On the day of the event, CAHIP Norcal board members—David Brabender, President; Lauren Bayha, Executive Director; Andrew Garnett, Community Services Chair; Shae Trombatore, Media Chair; and Kyle Frantz, Communications Chair—volunteered their time wrapping gifts for children and families. The festive spirit was contagious as families flowed in and out, enjoying the beautifully decorated “Winter Wonderland” and the warmth of a community coming together for a meaningful cause.

About River Oak Center for Children
River Oak Center for Children is one of the region’s largest providers of behavioral and mental health services for financially disadvantaged children and youth. Serving over 1,000 children and youth daily, the organization offers innovative, evidence-based practices tailored to the individual needs of each family, ensuring the highest quality care.

During the holidays, River Oak recognizes the unique challenges faced by families already struggling to meet basic needs. Their annual Toy Drive and Santa’s Workshop aim to brighten the season by providing gifts to children and their siblings, easing stress and creating lasting joy. Last year, over 1,000 children and youth, from birth through age 21, received holiday gifts thanks to the generosity of community members.

CAHIP Norcal is honored to be part of this impactful initiative and looks forward to continuing its partnership with River Oak Center for Children to support their incredible work in the community.

For more information about CAHIP Norcal or to get involved in future community events, please visit https://cahip-norcal.org/.

###

For over 36 years, CAHIP-NorCal has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: CAHIP-NorCal.org. 

The post CAHIP NorCal Spreads Holiday Cheer Through Support of River Oak Center for Children’s Annual Toy Drive appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Key Proposed Changes Relevant to Brokers and TPMOs

1. Marketing Oversight
   • CMS proposes increased oversight of advertisements and marketing practices to protect beneficiaries from misleading content. These changes may require brokers and TPMOs to adjust marketing strategies to comply with stricter regulations.
2. Provider Directories Integration
   • MA plans will be required to share full provider directories with CMS for inclusion in Medicare Plan Finder. This change aims to enhance transparency and enable beneficiaries to make informed decisions, potentially altering how brokers present plan options.
3. Prior Authorization Reforms
   • New guardrails are proposed to reduce inappropriate use of prior authorization processes. Brokers will need to stay informed about these updates, which aim to streamline care access for beneficiaries.
4. Anti-Obesity Medication Coverage
   • CMS proposes reinterpreting Part D rules to cover anti-obesity medications. This expansion may influence client plan choices and discussions regarding health benefits.

5. Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Updates
   • Adjustments to reporting requirements for MA and Part D MLRs aim to promote transparency and address concerns about vertical integration.

HOW TO TAKE ACTION:

Watch for the Opportunity: Stay alert for when the comment period opens to submit your feedback.

Read the Proposal: Review the unpublished document here.

Stay Tuned: Once the comment period opens, check the Federal Register for the opportunity to submit your comments.

Why Participation Matters

These proposed changes directly affect how brokers and TPMOs operate, interact with clients, and comply with marketing and administrative requirements. By submitting comments, you can:

• Provide insights on how these changes impact your operations and client interactions.
• Suggest practical adjustments to proposed policies.
• Contribute to shaping a regulatory framework that supports Medicare beneficiaries and the professionals who serve them.

To review or comment on the CY 2026 MA and Part D proposed rule during its 60-day public comment period, visit the Federal Register.

For more information on the CY 2026 MA and Part D proposed rule, view the fact sheet. 

View the full Press Release here.

###

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

The post CMS Announces Medicare Advantage and Part D Proposed Rule for CY 2026: Key Impacts for Brokers and TPMOs appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

With the premium increases and plan terminations happening frequently, CAHIP-Norcal encourages all Medicare beneficiaries to work with a broker who specializes in senior health benefits so that you can feel confident in your health coverage and avoid coverage gaps, or unexpected cost increases.

At a Glance: 2025 Costs:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance):
  • Inpatient hospital deductible: $1,632 (+$32 from 2024)
  • Daily coinsurance (61st–90th day): $408 (+$8)
  • Daily coinsurance (lifetime reserve days): $816 (+$16)
• Part B (Medical Insurance):
  • Monthly premium: $174.70 (+$9.80)
  • Annual deductible: $266 (+$14)
• IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts):
  • Premiums range from $243.10 to $594.00, based on income levels.

New for 2025

• Under the Inflation Reduction Act, beneficiaries will see capped out-of-pocket costs for Part D prescription drugs, with a maximum annual limit of $2,000 starting in 2025.
• Expanded Low-Income Subsidy: The Extra Help program is broadened to offer full benefits to individuals with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty level.
• Price Negotiations: Medicare will implement negotiated prices for certain high-cost prescription drugs.

For full details, visit the CMS announcement here.

###

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

The post CMS Releases 2025 Medicare Premium and Deductible Updates appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Sacramento, CA – With just 10 days left, CAHIP-Norcal is calling on the Sacramento community to help in the final stretch of the 2024 Turkey Drive to support River Oak Center for Children.

CAHIP-Norcal has set a goal again this year to provide Thanksgiving meals for 25 River Oak families in need, ensuring they have a joyful holiday meal.

“We’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact this drive has on local families, and with just 10 days left, we are confident that the generosity of our CAHIP members and the Sacramento community will help us reach our goal,”said David Brabender, President of CAHIP-Norcal.

CAHIP-Norcal invites the community to donate to the Turkey Drive, with all proceeds going directly to River Oak Center for Children. The donations will directly support the purchase of Thanksgiving meals for local families in need.

How to Contribute:
Donate to the 2024 River Oak Center for Children Turkey Drive through the GoFundMe campaign:
Donate Here

Deadline: Donations are being accepted until November 25, 2024. Your contribution will help ensure 25 families receive the items they need for a delightful Thanksgiving meal.

About River Oak Center for Children:
The River Oak Center for Children provides vital services to children and families in the Sacramento area, focusing on behavioral health support, family services, and resources to improve the well-being of at-risk children and families.

To learn more about this event and other upcoming events, visit our website at

cahip-norcal.org/event/.

###

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

The post CAHIP-Norcal Invites the Community to Help Bless 25 Families This Thanksgiving appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Covered California launched its 2025 open enrollment period yesterday with a press conference at the California State Library in Sacramento. Secretary Xavier Becerra of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services joined state leaders and key representatives from the health insurance industry to emphasize the importance of accessible health coverage and health literacy for Californians.

Rosamaria Marrujo, CEO of Trusted American Insurance Agency and President of the California Association of Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP), attended the event representing the agent and broker community. Highlighting the vital role brokers play in expanding healthcare access, Marrujo stated, “It was wonderful to meet Secretary Becerra and showcase the importance of agents and brokers in the community.”

During the event, Covered California’s Executive Director Jessica Altman acknowledged and thanked the contributions of brokers, expressing appreciation for their continued service.

