It’s September 1, which means it’s officially fourth quarter – though we probably didn’t actually need to tell you that. September 1 also means that we are just a couple of days away from the end of August recess. If you met with your lawmakers over the summer, please log those appointments using a link on NABIP.org, under Advocacy, then Legislative Issues. With that said, we have plenty to discuss this week, most of which is at the regulatory level – between ACA affordability changes and proposed Medicare regulations. To discuss all of this and more on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour are none other than NABIP’s John Greene and Michael Andel.

Welcome back to the Healthcare Happy Hour! Even though we are in the midst of August recess, a new bill that would resolve one of our Medicare issues has been introduced in the House. NABIP is calling on all members to contact their federal legislators and urge them to co-sponsor bipartisan legislation that would address this important issue. In addition to that, our listeners who work in the individual market will be delighted to hear that our model consent form for those in federally facilitated marketplace states is finally available. To discuss this and more, on this week’s episode of the podcast, is NABIP’s John Greene and Michael Andel.

August Recess is underway! Every year, the House and Senate adjourn for the annual Congressional summer recess. This year, the House will be on recess until September 12 and the Senate will reconvene on September 4. This is a prime time to meet with your federal legislators about NABIP’s talking points, which this year is focused on getting the Employer Reporting Improvement Act across the finish line.

In addition to August Recess, a mental health parity proposed rule and technical release was issued by the tri-agencies early last week.

To discuss these items, on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, is NABIP Senior Vice President of Government Affairs John Greene and Vice President of Congressional Affairs Michael Andel.

As of June 18, agents and brokers who operate in states with a federally facilitated marketplace must obtain documentation that consumers they are working with have reviewed their eligibility for applying for coverage. Agents and brokers must also obtain documentation that the consumer consents to work with them when enrolling in advance payments of the premium tax credit and cost-sharing reduction payments. NABIP will be providing a model form over the coming weeks for our membership to utilize. In the meantime, on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Dan is joined by AgencyBloc product director Sara Brammer and Engagement Manager Neal Price, to discuss the new rule and what steps you can take to ensure compliance.

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As you saw in last week’s Washington Update, the administration released a proposed regulation that touches on short-term limited duration plans, fixed indemnity plans and level-funded plans. On the Congressional side, NABIP is looking at the PATIENT Act of 2023, a transparency bill that includes many provisions we support. In addition to these items, NABIP submitted a comment letter to the NAIC earlier this week regarding some proposed privacy provisions. To discuss all of this on this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour are our very own John Greene and Michael Andel.

We hope you enjoyed our Annual Convention in New Orleans at the end of June, and we hope you had an excellent Fourth of July. We did not host an episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour podcast last week, but that’s because we’ve been busy with our brand-new State Legislative Tracking Tool, available now on NABIP.org. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Senior Director of Government Affairs Husni Abdelaziz is here to discuss the tool and how you can leverage it to stay informed and engaged with the legislative process in your state and region.

On Wednesday, the House passed the Employer Reporting Improvement Act (H.R. 3801), a bill that provides much-needed relief for employers by easing certain aspects of the reporting requirements under Section 6055 and 6056 of the ACA. This has been an issue that NABIP has been active in for several years now, and for employer-reporting legislation to make it this far is truly exciting. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, NABIP lobbyists John Greene and Michael Andel are here to discuss the bill.

This week is Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Marcy M. Buckner’s last here at the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals. For several years, Marcy has been one of the premier voices on the Healthcare Happy Hour podcast – but that has just been a small piece of her duties at NABIP. After over 11 years, Marcy has left a substantial legacy and everyone, from staff to members, are sad to see her go. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Vice President of Congressional Affairs John Greene and Marcy review some legislative and regulatory successes that NABIP has had during her tenure, as well as some fun and emotional personal anecdotes.

Earlier this week, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced the Employer Reporting Improvement Act which will simplify employer reporting on health insurance coverage. This is a priority that NABIP has long advocated on behalf of. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Marcy M. Buckner discusses what this big win means, along with details of what’s included in the bill and future steps.

NABIP’s Annual Convention is rapidly approaching – our first Convention as the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals! We hope that all our listeners are planning on attending Convention, which will be held June 24 through 27 in New Orleans, Louisiana. On this week’s episode of the Healthcare Happy Hour, Dan is joined by NABIP Chief Information Officer Illana Maze to discuss the Convention and all the great speakers and sessions that come with it!

Register for Convention at https://www.nabip.org. The deadline to register online is June 16. On-site registration will be available but will increase by $50.