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Northeast Indiana Association of Health Underwriters Newsletter

April 2017
President's Message
Happy Spring!!  This is the best time of year because it's our Professional Development - Super CE 2017!  This is the event of the year where our members and colleagues from around the state come together to learn and connect with vendor partners, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow health insurance professionals.  
      
If you haven't registered, you will miss out for sure.  The lineup of speakers and topics will not disappoint and will surely benefit those in attendance.  The topics and experts for this event would also benefit employer groups.  Companies' who have staff working in employee benefits, human resource, payroll, and compliance would appreciate the subject matter and be impressed with the caliber presenters.   Consider showing your support by attending and bringing others.

This is also our chapter's Annual Spring fundraiser.  Without the many vendors who continue to show their support by their sponsorship, we couldn't continue to grow our chapter and bring you timely programs and events.  So, a HUGE shout out of THANKS to those members who represent these very special companies.  If you're not doing business with these companies -  Why Not?
In addition to our 2017 Health Insurance & Super CE Event, our professional development committee is lining up some great speakers and topics to finish out the summer and fall.  In addition to the monthly meetings, there are also a couple of social events in the works.  Please read your monthly newsletter and visit our website for details. 

Our industry continues to be the topic of conversation.  Our May and June meetings will focus on Washington D.C and Compliance.
Although it doesn't appear the ACA law will be changed within the first 100 days, it is still on the agenda for Congress to address the many outstanding concerns that still linger.  Question is - Is time running out.  With carriers needing to submit their 2018 plan designs and rates by early June, the pressure to get something done, is heating up.  What will that mean for us, our clients, our industry?   
Your NAHU staff is on the fore front of that discussion.  If you haven't been following Washington D.C., then you need to attend our May and June membership meetings.  We will hear from Janet Trautwein via a pre-recorded webinar (live was held April 11th) and Pam Mitroff, Lead Consultant of Compliance Corner for June meeting.  Each meeting will be worth 1 hour CE .  Register early at www.neiahu.org

Now, a shift to local chapter business and a plug for Volunteers.  The Nominating Committee is looking for fresh ideas and additional help to serve on next year's board.  There are many opportunities for you to get involved - a little or a lot.  Tasks can be split between friends, so if you have some ideas to make that happen, please reach out to our Incoming President, Bill Hartman.  He would love to hear from you.  260-483-2305.

I look forward to seeing everyone Thursday, April 27th and to sharing in the many fun programs & activities this summer.

Warm Regards,
Kathy  

 

HUPAC Chapter Challenge and Updates
 
The HUPAC Chapter Challenge is back... but with a twist. Starting with contributions from March 1 to June 1, HUPAC will recognize those chapters that increase the number of members who are contributing to HUPAC by two percent. For example, if your chapter has 50 members and 10 of them are contributing, that puts you at 20% of your chapter contributing. Your chapter would need to increase that by two percent, which would mean you need to recruit just one more member to contribute. Simple, right? The goal is to increase the involvement of members in HUPAC. 

For information on how to contribute to HUPAC, please contact our HUPAC Chair, Nancy Blake

Also, the first state of the HUnion for the 2018 election cycle is here!   This newsletter provides you with insight on the hottest election contests, news on the PAC, fundraising numbers and who HUPAC has contributed to so far this year. So dive in and take a look!

With us being just over four months into the new election cycle and less than 90 days of a President Donald Trump Administration, it seems like a long way until election season. But do not fret! There is a special election right around the corner that political prognosticators are keeping a close eye for its possible implications: Georgia's 6th Congressional District.  Click HERE to read the full edition.    
Featured Committee: Legislative
The Legislative Committee is actively involved in and responsible for getting NEIAHU engaged in the legislative process.  The legislative committee is responsible for:
  • Communicating NAHU State and Federal priorities to the membership  
  • Facilitating relationships and dialogue State and Local NAHU chapters with State and Federal elected officials regarding NAHU legislative priorities
Denny Wright currently chairs the Legislative Committee.  He would love to hear from you and get you involved in NAHU's legislative efforts. Contact him today!
Greater Northern AHU Hosts Town Hall Event
Greater Northen has assembled NAHU leadership from the National, Region, State, and local levels, and is hosting a Town Hall meeting on the state of NAHU and the industry.  Speakers include Janet Trautwein, Jim Stenger, Denise Van Putten, Jennifer Revell, and Don Griffey.  The information is available here, and registration is open here.   

