TAHU Update Volume No. 4 Issue No. 3 November 2002
November Meeting
Monday, November 18, 2002
Marriott at RTP
Exit 281, Miami Blvd.
11:45 am, Luncheon Meeting
NOVEMBER GUEST SPEAKER
REBECCA H. CHRISTIAN
Senior Vice President - Strategic/Community Services
WakeMed
Since October of 1984 Rebecca has been responsible for planning and developing programs which enhance market share, contracts, consumer and community support and accessibility for a 752-bed, multi-facility hospital and health system.
Rebecca is an accredited member and Past National President, of the Society for Healthcare Marketing and Strategy Development. She serves on various boards and committees throughout the triangle including the Wake County Public School System, Public Relations committee and is the President-Elect for the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle.
Ms. Christian, was voted one "The Triangle's Top 25 Women in Business, 1999, awarded by the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and the Triangle Business Journal. She has published several articles including; "Hospital Marketing & Public Relations", "Health Management Quarterly", "HealthMarketing", and "Health and Human Resources"
SPONSORED BY
Ameritas Group Dental and
P & A Administrators
President's Message:
Sam King, CHC
TAHU held its 2nd meeting of the year with Dan Narensky giving an informative presentation on Social Security claims. Dan's presentation dovetailed nicely with our sponsor CTGROUP who sells group life and disability insurance products.
Prior to the meeting the Board of Directors approved the Budget for the 7/02-6/03 year. A copy of the budget is available to any member who requests a copy.
The Thanksgiving Season is now upon us. As we gather with family and friends and enjoy the traditional feast I challenge you to reach out to someone who is less fortunate and share your bountiful harvest. It will remind you what you have to be thankful for and will be enriched
New Legislative News:
Bill Hendrickson
This L & L Committee is still a committee of one (that's 1). How about volunteering to double our action and make it a committee of at least two (that's 2)? There's enough material in the realm of L & L to keep five of us busy, but at least one more would be a welcome addition. After all, NAHU is our main source to speak up for our industry in promoting the continuation of Health Insurance in the private sector, so our knowledge of legislative matters and our individual and collective action to help produce sane legislation is our primary mission as members of TAHU.
Congress people, bless them all, are now in a frenzied election year recess, but according to the Wall Street Journal, the best legislation left on the table and not passed was the ballyhooed "patients' bill of rights". That in itself would have made trial lawyers richer and health insurance too expensive for more people-as commented editorially in the Journal. Who knows what will happen in the next Congress?
Back to the Wall Street Journal and an editorial of October 1 headlined "Why You Can't Buy Insurance". Commenting on the increasing number of those people uninsured for Health Insurance, the Journal says one of the main reasons is "the federal and state government policies that make the insurance too expensive to buy. We refer to the exploding number of laws mandating that health insurance cover this disease or that medical condition. This summer the National Association of Manufacturers warned that such mandates could force some employers to drop their health insurance benefits. And a Census Bureau study suggests many are doing just that. The proportions of Americans who get health insurance through their job fell for the first time in nearly a decade."
Other reports on mandates support these comments in the Journal. A report out of San Antonio, Texas, identifies five of the 63 mandates in Texas that are directly responsible for a 17 percent increase in premiums in that state. Washington State has 47 mandates and the one driving up costs most significantly is guaranteed issue. A report in the Puget Sound Business Journal alleges that the number of uninsured in Washington is increasing and they recommend a high-risk pool. Have you heard that before?
One of the most prominent topics of discussion on the issue of mandates is mental health parity. There was a bill in Congress to further expand mandated coverage for a variety of mental and social conditions, but that bill did not reach action. A report from the American Psychiatric Association said that when North Carolina instituted mental health parity for state employees in 1992, "costs dropped 30 to 50 percent". This is difficult to verify 10 years later. We all know that the increasing number of mandates continues to foster price increases, so all of us, along with NAHU need to be vigilant and outspoken with our expert opinions.
As for TAHU's members' direct legislative action, March, 2003 will be a critical month. Our "Day on the Hill" will actually be two days-March 18 & 19 in Raleigh. More about that later. And the extremely interesting, educational, and vitally important Capital Conference in Washington, DC will be held from March 23 to 25. Those attending will receive a subsidy toward expenses. Put these dates on your calendars.
Website:
www.nctahu.org
Michele Gregory, MHP, RHU, REBC
TAHU WEBSITE HOROSCOPE
ARIES (March 21 - April 19) Get rid of preconceived notions; a new adventure is on the precipice. This would be an excellent time to volunteer - check out the website's BOARD link to see what office you want to run for next year.
TAURUS (April 20 - May 20) Make meanings crystal-clear; sing in or out of shower - but do not sing at work, unless singing about the merits of TAHU. If you need the words, our Mission, Code of Ethics and By-Laws are on the ABOUT TAHU part of our website. Aquarius Service Rep is in inner circle.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20) Toss aside preconceived notions. Focus on creative approach, but not with your expense report. Find new ways to encourage colleagues to participate in our organization; details on the JOIN TAHU link. Libra office manager is in picture.
