year in Review: 2019-2020

SAHU Board Induction Ceremony July 2019
The 2019-2020 SAHU Board of Directors. Featured (left to right): Dave Brabender, Angela Jones, Rosamaria Marrujo, Michele Meder, Marriette Lesley, Teresa Sale, Lisa Merzick, Teri Blake, Connie Correia, Carmen Perea, Samantha Siders, Alexis DeVorss, Josh Keller, David Fear, Jr.

The 2019-2020 SAHU Board Year was strong despite the onset of COVID-19 and resulting restrictions.

We started with our Board Induction Ceremony in July 2019 for 2019-2020 SAHU Board of Directors (see list below).

President
President Elect
Immediate Past President
Secretary / Treasurer
PAC
Communications
Awards
Community Service
Media
Professional Development
Legislation
Carrier Relations
Membership (Retention)
Membership (New)
Vanguard
Medicare
Executive Director
Executive Director

Josh Keller
Samantha Siders
Alexis DeVorss
Carmen Parea
Alexis DeVorss
Cinnamon Trimpey
Michele Meder
Teresa Sale
Rosamaria Marrujo
Mariette Lesley
Connie Correia
Michele Dolce
Lisa Merzick
Teri Blake
Angela Jones
David Brabender
Jeannie Burns
Helen Ornellas

On July 9, 2019, our chapter hosted a fun Vanguard Family Movie Night event, where chapter members attended with their families for food and fun for all at a local outdoor venue. The event was sponsored by LISI and hosted by the Vanguard team.

In November 2019, we successfully held our Annual Toy Drive to benefit the River Oak Center for Children. We finished the year with our Annual Food Drive and Chili Cook-off in December, bringing together chapter members to enjoy the holidays and support the Sacramento Food Bank.

Our January 2020 Annual Crab Feed was one of our best ever, with over 400 attendees and a record-setting Live Auction to help raise funds for our chapter and related charitable causes.

SAHU Members at the 2020 SAHU Crab Feed
SAHU Members at the 2020 SAHU Crab Feed

Prior to the COVID-19 shutdown, SAHU Members & Board Chairs attended the NAHU Capitol Conference in Washington, D.C. from February 24-26, 2020.

SAHU Members at the 2020 NAHU Capitol Conference in Washington, D.C.
SAHU Members at the 2020 NAHU Capitol Conference in Washington, D.C.

We stood strong as a chapter as the world changed under COVID-19, altering our meetings and events to keep our members and community safe. We took member meetings to Zoom to allow attendees to stay connected, as well as provided ongoing professional development and training with CE courses.

We closed our Board Year with participation in the NAHU Annual Convention in June, held virtually for the first time as well. Members attended virtual sessions and networked with fellow professionals.

Our awards and certifications from this year included winning the 2020 Pacesetter Award for the sixth year in a row, and being NAHU Gold Certified for the fourth continuous year.

2020 SAHU pacesetter award
SAHU 2020 gold certified

 

Looking ahead to next year, we are dedicated to maintaining our chapter, ongoing education, fundraising and events as much as possible in the face of COVID restrictions. Our members are proud to keep working for the betterment of the health, financial and retirement needs of our local community and all Californians through our education, advocacy, legislation and professional development.

Sincerely,

Josh Keller
SAHU President, 2019-2020

 

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Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) Recognized with Gold Certification

SACRAMENTO, CA, March 20th, 2020 –Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) was recognized with Gold Certification for the year 2020.

SAHU 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. This is the 10th year in which SAHU has qualified for the Gold Level award.

“We are proud to have achieved this award again as it reflects the hard work of the members of our chapter,” says SAHU President, Josh Keller

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Americans through education, advocacy and professional development.

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SAHU 20th Annual Crab Feed is a Success

(Sacramento, CA) — The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) supports local non-profits through event fundraising.

On January 31, the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) hosted a night of food, drinks and fun while supporting a great cause through a silent auction. Decked in their best 80’s outfits, members of SAHU helped support the Sacramento Food Bank, River Oaks Center for Children, and the Mesa Verde High School Business Academy, whose students have helped work the Crab Feed for several years. 

 “I’ve attended the Crab Feed for the last five years, and I always enjoy the food, people and the raffles,” said Michele Meder, SAHU board member. “It’s always great to see the community come together and have fun.”

SAHU would like to thank Kaiser Permanente and the many other businesses sponsoring this year’s Crab Feed, as well as Mesa Verde High School for their continuous support.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Americans through education, advocacy and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com.

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SAHU Business Expo 2020

SACRAMENTO, CA, February 26th, 2020 – The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) is excited to announce its annual Business Expo for 2020.

The Business Expo will take place on Wednesday, April 15 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Community Center. This year, the event will feature a lineup of guest speakers who are experts in their verticals while offering CE Credits. Attendees can expect speakers from companies such as LinkedIn, Ease and more.

“The Business Expo empowers insurance agents and agencies to grow their knowledge and their business,” said Mariette Lasley, SAHU Professional Development & Programs Director. The purpose of the expo is to inform and educate top of mind topics that affect the health insurance industry, including compliance, technology, legislative updates, and connecting with others in the broker industry to build collaborative relationships.

Tickets are on sale now and are $55 for members ($75 for non-members). To buy tickets, please contact sahu@bmsch.com

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Americans through education, advocacy and professional development.

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SAHU 20th Annual Crab Feed

(Sacramento, CA)—Tickets are on sale now for the 20th Annual SAHU Crab Feed.

On January 31 from 6:00-10:00 p.m., join the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) and the local community at the Citrus Heights Community Center (located at 6300 Fountain Square Drive in Citrus Heights) for a night of food, drinks and fun while supporting a great cause. This year’s theme is “Back to the 80’s,” and all attendees are encouraged to dress up in their best 80’s outfit.

In the past, this event has featured a live auction and raffle prizes ranging from Sacramento Kings’ Tickets, a ride-along with the Citrus Heights Police Department and VIP tickets to next year’s Crab Feed. And this year, the Dessert Silent Auction is back by popular demand.

Part of the proceeds from the Crab Feed will benefit local charitable organizations across the Sacramento region such as the Sacramento Food Bank and River Oaks Center for Children. SAHU will also make donations to the Mesa Verde High School Business Academy, whose students have helped work the Crab Feed for several years.  

SAHU would like to thank Kaiser Permanente and the many other businesses sponsoring this year’s Crab Feed, as well as Mesa Verde High School for their continuous support.

“I’ve attended the Crab Feed for the last five years, and I always enjoy the food, people and the raffles,” said Michele Meder, SAHU board member. “It’s always great to see the community come together and have fun.”

For admission, table and drink tickets or questions regarding this event, please contact sahu@bmsch.com.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Americans through education, advocacy and professional development.

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Local Agent Attends DC Healthcare Conference

(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.

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Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters Recognized with Gold Certification

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.

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Cerrina Jensen Named One of EBA’s 2017 Most Influential Women in Benefits Advising

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.

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Samantha Siders Receives Emerging Leader Award

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.

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Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters Receives Presidential Citation Award

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.

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