In This Issue

In The News
A Letter from the SAHU President

Upcoming Events
SAHU 2024 Business & Medicare Expo

In Case You Missed It
The New SAHU Board 2024-2025

As you know this year continues to keep us on our toes, and I’m reminded of the enormous change and uncertainty that swept through our industry when the ACA was first introduced. As I walked in the door starting my business, many were running for the exit. To me change and uncertainty equal opportunity. Today opportunities keep coming, and our association provides the tools and resources we need to make the most of it.

SAHU has been a part of my journey as an independent agent and small business owner since I started down this road more than 12 years ago. It is fitting that I follow in the footsteps of our Immediate Past President Helen Ornellas. I met Helen at a SAHU event as I was starting my new business. She offered a much-needed perspective, which helped me persevere through the first few years when many falter and leave the industry. Helen demonstrates daily one of the foundational benefits of joining this association, the chance to connect with colleagues to educate and encourage one another.

Helen, and Rosamaria Marrujo before her, made it a mission of our chapter to expand mentorship and leadership through the creation of the Past Presidential Advisory Committee. The committee provides insight, one on one mentorship, and guidance for those interested in leadership at the local, state and national level. If you are interested in pushing yourself to the next level, join a local committee and attend our events. The upcoming Business and Medicare Expo on August 28th is a must attend event! Membership and participation are investments in your future, and your future is bright.

I’m looking forward to serving as the 2024-2025 President of our local chapter and working with a talented and enthusiastic group of insurance professionals on this year’s board. SAHU is nearing the end of a long journey to rebrand. You can expect the roll out of our new name and logo this year. The change will better align us with our state level organization, California Agents & Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP) and will better represent all our local chapter members, including our new members from outside the Sacramento area. Welcome to all of you!

Here's to a bright and exciting year,

David Brabender, SAHU President 2024-25

Event Highlights:

Welcome and Membership Drive: Begin the day with a warm welcome from the SAHU President, followed by our membership drive and the induction of our new board members.

Keynote Speaker – Wendy Keneipp & Kevin Trokey: Learn from professional development coaches, Wendy and Kevin, with Q4intelligence, as they share expert insights from their motivational book, “The Salesperson’s Guide to Growing a Business,” a must-attend session for all professionals seeking to enhance their sales strategies! (CE).

Legislative Updates – Paul Roberts: Stay informed on the latest legislative changes affecting the healthcare industry with a comprehensive update from Paul Roberts (CE).

Panel Discussion on Provider Access and Prior Authorization Requirements: Gain valuable perspectives from a panel of medical group representatives, including Sean Atha, Ben Philips, Dr. Gabrielle Gaspar, and Dr. Christopher Swales, moderated by David Brabender (CE).

CE Courses: Attend a variety of engaging courses focused on essential topics such as the history of health insurance, compliant marketing strategies, the integration of AI tools for business growth, and coordination of veterans’ benefits with Medicare. Each session offers valuable insights and continuing education credits.

7:30AM
Registration Opens 

Breakfast, sponsored by Landmark

8:00AM
Welcome from the SAHU President 

8:15AM
Membership Drive & Induction of new board

8:30AM

KEYNOTE: Wendy Keneipp & Kevin Trokey, Q4Intelligence – The Salesperson’s Guide to Growing a Business (1 CE)

9:30AM
Paul Roberts, Word & Brown – Legislative Updates (1 CE #390513)

10:30AM – Break 

11:15AM
Dr. Arif, Western Health Advantage – History of Health Insurance – Where We Have Been & Where We Are Going (1 CE #189200)

12:00PM to 12:30PM – Lunch 

12:30PM to 1:00PM
Katie Bain, Nonstop Health – Speaker Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan 101 for Mid to Large Groups

1:15PM
PANEL: Medical Groups Representatives to Share Insight on Provider Access and Prior Authorization Requirements

