If you’re thinking about attending the CAHIP Capitol Summit in Sacramento May 9-11, heads up that the deadline to book the hotel at a discount is April 10. More info about the event here.
HEALTH
Higher Rates Will Shock Without American Rescue Plan Subsidies
A recent analysis from the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) found something you probably already realize: if the American Rescue Plan subsidies aren’t continued many people who currently have health insurance coverage through state-based marketplaces will be forced to disenroll or reduce coverage. NASHP says without the enhanced subsidies premium increases will range from 15% to 70% next year.
GGAHU & LAAHU
GGAHU and LAAHU Announce Open Noms for Board
Golden Gate Association of Health Underwriters and Los Angeles Association of Health Underwriters both sent us notice that they are accepting nominations for their 2022-2023 Board of Directors. Expand your skills and network of professional contacts!
ANNUITIES
Guardian Unveils Fixed Annuity
The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America unveiled the Guardian Secure Index Annuity. The annuity has an optional guaranteed living benefit rider – the Guardian Income Magnifier Rider, which is issued by its wholly owned subsidiary, The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc. (GIAC). With the introduction of the Guardian Secure Index Annuity, the company has expanded its pipeline of annuity options that help mitigate market volatility and longevity risk. This fixed index annuity, available for sale through registered representatives of Park Avenue Securities, offers guaranteed retirement income clients cannot outlive, with additional growth potential.
EQUITY
Groups Request Bias Handling Info from Commissioners
The Consumer Federation of America and the Center for Economic Justice have urged state insurance commissioners to investigate racial bias in insurance claims handling and anti-fraud efforts, after a New York Times exposé revealed detailed allegations of discrimination against Black policyholders at State Farm. In a letter to the nation’s insurance commissioners, the groups asked that each state insurance department respond to a short survey about its efforts to identify and root out bias and racial discrimination of claims handling at the companies they regulate. The letter and short survey are available here.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Event Focuses on Future of Work & Benefits
The 2022 Group & Worksite Benefits Conference May 3-5 in Boston will focus on transformational changes affecting workplace benefits and their impact on carriers, brokers and benefits technology providers.
Featured at the event is an executive panel, moderated by Jessica Vanscavish, vice president & head of customer solutions at Prudential, which will explore the future of work and the role workplace benefits plays. Participating panelists include:
- Yanela Frias, president of group insurance for Prudential;
- David Healy, senior vice president of group benefits for Sun Life US; and
- Harry Monti, executive vice president, benefits division for Symetra.
Keynote speakers include:
- Heather McGowan, future-of-work strategist, will share what the future of work will look like, how attendees can apply this to their companies, industry, and culture;
- Kevin Snyder Ed.D., best-selling author, will use over two decades of research to inspire attendees to embrace change and overcome new challenges; and
- Jim Klein, president of the American Benefits Council, will provide an update on legislative developments from Washington.
More info right here.
TRAVEL
Good Time for Travel Insurance
A new ValuePenguin survey says people are eager to travel now — and some, like a quarter of Gen Zers and millennials, plan to check off a major “bucket list” vacay. From the survey:
Overall, the majority of people said they planned to spend over $3,000 on travel this year, including the 46% who have saved up funds and 27% who will be cashing in on their credit cards’ travel rewards
So what about travel insurance? Linda Hubbard Lalande, our contributed articles editor, is looking for people who want to write about it. Email her: linda.calbrokermag@gmail.com
FINANCIAL PLANNING
HR 2954 Passes House
Big news in potential legislation that impacts retirement planning: The U.S. House of Representatives voted 414-5 in favor of the Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2022 (Secure Act 2.0) or H.R. 2954. The legislation includes, among other provisions, raising the required minimum distribution age to 75 from 72, increasing auto enrollment in 401(k) plans and bolstering 403(b) plans. Proponents, who say the bill is the follow up to 2020’s Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act, say they’ll now focus on getting the legislation through the Senate and onto President Biden’s desk.
Watch Out! Fakes Abound
Before you respond to the innocent looking inquiry on LinkedIn, you’d better check out this article. Apparently, there’s a proliferation of fake profiles, including very real looking AI generated photos. If you company has hired a marketer to use LinkedIn to boost sales, you also need to read the article.
M&A
C3 Joins Assurex Global
San Diego-based C3 Risk & Insurance Services announced it has joined Assurex Global effective March 15, 2022. This firm is now included in the 97 independent brokerages that make up the worldwide partnership. The addition of C3 is part of Assurex Global’s goal to strategically add multiple Partner firms in 2022 as it continues to grow and enhance its offerings. C3 Risk & Insurance is led by President Gabriel Erle and Chairman Jamie Reid. They currently employ 92 staff in San Diego and their branches in Carlsbad and Irvine. C3’s industry specialties include Biotech, Breweries/Distilleries/Wineries, Construction, Drug Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Medical/Research/Life Sciences, Nonprofits, Surety, and Transportation/Trucking.
Integrity Acquires J.D. Mullens
Integrity Marketing Group, LLC, a distributor of life, health and wealth solutions, announced it has acquired J.D. Mullens, an independent marketing organization based near Jacksonville, Florida. As part of the acquisition, Dalton Mullens, President of J.D. Mullens, will become a Managing Partner in Integrity, and Joshua Mullens, Partner in J.D. Mullens, will become a Partner in Integrity. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Joshua Mullens launched the agency in 2006, offering final expense and life insurance products to seniors. With the passing of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, son J.D. Mullens became a respected health insurance distribution leader, developing telephonic systems that make the process of getting coverage easier for consumers
EVENTS
- LAAHU Annual Symposium, in person, April 26, Pasadena Convention Center. Info here.
- The Group & Worksite Benefits Conference, in person, May 3 – 5, Boston, Massachusetts. Info here.
- CAHIP’s Capitol Summit, in person, May 9-11, Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, Sacramento. Registration info here. Sponsorship info here.
- NAAIA Spring Career Fair, online, May 24, 11am-1:30pm Pacific, More info here.
- BenefitsPro Broker Expo, in person, May 23-25, 2022, Austin, TX. Request more info here. Register here.