Highlights of Covered California’s Open Enrollment for 2025:

• New Financial Assistance for Californians: Beginning Nov. 1, increased state funding through Covered California’s cost-sharing reduction program will provide enhanced support, especially for those above 200% of the federal poverty level. The program offers no-deductible plans and reduced out-of-pocket costs for over 800,000 enrollees.
• Expanding Eligibility for DACA Recipients: For the first time, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients can enroll in Covered California plans, providing an additional estimated 40,000 Californians access to affordable health coverage.
• “Let’s Talk Health” Literacy Campaign: Covered California launched this statewide initiative to improve health literacy, partnering with local libraries to offer in-language resources and educational events to help consumers understand their health insurance options.
• Record-Low Uninsured Rates in California: California’s uninsured rate has fallen from 17.2% in 2013 to a historic low of 6.4% in 2023, illustrating the success of outreach and financial support programs in expanding access to health coverage.

With open enrollment running through Jan. 31, 2025, uninsured Californians are encouraged to explore their coverage options. 

Trusted American Insurance Agency’s CEO, Rosamaria Marrujo, is a dedicated advocate for advancing access to affordable healthcare for all Californians. As she continues her work at the state level, she is committed to representing brokers statewide and highlighting the essential support they provide to their communities. 

Visit CAHIP’s Newsroom to learn more about on-going healthcare and legislative updates. If you are interested to learn more about how to get involved and directly support state and national Political Action Committees program visit our Legislative Programs page.

###

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

The post CAHIP President, Rosamaria Marrujo – Represents the Agent/Broker Community at the Covered California Press Conference Ahead of Open Enrollment appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Oops, Restricted Content

We are sorry but this post is restricted to folks that are logged in and have purchased access to this presentation or tickets to the original event. If you feel you are seeing this message in error please contact us at info@sahu-ca.com.

If you attended this event, or have tickets to this event associated with your account, you will not need to purchase access again. Please contact marketing@taia.us if have trouble accessing the recap.

The post Member Meeting Recap | September 18, 2024 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Oops, Restricted Content

We are sorry but this post is restricted to folks that are logged in and have purchased access to this presentation or tickets to the original event. If you feel you are seeing this message in error please contact us at info@sahu-ca.com.

If you attended this event, or have tickets to this event associated with your account, you will not need to purchase access again. Please contact marketing@taia.us if have trouble accessing the recap.

The post Member Meeting Recap | June 19, 2024 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Tournament Highlights and Winner Celebrations:

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

Danny Langarica from Cal Choice remarked, “Yesterday was one of the best SAHU Golf Tournaments I’ve ever been to. So much fun!” This sentiment was echoed by many attendees, highlighting the success and enjoyment of the day. 

A huge thank you to all our sponsors! Your support was essential in making this event a success, and we truly appreciate it.  We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

• Event Sponsor: Word & Brown
• Social Media Sponsor: Berkley Accident and Health
• Party Tee Sponsor: Mutual of Omaha
• Margarita Sponsor: Western Health Advantage
• Tee Sponsor: Dickerson Insurance Services
• Drink Cart Sponsor: Colonial Life
• Cannon Hole Sponsor: Anthem
• Longest Drive Sponsor: Q Benefits
• Tee #10 Lunch Platinum Sponsor: Amwins
• Hole-in-One Sponsor: Paycor

To learn more about SAHU’s events, becoming a member or sponsor, please visit our website, sahu-ca.com.

###

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

The post Swinging Success: 2024 SAHU Golf Tournament Recap! appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

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 .

From left to right, Legislative advocate, Faith Borges, Tim Kanter, CAHIP President, Assemblyman, James Gallagher, Rosamaria Marrujo, and Paul Roberts, CAHIP VP Legislation.

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

The post SAHU Celebrates Victories at 2024 California Capitol Summit appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Helen Ornellas, SAHU President, remarked, “The room was filled with like-minded Brokers and Agents who wanted to know what’s going on firsthand and were not let down, amazing evening.”

Guest speakers Faith Borges, Legislative Advocate, and Rob Stutzman, political commentator, provided updates on California health insurance and the current political landscape. The focus was on the Single Payor system and its status across political lines, highlighting the importance of being involved in shaping healthcare policy.

Faith Borges also spotlighted the pending initiative to implement a mandatory statewide insurance program for long-term care services and supports. Visit Long Term Care Insurance Task Force to learn more. Attendees engaged in discussions with special guests, including CAHIP President Tim Kanter and CAHIP VP of PAC Jack Holder, enriching the evening with valuable insights and expertise.

For those who missed the event, there’s an opportunity to stay involved by attending the upcoming CAHIP Capitol Summit in May. This event offers a chance to connect with industry experts, engage in discussions with legislative speakers and guests as they address the most recent healthcare concerns.

“We invite all members and those in the community to attend the upcoming CAHIP Capitol Summit in May,” said Helen Ornellas, SAHU President. “It’s another opportunity to connect, engage, and drive positive change in our healthcare system.”  For more information about the CAHIP Capitol Summit, visit Capitol Conference details HERE.

SAHU extends its gratitude to its members, event sponsors, and the community for their dedicated support and participation in the PAC event. Together, we are making a difference and driving positive change in healthcare.

Learn more about PAC HERE.

If you would like to support PAC directly, you may do so HERE.

###

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

The post SAHU PAC Event Recap: A Night of Impact and Insight appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Would you like to take part in SAHU's legislative efforts?

The post Coffee Chat Recap | March 20, 2024 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Oops, Restricted Content

We are sorry but this post is restricted to folks that are logged in and have purchased access to this presentation or tickets to the original event. If you feel you are seeing this message in error please contact us at info@sahu-ca.com.

If you attended this event, or have tickets to this event associated with your account, you will not need to purchase access again. Please contact marketing@taia.us if have trouble accessing the recap.

The post Member Meeting Recap | February 21, 2024 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

February 21, 2024 @ 10:00 am – 11:15 am

Topic: The impact of social health on employers’ workforce

Speaker: Jennifer Castillo – Workforce Health Consultant at Kaiser Permanente

Learn how social health is connected to employee wellness and gain actionable strategies you can share with customers to support their current employee well-being efforts.

Good Health Goes Beyond Good Health Care

Total health involves more than quality care. Social and economic factors, such as where people are born, live, and work, have a big impact on their health. Understanding employees’ total health will help organizations create wellness solutions to address any social health disparities they may experience.

The post February Member Meeting 2024 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

April 18, 2024 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

SAHU’s newest favorite event returns, April 18th, 2024!

This Event Has Passed
Here Are the Highlights

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Woody Sponsorship – $350
Cornhole Sponsorship – $650

Sponsors

Cornhole Sponsors

Woody Sponsors

Drink Sponsors

The post SAHU Vanguard Cornhole 2024 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Oops, Restricted Content

We are sorry but this post is restricted to folks that are logged in and have purchased access to this presentation or tickets to the original event. If you feel you are seeing this message in error please contact us at info@sahu-ca.com.

If you attended this event, or have tickets to this event associated with your account, you will not need to purchase access again. Please contact marketing@taia.us if have trouble accessing the recap.