 
Medicare News from NAHU
NAHU was able to include a restoration of the Medicare open enrollment as part of the Cures Act passed in the waning days of the 114th Congress. Read more....
 
At NAHU's Capitol Conference, members of the NAHU Senior Issues and Medicare Advisory Group were very active! The working group met with the key staffer of the House Ways and Means Committee...take me to the full article....

The NAHU Senior Issues and Medicare Advisory Group is comprised of the following members for 2016-2017. Feel free to contact members for input on important issues. Read More....

Featured Nonprofit: Science Central
At our May Membership Meeting, we'll be hearing from Martin Fisher, the Executive Director of Science Central.  Wanna know why science centers are important?  Check it out on their website or register for the May meeting.  


Committee Updates

Nominating Committee
The nomination form is a list of the current people nominated for the given positions.  As you can see we have a few spots that needs some volunteers.  Giving back to the industry in which you earn a living is a great way to make it better for the future.
 
Please DO NOT nominate someone with out their permission.  All nominations should be received by Kathy Goffer or Bill Hartman by May 9th.

The nomination form is available here.  

Public Service Committee

Our public service committee is one of the most active committees that we have!   For individuals that are willing to support and volunteer their time, talent & treasures with this committee, please contact Ava Lillmars so we may discuss how your gifts may be used to help support our mission.


Mark Your Calendar - Region 3 Leadership Conference
Region 3 Leadership Training will be August 14 and 15th, 2017 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, MI.  It's being hosted by the state of Michigan. The event will take place from 12:30pm Monday - 12:30pm Tuesday.  More information to come, but save the date!

Upcoming Events
April 27, 2017
Hotel Fort Wayne 

May 4, 2017
IU Neuroscience Center

Greater Northern AHU Town Hall Meeting
Morris Park Country Club
South Bend, IN
Friday, May 12, 2017
Webinar - "100 Days In - The Outlook for Health Reform" - Janet Trautwein - CEO  
May 15, 2017
Featured Nonprofit:  Science Central

June 25-28, 2017
Reniassance Orlando at Seaworld
Orlando, FL

Region 3 Leadership Training 
August 14 & 15th, 2017
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI
More details coming soon!

Wanna know what's going on in Fort Wayne?  Check out Greater Fort Wayne's CALENDAR OF EVENTS and get involved in the exciting changes happening in the city you love!


In This Issue
President's Message
Committee Highlights: Legislative Committee
Committee Updates
What's Next?
2016-2017
NEIAHU Board
                   
President
Kathy Goffer
 
Vice President
Bill Hartman
 
Past President
Cindy Trahin
cktrahin@gmail.com

Secretary
Jeff Fabini
 
Treasurer
Sue Jones
sjones@bostbenefits.com

Awards Chair
Sabine Barrett

Communications Chair
Amber Frey

HUPAC Chair
Denny Wright
Denny.Wright@oldnationalins.com

Hospitality Chair
Jessica Clayton

Legislative Chair
Denny Wright
Denny.Wright@oldnationalins.com

Media Relations
Edward Judkins
 
Membership Chair
Justin Finton

Retention Chair
Dawn Fair
 
Professional Dev. Chair
Cindy Trahin
cktrahin@gmail.com

Public Service Chair
Ava Lillmars
alillmars@phpni.com
 

Super CE Day 2017
If you haven't registered yet for Super CE Day, it isn't too late!  The committee is working hard to make sure the event is every bit as spectacular as you anticipate.  Don't hesitate!  Earn up to 7 hours of CE.

  



CONGRATULATIONS!
  
NEIAHU has met the NAHU criteria to be designated as a Gold level Chapter for 2017 in the Annual Chapter Certification program.  
NEIAHU has achieved certification every year since 2007 when the Chapter Certification program was first introduced!

Physicians Health Plan
Special thanks to our 2017 Corporate Sponsor, PHP.   

NAHU's Mission Statement
 
NAHU will improve its member's ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs to all Americans through education, advocacy
and professional development.
   
NAHU's Vision Statement
 
Every American will have access to private sector solutions for health, financial and retirement security and the services of the insurance professional.  

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