I often hear the question, "What are you going as for Halloween" asked in offices and among friends. We've already heard that the "Bernie Madoff" is going to be popular and found out that Target had to recall some politically insensitive costumes. I think a good one for many of us is "The Invisible Person" because somehow in the "Health Care Reform" discussions, the role of the agent is nowhere to be found. Apparently we're invisible to our clients, the media, the Congress and the President.
Fortunately for us, NAHU has managed to influence the Finance Committee to insert reference to the necessity (perhaps too generous a term) of, or at least recognition and allowance for our services helping consumers navigate Exchanges. Of course, once the Senate and Congress has finished merging the bills and working their "magic," we may no longer exist again; however, a public option may be in place. It will be too bad for consumers if that ends up the case.
Each time I read another horror story of how someone thought they had insurance but found out that it only paid a thousand dollars of a multi-thousand dollar claim because of the policy limits, I am more convinced of the necessity of a health insurance professional (that's us folks, agents) to guide the average consumer in their selection of a plan. I know all of you have given guidance to a friend or acquaintance who is looking for an individual plan and wants to know why they shouldn't just take the cheapest plan available. That is why we do what we do, and it is rewarding! As a bonus, we generally get paid to do it.
The next couple of months are going to be more than a great Holiday Season, they are critical to our continued existance in the profession to which we belong and that we enjoy. Every single member needs to be actively contacting our representatives (in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C.), sharing the need for careful consideration rather than rushing to enact a bill that may be historic for all the wrong reasons. We must speak to our neighbors, our business associates and our clients and share in a calm, rational manner using logic and facts all the overwhelming reasons we must see this particular piece of legislation eliminated. We must also urge our colleagues and competitors; you know the ones to whom I refer, the ones who unlike you have not yet joined the only organization that can help them and their future: CCAHU (and CAHU/NAHU).
Now is the time to increase our numbers and thus our voice! If you're like me, much of our concern is for our own physical welfare in a year or two when we're eligible for Medicare (let's face it that program will need some work to butress it against the Tsunami known as the "Baby Boomers"), or consider Zac Trogdon (our Legislative VP) who has an entire career ahead of him along with all of those health insurance professionals aged in between who have anywhere from a few to several years invested in what I consider a noble profession. The ability to perform good works and earn a decent living is being threatened by too many others, whether politicians or charlatans, or both.
Let's accomplish much these coming months, not the least of which should be that we have increased our membership to reflect the hundreds of additional agents, service reps and other staff who have not yet enjoyed the many benefits offered by our excellent organization. Invite someone to attend an event, perhaps our Oktoberfest celebration with its CE offerings and social activities; one of our Luncheons or one of our major events. We can make this a great Association year and be confident that we put up a good fight. Now is the time to recruit at least one new member to our chapter and either become or recruit one new member to our PAC. Remember, even a contribution of as little as $10 per month can result in positive influence. Sign up and sign on now!!
Oh yes, then perhaps you can dress up in a "Happy Face" and be extremely visible. Beats the alternative, don't you think?