The post Member Meeting Recap | January 17, 2024 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

2022 – 2023 With another exciting year coming to a close, here are our favorite highlights and major events you might have missed for the 2022-2023 term and beyond!  July 2022 Letter from the 2022 – 2023 President I am excited and honored to work with my industry colleagues who are passionate about their careers and serving their clients through these rapidly changing times.  Now more than ever, we need to join together to inspire one another; work to educate our community as to the importance of working relationships with agents and brokers; and to create a valued presence and relationship with our legislators on the State and Federal level.    As we embark on a new national rebranding of our association to the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP); our local   chapter will be able to truly represent our members the way it was intended. And, by doing so, we can help develop a stronger connection amongst one another to grow our presence as a leader in the community.   We are excited to be back in person! With the ever-changing new ways of forward thinking in our health insurance industry; our goal is to inspire and equip us as leaders to be better and do better. We feel a responsibility to strengthen our sense of community and move forward, together.   As a member, look forward this year to seeing more opportunities to connect with each other as we bring back the basics of our prestigious association. Taking what we learned in the past years’ with going virtual allowed us to find new innovative ways to offer more benefits to our members. Creating new hybrid experiences to learn, collaborate, network, advocate and participate as a community of leaders in our insurance industry moving forward. In keeping with our mission to improve its members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development; we are eager to increase your access to national, statewide, and local Member Benefits this year.   I look forward to serving you,     Rosamaria Marrujo SAHU President 2022-2023   SAHU Business Expo 2022 The SAHU Business Expo 2022 at the Citrus Heights Community Center marked our grand return to in-person events. It was a buzz of activity starting from the early morning with registration and a warm welcome from the SAHU President. A standout moment was the induction of the new board by Kevin Kiley, setting a tone of renewal and forward momentum.   The event packed in some powerhouse sessions, like Lisa Hutcherson’s talk on “Why Investing in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pays Off,” highlighting the tangible benefits of DEI in the workplace. The “Supporting Well-being in the Changing Workplace” session was another hit, focusing on employee wellness in our evolving work environment. Jay Johnson’s take on “Organizational Performance Management” provided valuable insights into enhancing workplace efficiency and productivity. The day also featured an engaging Ancillary Panel, moderated by Josh Keller, discussing the importance of a new class of employee benefits.   The Expo was not just informative but also a great networking opportunity for everyone after such a long time apart. August 2022 SAHU NorCal Medicare Summit 2022 The SAHU Medicare Summit 2022, with a reception held at the Sacramento Hyatt Regency and trainings held virtually, was a blend of crucial updates and interactive sessions. A highlight was the Federal CMS Legislative Update, where agents got the lowdown on new requirements effective from October 1, 2022, including specifics on call recording and marketing Medicare Advantage. Another key session was the Panel Discussion on 2023 Medicare Advantage Benefits, offering diverse insights into the upcoming changes and benefits. The summit wrapped up with closing remarks, encapsulating a day rich in learning and networking for professionals in the field. September 2022 September Member Meeting October 2022 SAHU Coffee Chat (MEDICARE)   October Member Meeting November 2022 November Member Meeting   River Oak Center For Children’s Turkey Dinner Drive 2022 December 2022 River Oak Center for Children’s Holiday Toy Drive 2022 A Letter from River Oak Center for Children     Dear SAHU,   Thank you for your support of the children served by River Oak with your generous donation of toys and gifts for this year’s Santa’s Workshop. Your donation is appreciated by not only the children and families but by the clinical team as they are able to provide support and resources for their families. We helped more than 200 families and 1000 children this year.   We are so fortunate to have such great community partners that allow us to create these memories and moments for our children and youth. It is partnerships like this that help River Oak further our work and create such wonderful community stewardship.   Despite the challenges our families have to overcome, we strive to provide them with comfort and resources. I can assure you that the impact of your gift will be felt by many children and families in need. The knowledge that you truly have made a difference should bring you a tremendous sense of satisfaction and pride. Thank you again for being such an integral part of improving the lives of the children, youth, and families we serve.       Sincerely,   Laurie Clothier Chief Executive Officer River Oak Center for Children January 2023 January Member Meeting   NABIP Capitol Conference What We Lobbied On: Addressing the Cost of Care – Site Neutral rules to deter location-based gaming of coverage Preserving and Strengthening Employer – Sponsored Health Coverage Commonsense Reporting Act Initiatives to innovate HSA – eligible plans Opposition of penalties on employers for network requirements   What We Lobbied On To Improving Medicare: Excluding licensed agents and brokers from burdensome marketing restrictions Allowing COBRA to be treated as credible coverage Observation status to be treated as inpatient status New Part D open-enrollment period   Who We Met With in DC: Kevin Kiley – Visit Ami Bera – Visit Doris Matsui – Visit Josh Harder – Visit Doug LaMalfa – Drop by Tom McClintock –Drop by February 2023 February Member Meeting March 2023 March Coffee Chat   Ellevate Woman’s Leadership Summit The Leadership Summit provides an opportunity for both current and aspiring female leaders in business to advance their career, personal growth, and increase impact and support in their teams as well as their industry. Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) was proud to support our very own Cerrina Jenson, Ellevate Co-Founder and SAHU PAC chair who states, “Given that only 23% of executive leaders in our industry are women, but we make up 67% of entry level staff, Ellevate Foundation believes this annual leadership summit is a timely and critical opportunity to help bridge the gap and fast track both current and aspiring female leaders as their careers unfold.”      Looking Forward to Next Year’s Event https://ellevatefoundation.org/   SAHU Crab Feed Another wonderfully successful event! Hopefully, you were there to see the big show, but if you couldn’t make it this year, here are a few of our favorite highlights and statistics.   380 People Attended 1,000 lbs of Crab 120 lbs of Shrimp 68 Auction Items Sold 10 Auction Items Donated 23 Deserts Donated/Sold    $20K Raised For The American Cancer Society On top of all the fun and games, thanks to our generous attendees, we were able to raise $20,000 for the American Cancer Society     April 2023 April Member Meeting   SAHU Vanguard Cornhole Tournament We are so grateful to everyone who attended our first Cornhole Tournament! Thanks to the amazing response we received, we are making this an annual event. We’ll see you on the court next year! May 2023 CAHIP Capitol Conference Members of SAHU attended the annual Capitol Summit held by California Agents & Health Insurance Professionals, reporting back a warning against the implementation of a state-run health care system.     “Addressing our elected legislators, whether in DC or Sacramento, is such an important part of our governmental system. Being able to meet face to face and let them know who we are, what we do and how we work to make things better is a fundamental part of citizenship in this country!” – Dave Fear Jr., SAHU Legislative Chair   SAHU maintains a steadfast commitment to actively engage and participate in relevant legislative proceedings and keeping the public informed with accurate information.      SAHU Golf Tournament The sun was shining, the greens were immaculate, and the camaraderie was off the charts. Each swing, chip, and putt was filled with laughter, challenge, and unforgettable memories. We reveled in the gorgeous backdrop of the Sierra Nevada foothills while enjoying the fresh, open air and the spirit of friendly competition. Our appreciation goes beyond words for every member, guest, and sponsor who joined us, adding their unique strokes to this grand tapestry of community and sportsmanship. A resounding thank you to all who made this event a hole-in-one experience! We can’t wait to see you all back next year for more drives, laughs, and incredible moments.    26 Teams 104 Golfers 50 Sponsor Reps 10 Volunteers 164 People in Total!   June 2023 June Member Meeting   NABIP Annual Convention SAHU has made a remarkable impression at the NABIP Annual Convention.   First, our hard work, dedication, and innovation paid off with the prestigious Pacesetter Award. We are also honored Rosamaria Marrujo, 2022/2023 President, took home the esteemed Presidential Citation Award. Lastly, we had the honor of being recognized for creating a vibrant and informative online community with the Local Chapter Website Award.   These awards are a testament to the collective efforts of our entire membership. To our members, partners, and supporters – we extend our gratitude. A special thank you to the board members whose time and effort helped make this possible.   Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters  Pacesetter  Local Chapter Website    SAHU President 2022/2023, Rosamaria Marrujo  Presidential Citation July 2023 July Member Meeting   2023-2024 Board Retreat August 2023 SAHU Business & Medicare Expo 2023 The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) proudly looks back on its 2023 Business & Medicare Expo as an unprecedented success. Garnering a remarkable turnout, the event saw over 300 registrants, reflecting the growing interest and commitment of professionals in the insurance industry. A highlight of the event was the Medicare Breakout session which was met with an overflowing audience, emphasizing its significance in today’s healthcare landscape. In line with SAHU’s dedication to professional development, the Expo offered 5 CE courses that provided valuable insights and knowledge enhancement for attendees.   The vibrant atmosphere was complemented by the presence of 30+ exhibitors who showcased the latest trends, products, and services in the industry. We owe a great deal of gratitude to our sponsors, each of whom played a pivotal role in making the Expo an unparalleled experience. We look forward to future collaborations and even more successful events! September 2023 September Member Meeting October 2023 October Member Meeting November 2023 River Oak Center for Children’s Turkey Dinner Drive 2023 Thanks to you SAHU donated $2,400 to River Oak Center for Children’s Turkey Dinner Drive!     Raised $2,400   Feeding Up To 32 Families   Thank You SAHU Community! December 2023 River Oak Center for Children’s Holiday Toy Drive 2023 “Once again, the Sacramento Community has come together to bring joy to the families who need it the most this holiday season. The Toy Drive was a huge success! Members of SAHU were able to meet many of the families that will be receiving the toys on behalf their children. The gratitude these mothers, fathers, and grandparents had as we wrapped up their toys for them was unbelievable. It’s an experience I will never forget. I am very grateful to be a small part of the kindhearted community that we are. Thank you for all your support! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at SAHU.”   – Andrew Garnett, Community Services Chair As we close the chapter on an exceptional year, a heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to making it one of our most memorable. Here’s to the coming year, may it surpass even our highest expectations. Looking for more updates? Connect with us online!