CANCER (June 21 - July 22) Make fresh start, emphasize original thinking. Be sure to make more cold calls than you think are necessary. For a conversation starter, you can talk about all the TAHU activities listed on our EVENTS link.
LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22) This could be your "money" day! Income potential is high - call will be returned soon. While you are waiting, go back to the website and read all the NEWSLETTER articles you skipped for the last twelve months. Sagittarius client and new group are featured.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) What has been cause for fear becomes laughing matter. Be patient - the TAHU web site will load in plenty of time for you to check all the details in the LEGISLATIVE report. Aries application status emphasized.
LIBRA (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) You can reach peak by putting forth extra effort. Elements of timing and luck favor you. This is a perfect time to look at the TAHU AWARDS link to see which ones you can achieve! A Leo underwriter plays major role.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) Stick close to the office if possible; take time to rearrange the certificates on your wall. Check the TAHU MEMBER LIST link to see how many people you need to meet the next time it is safe to mingle. Pisces broker could be involved.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) You will possess secret of universal appeal. New acquaintance could develop into something serious; you might be able to get them to be a new sponsor for TAHU meetings - details are on the SPONSORS link on the website.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) Lunar cycle high; intuitive intellect is razor sharp. You will know what to do and when to do it, almost effortlessly. Just one caveat: check our LINKS resources first - being sure of details never hurt anyone. Virgo sales team member is dominant.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) Remain above and beyond dispute involving friends. Don't take advice from anyone - unless, of course, it's your boss. But feel free to give advise to our webmaster; you can find the correct link, without our advice.
PISCES (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) Lunar position emphasizes income potential, ability to retrieve lost article. Remember that the website's SEARCH feature refers only to text that is on the site; it will be of no help in searching for personal items. Capricorn HR manager has major influence.
Michele Gregory, MHP, RHU, REBC
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
Email: michele.gregory@bcbsnc.com
Phone: 919.461.5271
Fax: (919) 467-2823
New Member Application Form
YES! I want to be a member of the Triangle Association of Health Underwriters
Name _______________________________________________________
Company / Agency ____________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________
Phone ____________________________ Fax ______________________
E-mail Address _______________________________________________
TAHU Member Sponsor ________________________________________
Please indicate in which of the following areas you would like to become involved.
___ Association Officer
___ Board Of Directors
___ Membership
___ Golf Tournament
___ Public Service
___ Continuing Education
___ Law & Legislation
___ Communications
___ Speaker's Bureau
___ Newsletter/Hospitality
___ Awards
___ GRIP/GAP/HUPAC
___ Website
___ Other ___________________________
Membership Fees
$145.00 NAHU - National Dues
$ 30.00 NCAHU - State Dues
$ 45.00 TAHU - Local Dues
$220.00 Total New Member Fees
Method of Payment
___ Check (Payable to NAHU/National Association of Health Underwriters)
___ Visa/Mastercard ($4.00 service charge on all credit card payments)
___ Automatic Bankdraft (see below)
Pre-Authorized Checking Account / Credit Card Authorization Form
I (we) hereby authorize NAHU to initiate debt entries to my (our) account indicated. Monthly debits will equal one-twelfth of any current applicable national, state or local dues, plus the one-time new member fee.
Name _____________________________________________________________
Signature _________________________________________________________
Account # ___________________________________ Exp. Date ______________
Attach a voided check to this application and mail to:
Triangle Association Of Health Underwriters
P.O. Box 19177
Raleigh, NC 27619-9177
Give this application to a friend, business partner or colleague.
Communications:
Tom Snell, CLU, ChFC, RHU, REBC
Monthly meetings are the 3rd Monday of each month starting at 11:45 am.
The next meeting will be held on Novemer 18, 2001 at the Marriott (Research Triangle Park, NC – Exit 281, Miami Blvd.).
All members and their guests are invited to attend.
Guaranteed seating for the luncheon meeting is by reservation only.
Please RSVP no later than November 13th .
If you are not receiving the monthly fax, please contact Tom Snell at MAMSI Health Plans. Fax: 281-7222, or email to tsnell@mamsi.com. Lunch is $12.00 for members. $16 for repeat visitors.
As the success of the Triangle Association of Health Underwriters largely depends upon the benevolence of corporate contributors, we are proud to honor the following organizations for their continued support of our many programs and activities:
Diamond Sponsors
2002-2003
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of NC
United Healthcare
Health Care Savings
Please extend your appreciation to the Triangle members representing these organizations and remember their generosity when placing coverages.
Please remember that the cost of lunch for TAHU members is $12. Guest and non-member lunches are $16.
There will be a $3 charge for lost or misplaced name badges. Please remember to turn in your badge at the conclusion of each meeting.
Triangle Association of Health Underwriters
P.O. Box 19177
Raleigh, NC 27619-9177
