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SAHU Monthly Newsletter

May 2024 Edition

In this Issue

In The News:

A Day at the Capitol

SAHU Wins Silver

Upcoming Events:

June Member Meeting

Business & Medicare Expo

In Case You Missed It:

Golf Tournament Recap

In The News

A Day at the Capitol

Helen Ornellas- SAHU President and Jack Holder-CAHIP VP PAC Chair

Rosamaria Marrujo- CAHIP President-Elect,

and Tim Kanter- CAHIP President. 

From left to right; Michele Meder-SAHU Awards Chair, Brad Wright- SAHU Legislative Co-Chair, Michele Mills-SAHU Secretary, David Brabender- SAHU President-Elect, Addison Beverly- Aetna, Cerrina Jensen- SAHU PAC Chair, and SAHU members/guests, Aaron Jenson, Carmen Perea and Cora Lynn Alvar

The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) extends its gratitude to those who were able to attend the California Association of Health Underwriters (CAHIP) Capitol Summit in Sacramento last week and those who have shown dedication to oppose, educate, and spread awareness about the impacts of the latest single-payer proposal. Your efforts have led to significant victories for Californians.

AB 2200, legislation that would have mandated single-payer healthcare in California, was defeated. The bill was held on the Assembly Appropriations Committee's Suspense File and will not advance to the floor, thus marking a defeat for this legislative and calendar year.

Also defeated was another CAHIP key bill, SB 1236, which would have significantly increased premiums for seniors on Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), thus reducing enrollment and risking insurer market withdrawal in California.

These legislative victories are a testament to the collective effort and dedication of the attendees and the broader health insurance community. SAHU remains committed to advocating for policies that protect and benefit consumers, businesses, and healthcare professionals in California.

The Capitol Summit, featuring a diverse range of speakers, including industry leaders and subject matter experts, offered comprehensive updates on legislative changes, regulatory impacts, and emerging trends.  “The CAHIP Capitol Summit was an outstanding event that provided deep insights into the evolving landscape of health insurance”, said Michele Mills, SAHU’s Secretary Chair.  Mills went on to say, “One of the key takeaways from the summit was the detailed analysis of recent healthcare Senate and Assembly Bills and their implications for businesses, Agents/ Brokers, and consumers.

While we’ve achieved these great wins for California, SAHU encourages everyone to stay in the fight, and stay engaged and informed as we continue to navigate and influence the legislative landscape.  

Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters was recently recognized with Silver Certification on May 4th, 2024.  

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

“The leadership of NABIP 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 with chapter development and recognize them for their efforts with this well-deserved award,” said NABIP CEO Jessica Brooks-Woods.

“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 a PAC Event in our local community as part of our communications efforts and hosted a Vanguard Cornhole Tournament to increase and maintain NABIP memberships. These projects and many others have set a standard of excellence in the health insurance industry that we are proud to represent.”

Upcoming Events

About the Speaker

As Vice President of CoPower & Ancillary Services, Pratibha brings her entrepreneurial spirit to champion the causes that are dearest to her, including improving healthcare outcomes and increasing member access to quality care. She is a deeply empathetic leader who is always dedicated to making a difference with quantifiable results. Pratibha has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, especially in working with benefits, third-party administrators, General Agency distribution, and carriers. Prior to joining Amwins, she was at Blue Shield of California in Sales Operations leading an Analysis team in supporting Large Group Sales, and in Product Strategy contributing to the multi-year, self-funded product roadmap. Pratibha is strategic and results-driven, letting her proven track record in generating sales and creating a culture of excellence, service, and profitability speak for her.

In Case You Missed It

SAHU 2024 Golf Tournament

Lauren Bayha, golfers, Dan Kistner, Dave Brabender.

Mia, Jackie, and the Colonial team

Word & Brown Sponsor table

Danny Langarica, Cal Choice, and golfers

Jeff Turner, winner of our Yeti raffle prize

Golfers checking out our raffle prizes

We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day at The Ridge Golf Club in Auburn for our annual SAHU Golf Tournament! The sun was shining, the greens were pristine, and the camaraderie was unbeatable.

With a total of 102 golfers and 20 vendors attending, the day was buzzing with activity. From manning the holes to driving drink carts, everyone played a part in making this tournament a tremendous success.

A huge shoutout to Word & Brown for sponsoring this fantastic event.

Here’s a look at the winners and

some memorable moments from the day:

🥇1st Place Winner: Aetna Foursome

Noah Woehler (hit a Hole-in-One at hole #12!)

Daniel Hawkins

Tyrone Sales

Jacob Woehler

🥈2nd Place Winner: Cypress Dental Foursome

Andrew Garnett

Chuck Richesin

Ryan Andrew

Mike Updegraff

🏆1st Place Mixed Team:

Capitol Insurance Solutions Foursome

Maia Francis

Jackie Fitzhenry

Tim Murphrey

Josh Hedger

Closest to the Pin Winners:

🏌️‍♂️ Men: Dylan Asherman

🏌️‍♀️Women: Carmen Perea

⛳️Longest Drive Winners:

Men: Daniel Hawkins

Women: Marissa Herndon

Special thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event memorable.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

A huge thank you to all our sponsors!

Your support was essential in making this event a success, and we truly appreciate it.

Click for NABIP Events

Click for CAHIP Events

2024 SAHU Annual Partners

Become One of Our Sponsors!

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

Professional Development Opportunities

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

Refer your colleagues and make your PAC donations!

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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SAHU Board of Directors

President

Helen Ornellas

Ornellas & Associates

President Elect

David Brabender

Atman Insurance

Executive Director

Lauren Bayha

BenefitsBay Insurance Solutions

Media Relations

Antonette Vanasek

Vanasek Insurance Services

Medicare

Dalia Sutton

Anthem Blue Cross

Awards

Michele Meder

Trusted American Insurance Agency

Professional Development

Adam Aguilar

Action Pharmaceutical Consulting

New Membership

Angie Caruso

Amwins Connect Insurance Services

Carrier Relations

Tamara Moreau

Sterling Administrators

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Renée Balcom

Renée & Company

Past-President

Rosamaria Marrujo

Trusted American Insurance Agency

Secretary/Treasurer

Michele Mills

Trusted America Insurance Agency

Programs

Andy Glenn

Aflac

Community Service

Andrew Garnett

Cypress Ancillary Benefits

Legislative

Dave Fear Jr.

Eureka Insurance Solutions

Membership Retention

Telly Tasakos

Insperity

Political Action Committee

Cerrina Jensen

Solv

Vanguard

Danny Langarica

Cal Choice (CHOICE Administrators)

Communications

Kyle Frantz

Trusted American Insurance Agency

Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters

SAHU | P.O. Box 1585 Fair Oaks, CA 95628

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