The post SAHU 2022 – 2023 Year in Review appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

SACRAMENTO, December 19, 2023 — After weeks of anticipation and community engagement, the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) is pleased to share the success of its collaboration with the River Oak Center for Children for the annual toy drive. The initiative aimed to bring holiday cheer to 100 children of all ages, and thanks to the unwavering support of the community, it exceeded expectations.

The streamlined donation process through the Amazon shopping link proved to be a resounding success, allowing community members to effortlessly contribute and make a meaningful difference in a child’s Christmas morning. SAHU extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who clicked, shopped, and shared in the spirit of giving.

In addition to online contributions, SAHU members took part in a special in-person volunteer opportunity at the ‘Santa Workshop,’ hosted by the River Oak Center for Children on Thursday, December 14th, 2023. This unique event transformed SAHU members into Santa’s elves, as they dedicated their time to wrapping gifts that will create enchanting moments for parents and children on Christmas morning.

“Once again, the Sacramento Community has come together to bring joy to the families who need it the most this holiday season. said Andrew Garnett, Community Services Chair.  The Toy Drive was a huge success! Members of SAHU were able to meet many of the families that will be receiving the toys on behalf their children.  The gratitude these mothers, fathers, and grandparents had as we wrapped up their toys for them was unbelievable. It’s an experience I will never forget.  I am very grateful to be a small part of the kindhearted community that we are.   Thank you for all your support! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at SAHU.”

As SAHU wraps up this year’s toy drive, the organization remains committed to its mission of making a positive impact in the community. The success of this initiative reinforces SAHU’s dedication to serving and uplifting those in need, and the association looks forward to continuing its meaningful contributions in the future.

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

The post Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) Delivers Holiday Joy with Successful Completion of donating to the River Oak Center for Children Toy Drive appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

January 17, 2024 @ 10:00 am – 11:15 pm

About the Event

Topic: Student Loan repayment/529 savings plans and the Secure 2.0 act going into effect 1/1/24.
This presentation by Dennis Cash, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Ameritas, is focused on employer-assisted benefits for employee education, specifically around student loans and tuition reimbursement. It covers the background of BenefitEd, the services it offers in managing student loan payments, and the benefits of these programs for both employers and employees. The presentation includes details on the student loan landscape, tax benefits, various plan designs, and the impact of these benefits on employee financial stability and employer retention strategies. It also discusses the implementation process for these programs.

About the Speaker

Dennis Cash – Director, Strategic Initiatives.

Started with Ameritas on June 26th, 2017 to oversee the development and management of strategic initiatives within the Group Division. Strategic initiatives are defined as initiatives that deliver alternate revenue and profit streams for Ameritas Group Division.  Current focus is primarily on BenefitEd and hearing solutions.

1995 Graduate of the University of Nebraska with double major in Management and Marketing.  

Held a variety of positions in the sales, marketing and operations areas, most recently with Lincoln Industries, a metal finishing company for 13 years.  Before that, Dennis worked at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for 10 years in various sales and marketing roles in Salt Lake City Utah, Boise Idaho, and Lincoln Nebraska. Served in the Army National Guard for 12 years where he took advantage of one the earliest student loan repayment programs that was available

The post January Member Meeting 2024 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

CMS has introduced a comprehensive proposed final rule, CMS-4205-P, set to bring about substantial changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D programs, effective from the 2025 contracting year starting September 30, 2024. Notably, the proposed rule addresses critical aspects of Medicare marketing and communications policies, particularly impacting agent and broker compensation outlined in Section 1851(j) of the Act.

Key elements of the proposed final rule encompass the elimination of administrative fees and overrides, restrictions on services provided to Medicare agents, impacts on different agency types, changes in marketing reimbursements and Health Risk Assessments (HRA) fees, modifications in commission structures, and operational adjustments for agents and agencies.

SAHU and its board members believe that CMS-4205-P may have certain drawbacks, particularly as this policy would essentially leave agents and brokers unable to directly recover administrative costs. These adjustments impacting FMO/Agency support, training, technology, and related aspects will influence beneficiary options by diminishing the number of agents not only promoting Medicare Advantage but also providing a diverse range of plans. In essence, this regulation is poised to yield outcomes contrary to its intended objectives.