Moderator – David Brabender
Panelist – River City Medical Group – Sean Atha, Sr. Vice President, Business & Program Development 
Panelist – NIVANO Physicians – Ben Philips, Chief Administrative Officer
Panelist – Mercy Medical Group – Jason Spears, Chief Medical Officer
Panelist – Hill Physicians – Dr. Gabrielle Gaspar, CMO
Panelist – Mercy Medical Group – Jason Spears, CMO
Panelist – Woodland Clinic Medical Group – Dr. Christopher Swales, Family Physician & CFO

1:45PM to 2:00PM – Break

2:00PM to 3:00PM
Antonette Vanasek, Vanasek Insurance – Revolutionizing Marketing and Content Creation: Harnessing AI Tools for Business Growth (1 CE)

3:00PM

Networking / Awards Ceremony / Happy Hour

4:00PM – Event over

Breakout Room 9:30AM – 1:30PM 

9:30AM to 10:30AM
Dalia Sutton, Anthem – Compliant Marketing at Medicare Sales Events (1 CE #1335)

12:30PM to 1:30PM
Veterans Benefit Coordination with Medicare (1 CE)

At the 2024 SAHU Business & Medicare Expo
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 @ 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

President

David Brabender

Atman Insurance

President Elect

Brad Wright

ABC Workforce

Executive Director

Lauren Bayha

BenefitsBay Insurance Solutions

Medicare

Dalia Sutton

Anthem Blue Cross

Awards Co-Chair

Michele Meder

Trusted American Insurance Agency

Professional Development Co-Chair

Technology Training

Antonette Vanasek

Vanasek Insurance Services

Membership (Retention)

Angie Caruso

Amwins Connect Insurance Services

Political Action Committee Co-Chair

Aaron Jensen

Stellar Stories

Community Service

Andrew Garnett

Cypress Ancillary Benefits

Carrier Relations

Tamara Moreau

BBP Admin

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Renée Balcom

Renée & Company

Past-President

Helen Ornellas

Ornellas & Associates

Secretary

Michele Mills

Trusted America Insurance Agency

Treasurer

Jacqueline Martinez

Ornellas & Associates

Awards CoChair

Tamara Moreau

BBP Admin

Professional Development Co-Chair

Programs

Andy Glenn

Aflac

Membership (New)

Teri Blake

Word & Brown Insurance Administrators, Inc.

Political Action Committee Co-Chair

Cerrina Jensen

Solv Insurance

Legislative

Dave Fear Jr.

Eureka Insurance Solutions

Vanguard

Danny Langarica

Cal Choice (CHOICE Administrators)

Professional Development

Adam Aguilar

Action Pharmaceutical Consulting

Communications

Kyle Frantz

Trusted American Insurance Agency

Check Out NABIPS Events!

Check Out CAHIP's Events!

LEADING PRODUCERS ROUND TABLE

The LPRT was formed in 1942 to recognize success in our industry.

Today, the LPRT is committed to being the premier program for top Health, Disability, Long-Term Care and Worksite Marketing Insurance Producers, carrier reps, carrier management, and general agency/ agency managers.

Check out the easy online application

TRIPLE CROWN

NAHU created the President's Triple Crown Program to recognize those members whose individual contributions to NAHU help advance the association's mission.

Criteria

1. HUPAC Contribution $12 x 12 or flat $150

2. Recruit 2+ new members

3. Send 3+ Operation Shout messages

REBC®  Designation Elective: Earning the REBC designation elevates your credibility as a professional and prepares you to best serve your clients. Click here to access more information about the REBC designation, including the learning objectives and curriculum.

Brand Sets Professionals Apart from the Rest 
NABIP’s certifications offer a brand that sets professionals apart from the rest and the logo can be applied to media announcements, email signatures, business cards, and company letterhead to highlight professional accomplishment. After completing the final exam, a download version of the logo stamp of authentication will be generated.

National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals
Student Services Helpdesk: 844-257-0990

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HUPAC, our national Political Action Committee, does a great job representing our interests in D.C. Become a HUPAC contributor today!

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