December 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Kate Kinkade (Editor) Column

The Healthcare Crisis: How to Solve it and Prosper
by Mark Reynolds, RHU
• Lower costs, improved benefits, re-education, and accountability are powerful reasons to work with our employers to implement new concepts into a stagnant market plagued with increasing rates, decreasing benefits, and uninformed consumers.

Innovations in Employer-Funded Health Care: More U.S. Employers, Payors and Brokers Are Embracing Medical Tourism Programs
by Keith Mendoza
• With the cost of healthcare and health insurance premiums being higher than in any other nation in the world, it is the right time to embrace innovative, cost saving alternatives like medical tourism. As the industry emerges, we see that the interest in global health care among American companies will continue to grow significantly.

Why Smart Travelers are Becoming More Aware of Travel Medical Insurance
by Brendan Sharkey
• Given the heightened risk of international travel, smart travelers are planning and preparing more than ever to avoid potential hazards.

Helping Consumers Understand the Value of Fixed Income Annuities
by Holt McGee
• Now is the time to take advantage of a growing need for protection and guarantees for retirement investment vehicles.

Considering the Future: a Look at Public Dental Care
by Karen M. Gustin, LLIF
• It is important to analyze reform options carefully to determine whether the proposed changes would result in the quality of dental care, access to services and treatments, and freedom of choice we need and expect.

Conference Round Up: Norvax, CAHU, and Warner Pacific Sales Expo
by Leila Morris
• Numerous conferences and events, throughout Southern California, have kept the staff of California Broker Magazine hopping over the past couple of months. This month, we feature coverage of a sales-focused CAHU Show, A Norvax University Sales Event, and the Warner Sales Expo, featuring John Nelson, co-CEO of Warner Pacific, interviewing former Democratic Senate leader Tom Daschle on what to expect with health reform. Look for the next issue for our coverage of medical tourism, limited benefit plan, and wellness plan conferences.

Assembling Our First Voluntary Benefits Survey
Finding the Right Benefit Package for Your Client
This month marks our first ever survey of voluntary benefit plans. The strong participation of carriers reflects how popular voluntary benefits are becoming

What Life Insurance Producers Can Look for in 2010
by Kenneth Shapiro
• Seven significant ideas that can help meet the challenges and opportunities created by
clients who are both cautious and optimistic for 2010.

Seven Reasons to Focus on Vision During Your Customer’s Annual Enrollment
by Tracy L. Dieterich, CRPS It’s enrollment season and the stakes are high for your customers. This is their best opportunity to educate employees about their benefits and to lay the foundation for them to take advantage of these offerings to promote their health and well-being throughout the year.

Too Much Insurance, Not Enough Cash?
by Shane Dez
• Considering the zero cost of applying for life settlement valuation, the enormous benefits to qualified policyholders are thought provoking, not to mention the untapped rewards to financial planners in exchange for invaluable services they can offer to their clients.