“Field Marketing Organizations (FMOs) are General Agents who provide training, and a multitude of compliance expertise to field agents. Agents struggled to comply with the recent CMS recording requirements, but FMOs were able to quickly provide a scalable solution. Without the general support of FMOs, insurance carriers would need to provide these services, raising their administrative costs and premiums to beneficiaries.” Says, NABIP CEO Jessica Brooks-Woods.

With the CMS-4205-P proposal open for public comment until January 5th, SAHU urges its members and the broader community to unite in advocating for the best interests of our clients and the sustained strength of our profession. We encourage everyone to contribute professional and constructive feedback, and comments can be conveniently submitted through Regulations.gov.

###

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

The post CMS’ 2025 Proposed Final Rule: SAHU Advocates for Industry Response with Compensation & Marketing Changes On the Rise appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

This year, River Oak has streamlined the donation process, making it easier than ever to contribute. Simply click on the Amazon shopping link and choose a gift to make a meaningful difference in a child’s Christmas morning.

For those looking for a hands-on experience, SAHU invites you to join a special in-person volunteer opportunity at the ‘Santa Workshop’ hosted by the River Oak Center for Children. Be part of the magic on Thursday, December 14th, 2023, as we become Santa’s elves, wrapping gifts to help create enchanting moments for parents and children on Christmas morning.

Volunteer sign-ups are available on our SAHU Event Page here.  This is a fantastic chance to donate your time, spread the festive spirit, and assist families in preparing for their Christmas morning.

“We all know that it’s not about what’s under the tree at Christmas, it’s about who’s around it. Join us in coming together to embrace those families who need it the most and spread the magic of Christmas,” says Andrew Garnett, Community Service Chair at SAHU.

How to Get Involved:

Donate Online: https://cahip-norcal.org/event/river-oak-center-for-children-holiday-gift-drive-2023/.  You will find a helpful Shopping list and link to shop!

 ‘Santa’s Workshop’ Volunteer Sign-up:  Volunteer days are being held at the River Oak Center on December 14th, with various time slots available to select.  This year, River Oak is looking for volunteers to checkout items, wrap gifts, replenish items, and lend a helping to support this event.  Click this sign-up form to register.

To learn more about this event, visit our SAHU Events Page.

We hope you can join us in the spirit of giving back this season to bless 100 kids with a special gift this Christmas. The SAHU community wishes everyone a joyful and magical holiday season!

###

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

The post SAHU Teams Up with River Oak Center for Children to Support Their Annual Christmas Toy Drive appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

March 15, 2024 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

This Event Has Passed Checkout the Image Gallery

Visit Kaiser Permanente Photo Booth Gallery

Purchase a Table of 10

Purchase a Table of 8

Get Your Drink Tickets Early!

Skip the line! Buy your drink tickets now and they will be ready for you at Will Call when you arrive for the event.

Get ready to boogie down at the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters’ annual crab feed, happening on Friday, March 15th, 2024! This year, we’re turning up the funk with a dazzling Disco theme. Dust off your bell bottoms and polish those platform shoes because it’s time to strut your stuff. Besides indulging in some delicious crab, you can look forward to an exciting auction packed with amazing items, a raffle that could see you walking away with some cool prizes, and a bar serving up groovy drinks to keep your spirits high. Snap some memories at our funky photo booth, show off your 70s style in our costume contest, or get wild with a temporary tattoo or balloon creation from our talented artists. It’s going to be a night of unforgettable fun, so make sure you’re there to catch the fever! 🕺🦀🎈📸🍹🎉

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Event Sponsor

Ticket Sponsors

Drink Ticket Sponsors

Bar Sponsors

Photo Booth Sponsor

DJ/Audio Sponsor

Program Sponsor

Dessert Sponsor

Costume Contest Sponsor

Decoration Sponsor

Bread Sponsor

Butter Sponsor

Cocktail Sauce Sponsor

Coffee & Tea Sponsor

Silverware Sponsor

Live Auction Sponsor

Salad Sponsor

The post Crab Feed 2024 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

December 14, 2023 @ 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

SAHU is teaming up once again with River Oak Center for Children to assist in their Holiday Gift Drive! Last year at this event over 1,000 children and youth received Christmas gifts due to the generosity of our community. In December River Oak Center will hold their annual Santa’s Workshop event and serve children and youth from birth through age 21.

River Oak is one of the area’s largest providers of behavioral and mental health services for financially disadvantaged children and youth. It serves over 1000 children and youth on any given day with a wide array of innovative and evidence based practices to meet the individual needs of the youth and family with the highest quality of care. With the holidays approaching, which can be a stressful time, River Oak strives to provide a gift to each child and their siblings in order to help brighten the season for families who are already facing challenges.

An Amazon link has been created to help gift-givers easily donate this year! Scan the QR Code below or click this link to donate: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1Q80T9KAYZW5W/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

Deadline to donate is December 11th, 2023.
You may also drop off your gift to River Oak Center for Children located at 5445 Laurel Hills Drive, Sacramento, CA 95841.

The post River Oak Center for Children Holiday Gift Drive 2023 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Oops, Restricted Content

We are sorry but this post is restricted to folks that are logged in and have purchased access to this presentation or tickets to the original event. If you feel you are seeing this message in error please contact us at info@sahu-ca.com.

If you attended this event, or have tickets to this event associated with your account, you will not need to purchase access again. Please contact marketing@taia.us if have trouble accessing the recap.

The post Member Meeting Recap | October 18, 2023 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

This year, River Oak has streamlined the donation process, making it easier for everyone to contribute to this meaningful cause. By clicking the DONATE button on our website, you can support our mission and help us reach our goal of providing nutritious and delicious Thanksgiving meals for 25 deserving families.

Donations will be accepted through Friday, November 17th, 2023, allowing ample time for community members and organizations to participate and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate during the holiday season.

We cordially invite you to join us on November 20th from 10:00 AM to 10:15 AM at 5445 Laurel Hills Dr., Sacramento, CA 95841, for a special photo opportunity as we celebrate and share in the success of our Turkey Drive initiative. RSVP now to secure your spot for this heartwarming event and witness the impact of your generosity firsthand.

Andrew Garnett, SAHU’s Community Services Chair, expressed his optimism for the project, stating, “When we extend a helping hand, we create a community of giving.” Let’s come together and build a stronger, more compassionate community by ensuring that every family possible can enjoy a Thanksgiving feast this year. For further information and to RSVP, please visit our website at https://cahip-norcal.org/event/2023-river-oak-center-for-childrens-turkey-dinner-drive/.

###

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

The post SAHU and River Oak Center for Children Partner Once Again to feed 25 families this Thanksgiving! appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

August 28, 2024 @ 7:30 am – 4:00 pm

This Event Has Passed, but Here Are a Few of Our Favorite Highlights

2024 SAHU Business & Medicare Expo- Path to Success!

Sponsored by, Western Health Advantage

If you’re aiming to elevate your professional growth, expand your business, network with industry peers, and earn CE credits, this is the must-attend event of the year. 

Join us for a jam-packed day filled with motivational keynote speakers, valuable learning opportunities through our CE courses, and engaging networking sessions, all while enjoying breakfast, and lunch!

