Welcome to CAHIP Connection!

February 2026

Heading into our season of advocacy, we are full of gratitude for the participation of our Membership in all of CAHIP's activities.

It's our collective voice that makes healthcare accessible and affordable to all.

Membership is 🔑 to supporting the efforts against Single Payer legislation. Help us expand our voice and build our membership during our annual March Madness Membership Campaign.

Earn points for your local chapter by recruiting new members, participating in a call-a-thon, or taking Trail Talks on the Road.

With gratitude,

Dawn McFarland, CAHIP President

Irma Romero, CAHIP VP of Membership

Check out this month's Member Value Moment video with CAHIP's President Dawn McFarland and VP of Membership Irma Romero -- make sure to watch until the end for a special treat from CAHIP Past President Tim Kanter!

The CAHIP Emerging Leaders Program is OPEN for applications!

Registration is open and sponsorship opportunities are available for CAHIP's Annual Capitol Summit in Sacramento!

CAHIP Capitol Summit brings together agents and insurance professionals to combine legislative advocacy with professional development. Agents will be provided with unique opportunities to engage directly with state legislators, advocate for CAHIP's priorities, network, and discuss key industry issues. A full day of keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and continuing education will be followed by a day lobbying Capitol Hill in Sacramento.

BE PART OF OUR VOICE

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE!

CAHIP Board and Legislative Chairs are meeting in person to review and take positions on current healthcare-related bills in the California Legislature. Join us in the room where it happens!

We are deeply disappointed to see single-payer legislation reintroduced in California (in the form of AB 1900) because it would take away the coverage millions of Californians rely on today — including employer-sponsored insurance, Covered California plans, and Medicare. Californians deserve solutions that strengthen and improve coverage — not false promises that disrupt care and eliminate choice. CAHIP opposes CA single-payer bill AB 1900 and remains a member of the Protect California Health Care Coalition.

CAHIP is prepared to defend our clients access to care including the valuable advocacy services of their agent. Please watch your email in the coming weeks for additional information and grassroots advocacy efforts via Operation Shout! 

Registration is now open for CAHIP Capitol Summit in May -- join us to lobby and together share our voice.

Nominations are being accepted for the following 2026-2027 CAHIP Board of Directors positions:

• President-Elect                                             
• VP Communications                            
• VP Corporate Affairs                             
• VP Finance                                           
• VP Legislation                                      
• VP Membership                       
• VP PAC                                               
• VP Professional Development
• VP Public Affairs   

Thank you for joining us at Innovation Expo!

We hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did and upgraded your toolkit!

#InnovatingWithCAHIP

#OneCAHIP

#WeAreCAHIP

Please enjoy our photo album here and share your thoughts with us in the survey below.

Next up:

Capitol Summit in Sacramento May 5th!

Ready to share bold ideas and inspire the industry?

NABIP is now accepting presentation proposals for the 2026 Annual Conference, taking place June 27–30, 2026. This is your opportunity to deliver meaningful insights and connect with professionals shaping the future of benefits and insurance.

Why Present at NABIP?

Presenting at NABIP positions you as a credible, visible, and influential leader in the benefits and insurance space. Speakers gain:

• Professional credibility by showcasing expertise on a national stage
• Expanded visibility with innovators, decision-makers, and industry partners
• Opportunities for business growth through new connections and increased exposure

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking dynamic, forward-thinking presenters who offer strategies, innovations, and actionable insights that help brokers, agencies, and benefits professionals navigate today’s evolving landscape. Proposals should deliver clear value and address real challenges or emerging opportunities.

Thank you to our CAHIP PAC donors for your generosity and support. Your contributions allow us to advocate for a better healthcare system for all Californians.

CAHIP welcomes our new members!

Thank you for choosing our community!

Do you know someone interested in joining CAHIP? Invite them to join now. You can find the membership application here.

Great producers don’t just sell insurance—they elevate the industry!  

🌟 If you’re a top producer, passionate about excellence, and dedicated to serving your clients at the highest level, then the Leading Producers Round Table (LPRT) is for YOU!

🏆 Why Join LPRT?

Being an LPRT qualifier isn’t just about recognition (though there’s plenty of that! 🏅). It’s about belonging to an elite group of insurance professionals who set the bar for success. Here’s what you get:

✅ Exclusive Discounts on NABIP National events 🎟️

✅ Recognition on NABIP’s website, magazine, and more 📣

✅ Quarterly Masterclasses with top industry leaders 🎓

✅ Networking & Social Events to connect with fellow trailblazers 🤝

🎧 Want to hear why LPRT is a game-changer?

🎙️ Listen to this short audio message from former LPRT Chair Sam Nigro sharing his compelling reasons for joining! 

📋 Ready to apply?

📝 Application: Click here

🎯 More Info: LPRT Benefits

You’ve worked hard to be at the top—now it’s time to be recognized for it! 

Join the best. Become an LPRT member today! 🚀

Pat Stiffler/Membership Recognition Chair, Orange County, CAHIP

NABIP LPRT Committee

Earning the Registered Employee Benefits Consultant® (REBC®) designation elevates your credibility as a professional. The field of employee benefits continues to evolve rapidly. A year does not go by without new government regulations, new or modified coverages, and new techniques for controlling benefit costs. To best serve their clients, professionals need to have a current understanding of the provisions, advantages, and limitations associated with each type of benefit or program as a method for meeting economic security.

NABIP's Leadership Academy assists chapter leaders and members to become better leaders in life and NABIP. This 12-module program provides a wide variety of topics touching on many areas to provide students with a well-rounded experience. Programming can be done through attending pre-recorded programming, by attending monthly webinars or as a mix of the two formats. The live programming schedule will be published in September. 

The Leadership Academy is open to all active NABIP members. There is no fee for participation. Academy graduates will receive an electronic button to identify and promote their accomplishment. Graduates, who complete the program by May 15, will be eligible for a discounted Annual Convention registration and will be recognized during NABIP's Annual Convention.



The Leadership Academy curriculum is comprised of 12 modules. The student gets to determine between live or pre-recorded modules .

The Academy year is July 1 through June 30. To ensure relevant content, modules may change from year to year. For this reason, students are highly encouraged to complete their studies in the 12-month cycle.

THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

FRIENDS OF CAHIP