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.

SAHU is dedicated to keeping our community and its members informed about the latest industry news and legislative changes.

Don’t miss this once a year opportunity to connect with fellow insurance professionals, share ideas, and discover new opportunities to elevate your business!

Agenda

Breakout Room 9:30AM – 1:30PM 

Become A Sponsor

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

EVENT SPONSOR

KEYNOTE SPEAKER SPONSOR

BADGE SPONSOR

BREAKFAST SPONSOR

GRAND PRIZE SPONSOR

The post 2024 SAHU BUSINESS & MEDICARE EXPO appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

May 16, 2024 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

This event has passed.

Thank you for visiting our photo gallery! We hope to see you at next year’s Golf Tournament!

The SAHU Golf Tournament isn’t just a day on the green – it’s a powerhouse of networking and camaraderie. This annual event is a cornerstone of our community, blending fun with purpose as we raise vital funds for our PAC to drive impactful legislative change. Join us for a day of birdies, bogeys, and big swings for a great cause! Register your group, stock up on raffle tickets, get ready for the live auction, and don’t forget a mulligan or two.

Don’t Forget To Buy Your Mulligans

Here You Can Get Your Raffle Tickets

Become a Sponsor!

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Event Sponsor

Social Media Sponsor

Cannon Hole Sponsor

Margarita Sponsor

Party Tee Sponsor

Drink Cart Sponsor

Hole-In-One Sponsor

Longest Drive Sponsor

Tee Sponsors

The post SAHU Golf Tournament appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revealed on Thursday, August 31^st 2023, that the initial group of ten Medicare Part D medications slated for negotiation under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has been identified.

These drugs have been designated based on the outlined criteria within the IRA. This legislation mandates that CMS prioritize drugs with the highest Medicare expenditure and minimal competition, among other considerations. The resulting roster encompasses medications that are crucial for numerous Medicare recipients in treating various conditions such as cancer, diabetes, blood clotting, heart failure, autoimmune disorders, and chronic kidney disease.

Negotiations regarding pricing will commence this year between CMS and the participating pharmaceutical manufacturers. Finalized prices will be disclosed next autumn by CMS, with implementation set for 2026. In the ensuing years, additional medicines will be included for negotiation.

Projected Benefits for Beneficiaries and Medicare

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approximated that the expenses for the chosen ten drugs totaled $3.4 billion in out-of-pocket payments for Medicare beneficiaries. While the specific savings for individual beneficiaries through the IRA’s negotiation initiative will be contingent on the forthcoming reductions in prices, overall reduced costs are anticipated across the board. It is noteworthy that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicts that these negotiations could save Medicare a total of $98.5 billion over a ten-year span, subsequently leading to decreased financial burdens for beneficiaries and taxpayers. Importantly, this law will achieve these outcomes while simultaneously enhancing health results and program stability. The CBO underscores that the lowered drug costs will encourage better adherence to prescribed medications, ultimately enhancing beneficiary well-being and diminishing the necessity for more expensive medical care covered by Medicare.

Furthermore, complementary reforms tied to the IRA are either already in effect or will soon be implemented, further enhancing the affordability and accessibility for beneficiaries. Several key measures are already active, such as capping monthly insulin prescription costs at $35, providing no-cost Part D vaccines, and reducing coinsurance for certain Part B drugs. In the upcoming year, an increased number of Medicare beneficiaries will experience relief as the IRA abolishes enrollee expenditures in the Part D catastrophic phase and extends full Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) coverage to individuals with incomes equal to or less than 150% of the poverty threshold. By 2025, the legislation will also impose a limit of $2,000 per year on beneficiary Part D drug expenses and allow beneficiaries to pay these costs in more predictable monthly installments, offering vital financial security.

Previous estimates from HHS indicated that the Part D changes brought about by the IRA would save a minimum of $400 for one out of every three enrollees in 2025. Notably, a considerable number of beneficiaries will experience even more substantial savings: over eight million will witness a $759 reduction, and nearly two million will benefit from a $2,500 decrease, reflecting a 66% reduction relative to their present costs. Once the negotiation program is initiated in 2026, these savings are expected to expand further.

Engaging the Public

This initiative encompasses ten virtual public Listening Sessions set to take place in the upcoming fall, with each session focusing on one of the selected drugs. The agency has stated that this series will “offer an avenue for patients, beneficiaries, caregivers, consumer and patient organizations, and other interested parties to provide input relevant to the drugs chosen for the initial round of negotiations.” Stakeholders are required to pre-register for the opportunity to make live, public statements.

“It’s important for insurance agents to educate their clients about the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act this year more than ever.” Rosamaria Marrujo, past SAHU president and incoming CAHIP president.

Additionally, CMS will accept written statements from September 1 to October 2, 2023. Further details about how to contribute to CMS concerning the negotiation process can be found here
https://www.cms.gov/inflation-reduction-act-and-medicare/medicare-drug-price-negotiation

For More Information:
To access the CMS announcement, click here.

For a comprehensive fact sheet from CMS about the drugs selected for the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, along with additional details about patient-focused listening sessions, please visit this link.
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/fact-sheet-medicare-selected-drug-negotiation-list-ipay-2026.pdf

For further information about the upcoming listening sessions and the opportunity for written comments, refer to this resource.
https://www.cms.gov/inflation-reduction-act-and-medicare/medicare-drug-price-negotiation-program-patient-focused-listening-sessions

For in-depth insights into the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, explore further here.
https://www.cms.gov/inflation-reduction-act-and-medicare/medicare-drug-price-negotiation

###

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

The post The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) identifies a group of ten Medicare Part D medications slated for negotiation under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has been identified. appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Board Members and their Roles:

Helen Ornellas
President

David Brabender
President-Elect

Rosamaria Marrujo
Past-President

Jacqueline Martinez
Treasurer

Lauren Bayha
Executive Director

Michele Mills
Secretary

Michele Meder
Awards Chair

Tamara Moreau
Carrier Relations

Brad Wright
Legislation Co-Chair

Telly Tasakos
Membership Retention Chair

Adam Aguilar
Professional Development Chair

Cerrina Jensen
Political Action Committee Chair

Andrew Garnett
Community Services Chair

Kyle Frantz
Communications Chair

Antonette Vanasek
Media Relations Chair

Dave Fear Jr.
Legislative Co-Chair

Danny Langarica
Vanguard Chair

Angie Caruso
New Membership Chair

Andy Glenn
Programs Chair

Renée Balcom
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chair

Dalia Sutton
Medicare Chair

Our Mission and Vision for the 2023-2024 Term

President Helen Ornellas shares her vision for the year, stating, “Our mission in 2023-2024 is mentorship and leadership.  SAHU is looking for those who would like to make a difference in our chapter, in the industry, and their careers. We have started the Past Presidential Advisory Committee to provide insight, one on one mentorship, and guidance for those who are interested in leadership at the Chapter Level, State Level and National. Or lets us know how we can help you; we have the tools and people! 35 Years strong.”

SAHU Board Nominations

Joining the SAHU board can provide a wide range of benefits for both personal and professional growth. By becoming a board member, you can expand your network and connect with other industry professionals.  Additionally, you can have a direct impact on the strategic direction and decision-making processes of the association. Serving on the board can also enhance your leadership and teamwork skills, as you work collaboratively with other members to achieve common goals.  It’s an opportunity to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the industry, while also gaining valuable experience and building your resume.

Perhaps you or someone with whom you have served has the vision and the passion, both for the association and for the industry as a whole, to help lead SAHU in the coming years.

 To nominate a deserving candidate or even yourself, please visit https://cahip-norcal.org/sahu-officers-nomination-form/.  The deadline for nominations is April 15, 2024.

Let us work together to build a stronger, more vibrant SAHU community.

2023-2024 SAHU Board Members Induction

###

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

The post Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) Announces 2023-24 Board Members appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Jun 30^th 2023 – The Sacramento Association for Health Underwriters (SAHU) would like to extend its gratitude to all its dedicated members who actively participated in NABIP’s Operation Shout to oppose SB 770, a bill aimed at financing a state-run health care system in California.

Despite the tremendous efforts and numerous communications from CAHIP members, SB 770, which seeks to advance Single Payer Health Care system in California, has successfully passed the Assembly Health Committee and is now progressing to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

If enacted, legislation would establish a workgroup with the goal of petitioning the federal government to redirect significant funding, potentially amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars, from Medicare and Medi-Cal.  The intention behind this redirection would be to support the implementation of a state-run health care system, which has yet to undergo comprehensive testing, including an assessment of its potential costliness.

SAHU kindly urges all its members and non-members to take the time to review the details of SB 770. You can find the fully written Bill here: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/home.xhtml

We encourage you to talk to your Assemblymember about the potential implications it may have.  If you would like to join SAHU in expressing opposition, we invite you to visit the following link https://nabip.quorum.us/campaign/48542 and participate in Operation Shout. Your voice holds significance, and your participation can potentially contribute to the outcome of this bill.

If you are not a member of SAHU, click here- https://cahip-norcal.org/benefits to learn more about our great organization and how you can join.

If you are interested in supporting our PAC contribution, click here: https://www.efundraisingconnections.com/c/CAHUPAC/

In the coming weeks, SAHU will diligently provide updates on the progress of SB 770 in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. We assure you that we will keep you informed of any developments as soon as the information becomes available, with the latest update expected no later than September 1, 2023.

###

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

The post SB 770- Bill to Finance a State-run Healthcare System Advances to Assembly Appropriations Committee appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

SAHU strongly opposes – SB 770: a proposed legislation that would create a costly and untested state-run health care system.  SAHU emphasizes that implementing SB 770 would eliminate existing Medicare and Medi-Cal programs, leaving millions of Californians without essential health care coverage.   SAHU warns that SB 770 does not introduce new providers or facilities, potentially leading to longer wait times for procedures, reduced access to specialists, and a loss of doctors to other states. The association urges the Legislature to pursue constructive and viable solutions to enhance access to affordable health care.

SB 770 is the first step towards a single-payer health care system, which not only eliminates Medicare and Medi-Cal but also prohibits private health coverage, including employer-sponsored plans. The projected cost of over $500 billion per year would require significant tax increases on individuals, employers, and small businesses.

CAHIP states in its own talking points of this year’s Summit, that there has been “progress made in expanding access to affordable health coverage in California since the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Californians are satisfied with their health care and prefer to build upon this progress, preserving their ability to choose private coverage for their families.” 

To read more about CAHIP’s Capitol Summit talking points, visit their website- https://www.cahu.org/cahip-capitol-summit-talking-points.

SAHU Supports AB 716: Protecting Californians from Costly Surprise Billing for Ambulance Services.  SAHU stands behind AB 716, a vital legislative measure aimed at safeguarding injured Californians from burdensome balance bills and resolving billing disputes for emergency ground ambulance services beyond their control. 

By passing AB 716, Californians will be protected from excessive out-of-pocket expenses and relieved from the complexities of billing disputes between health plans and ground ambulance service providers. This legislation is crucial in addressing the common practice of surprise billing, or “balance billing,” which often leaves injured individuals in the midst of billing disputes for essential services.

ON WATCH– SAHU is also closely monitoring AB 1690, a “spot bill” lacking substance and a funding source for a proposed government monopoly on health care.  SAHU advocates for market stabilization strategies and supports AB 716, which aims to protect Californians from expensive balance billing for emergency services.

Dave Fear Jr., SAHU Legislative chair says this, “Addressing our elected legislators, whether in DC or Sacramento, is such an important part of our governmental system. Being able to meet face to face and let them know who we are, what we do and how we work to make things better is a fundamental part of citizenship in this country!”  SAHU maintains a steadfast commitment to actively engage and participate in relevant legislative proceedings and keeping the public informed with accurate information. 

If you are interested in learning more about current health insurance industry news and legislative updates, please visit our website, https://cahip-norcal.org.

###

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

The post SAHU’s summary of the 2023 CAHIP Capitol Summit appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

SAHU’s Annual Crab Feed was a tremendous success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the organizers and the generous support of the attendees. The event was held to support a worthy cause, the American Cancer Society, and the attendees’ contributions raised an astounding $20,000 to aid in cancer research and support services.

The evening was filled with exciting activities, including a silent auction, where 68 auction items were sold, and 10 items were generously donated. The event’s attendees also had a sweet tooth, as 23 desserts were donated and sold at the event.

“{insert quote},” said [Name], President of SAHU. “We are incredibly grateful for the support and contributions from our attendees, which enabled us to raise $20,000 for the American Cancer Society. It’s truly heartwarming to see how our community comes together to support a worthy cause, and we can’t thank our attendees enough.”

SAHU’s Annual Crab Feed is a significant event for the community, bringing together members of the Sacramento community to support a worthy cause while enjoying a delicious meal and engaging in fun activities. SAHU is committed to continuing its efforts to support the community and make a positive impact.

For more information on SAHU and its efforts, please visit their website at sahu-ca.com.

###

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

The post SAHU’s Annual Crab Feed 2023 Draws Crowds and Raises Funds for American Cancer Society appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

 **A Zoom link will be sent the day before the event.**

Presentation Topic: Executive Disability Insurance: Leveraging Executive DI to Properly Cover Highly Compensated Executives & Owners

Learn how executive DI works with income protection solutions for the highly compensated.

Speaker Bio:

Iain MacDonald is the Regional Director of Sales for dibrokerWest in northern California. He is utilizing nearly 15 years in financial services to help financial planners and insurance agents provide income protection solutions to their clients. His background in personal production has given him a unique perspective as a wholesaler who is able to assist producers in presenting and implementing disability insurance products to the executive and business owner markets.

Iain holds the Chartered Life Underwriter® designation and is a past president of NAIFA Greater Bay Area. He was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, and relocated to the San Francisco Bay area in 2013 to build the dibrokerWest office from scratch.

In his spare time he enjoys chasing his identical twin nephews and niece around in Scottsdale, AZ. He never misses and opportunity to travel home to Seattle and watch his Seahawks at Lumen Field. Go HAWKS!

Course Details:

DOI Approved Course Number: CE # 386201

1. Introduction & Review Course Objectives
2. Income Protection Issues Facing Highly Compensated Executives & Owners
3. Identifying Gaps & Implementing Solutions
4. The Suite of Products Available for the Highly Compensated

The post August Lunch & Learn: Executive DI with Iain MacDonald, dibrokerWest appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

SACRAMENTO, CA 06 June 2021 — The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) and the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) commend House of Representatives members Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Ron Estes (R-KS), Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Glenn Thompson (R-PA) for taking the lead on introducing bipartisan legislation (H.R. 3650) to eliminate Medicare’s three-day mandatory inpatient stay rule for a skilled nursing center. The Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act addresses Medicare’s “two midnight” policy.

“At issue is the requirement for Medicare beneficiaries to spend at least three days in the hospital on an inpatient basis in order to receive their 100 days of covered skilled-nursing services,” explained NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein. “Hospitals have increasingly admitted seniors on an ‘observation status’ basis and not as an inpatient, which is an important technical distinction that is generally indistinguishable to hospital patients but can lead to extremely costly Medicare denials.

“These archaic policies are leading patients who are extremely sick and need skilled nursing care to not qualify for paid Medicare skilled-nursing centers and for others to later have their admission status changed so that their care is now billed to them and not Medicare.

“NAHU members have had countless clients go this through this horrible experience and end up paying high out-of-pocket charges since they were considered to be on observation status, and Medicare did not cover their necessary skilled nursing facility care. Often, these seniors did not even know they were on observation status.

“It is simply not right to limit access to quality care for those seniors who need it most. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid temporarily suspended this practice due to the pandemic and now is the time for Congress to pass legislation that addresses this issue once and for all.” 

###

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

The post SAHU Applauds Bipartisan Support to Eliminate Medicare’s Observation Status Rule appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

The post SAHU Scores Success with 2021 Golf Tournament appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

The 2021 SAHU Business Expo

A FREE Virtual Conference Event

Coming on July 29, 2021

from 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM PST

Brought you in part by

Attendance is FREE – Click to Register Now!

Join the 2021 SAHU Business Expo

Get Access to Important Updates & Keynote Features

Online Booths with Sponsors & Exhibitors

Networking with Leading Industry Professionals

Raffles & Prizes for Attendees

Sponsorship opportunities available (click here for more information)

Join the virtual conference here on the 2021 Expo site

The post SAHU 2021 Business Expo appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

SACRAMENTO, CA 31 Mar 2021 — Join the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) on Friday, May 21, at The Ridge Golf Club in Auburn, CA for the 2021 Annual SAHU Golf Tournament.

The SAHU Golf Tournament is an annual network and fundraising event for members and non-members. Part of the proceeds from the Golf Tournament go to support PAC to help with our legislative efforts. It is fun and popular event that we look forward to every year.

Attendees can register in teams of two or four, or as single players. The event will feature hosted specialty holes during play, a breakfast and putting contest prior to tee time, and an awards luncheon immediately following the tournament. Mulligan packages and raffle prizes are also available. Attendees can register and purchase packages online at the SAHU Golf Tournament events page: https://cahip-norcal.org/event/2021-annual-sahu-golf-tournament/.

SAHU is grateful to event sponsor Western Health Advantage, luncheon sponsor Word & Brown, and the many sponsors helping to support the event, including Ameritas, Beam Dental, Innovative Benefits, Warner Pacific, United Concordia Dental, BRMS, Bruins Legal Document Preparation, Dickerson Insurance Services, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health Plus, WSR, Amwins, Pinnacle Risk Management, Capitol Health Management, Kansas City Life and more. Sponsorship opportunities are still available on the SAHU site: https://cahip-norcal.org/product/golf-tournament-sponsorship/.

If you have any questions about the event or would like to know more, reach out to SAHU directly at info@sahu-ca.com.

###

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.

The post SAHU to Host Annual Golf Tournament on May 21, 2021 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

SACRAMENTO, CA 29 Mar 2021 — Join the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) for a special training presentation with Executive Leadership Coach and Business Consultant Allan Rahn.

The virtual event will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM PST. Registration is open to SAHU members and non-members for a small fee.

As part of the course topic “More Business Disruption Ahead – How to Refresh your Brand and Create Demand for an Ever-Changing Audience,” attendees can expect to cover top-of-mind concerns and challenges for business leaders, research on what is most important to employee benefit buyers, how to optimize your value proposition, best multi-channel marketing practices and more. Mr. Rahn will also do a live review of a volunteer SAHU member’s LinkedIn profile to help identify and demonstrate areas in which industry professionals can improve for their digital identity.

Keynote speaker Allan Rahn is the founder of The Leader’s Pulse, a management consultancy that works with individuals and executives, businesses, corporations and philanthropies to address critical leadership and/or business problems for which they don’t have the internal resources, talent or time. He integrates his nearly three decades of successful executive leadership experience in marketing and sales with personalized improvement strategies, leadership style development, conflict control techniques, 360-degree feedback, wellness, and numerous credentialed executive and team engagement systems in his mission to help individuals clarify and achieve their purpose in business, work and life.

Register here to attend by Wednesday, April 21: https://cahip-norcal.org/event/lunch-learn-allan-rahn/

###

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.

The post Lunch & Learn Executive Leadership Training appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

SACRAMENTO, CA 29 Mar 2021 — On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) will host a special virtual event covering recent legislative updates and providing valuable agent training for both members and non-members.

Join for annual legislative visits with our local Congressional Representative, and training and updates on Medicare-related issues, stabilizers in the individual & employer markets, COVID-19 relief, and the role of the agent/advisor.

Guest speakers will include congressional representation and SAHU members and elected SAHU leadership, including David Fear, Sr., prior President Brad Davis, Legislative Chair Connie Correia, President-Elect Carmen Perea, Medicare & Media Relations Chair Rosamaria Marrujo and New Membership Chair Conner Deck.

Registration is open to SAHU members and non-members. Members may attend for free with online registration. Non-members can purchase a ticket for just $25 on the SAHU site.

Buy tickets and register here: https://cahip-norcal.org/event/sahu-coffee-chat/

###

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.

The post SAHU to Host Legislative Updates in Coffee Chat appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

Topics:

• Annual Legislative Visits with our Local Congressional Representative
• Medicare-related Issues
• Public Option/Medicare for All
• Stabilizers in the Individual & Employer Markets
• COVID-19 Relief
• The Role of the Agent/Advisor

Guest Speakers:

• David Fear, Sr.
• Brad Davis
• Connie Correia
• Carmen Perea
• Rosamaria Marrujo
• Connor Deck

Free for SAHU Members

Only $25 for Non-Members

The post SAHU Coffee Chat appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.

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.

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

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.

 

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

 

• SAHU Calendar 2019-2020
• SAHU 2019 Toy Drive Flyers
• SAHU Chili Cook Off Flyer
• Thank You Letter - River Oak Center for Children 2019

The post Year in Review: 2019-2020 appeared first on CAHIP NorCal.