August 2025 Newsletter
Editor: Halee Johnson
Executive Summary
Join the Rockstar Sales Summit on August 20, followed by September’s program on reimagining employee benefits and October’s Legal Tips & Sips with the Meroneys. It celebrates bip magazine’s national recognition, launches NABIP’s new Medicare Advantage certification, and shares photos from the Miami convention. Members are urged to support NABIP-TX PAC, explore fresh advocacy resources, and stay current with Washington updates, while also taking advantage of member benefits like monthly luncheons, CE webinars, and the Section 105 tax-saving strategies.
Newsletter Summary
Leadership and Opportunities
The newsletter reaffirms the 2025–2026 NABIP-Dallas Board of Directors, highlighting executive and committee leadership roles. Members are encouraged to get involved as volunteers or sponsors by submitting forms online, offering multiple avenues to contribute to the chapter’s success and community initiatives.
Upcoming Events
The August calendar is led by the NABIP-Dallas Rockstar Sales Summit on August 20, an all-day event featuring top voices in the industry, including Tony Merwin, Reid Rasmussen, Rachel Strauss, Mark Abare, and Chris Gay. The fall lineup continues with Reimagining Employee Benefits with Greg Allen of AG Insurance on September 17, followed by Legal Tips & Sips with the Meroneys on October 15. These programs promise professional growth, networking, and practical insights.
Professional Development and Industry Recognition
NABIP celebrates bip magazine being named a finalist in the 2025 Content Marketing Awards for Best Nonprofit Publication and Best New Publication—an honor that placed it alongside major organizations such as United Airlines, IBM, and the California College of the Arts. Members are invited to download photos from the Annual Convention in Miami for use in promotions and personal sharing. To enhance professional presence, NABIP has released branded virtual backgrounds for use in video meetings.
The 2026 Medicare, Medicare Advantage + Compliance Requirements (MMACR) certification is now live. Designed by brokers for brokers, this self-paced program equips participants with compliance expertise, professional credibility, and competitive advantage in the Medicare marketplace. A national social media campaign will spotlight the certification’s value, and members are encouraged to participate.
Additionally, NABIP continues to promote the MORE™ Sales System, offering structured training to help brokers and producers build long-term relationships through trust and proven sales processes.
Advocacy and PAC Efforts
The NABIP-TX PAC remains an essential advocacy channel, supporting state legislators aligned with practical, affordable health insurance solutions. Members can contribute monthly or via one-time donations, ensuring continued influence on legislative outcomes that impact brokers and consumers.
National Leadership Perspectives
David C. Smith, NABIP National President, shares reflections from the Annual Convention in Miami. He underscores the importance of collaborative leadership, empowering committee members, and building seamless coordination across the association. Members are reminded that leadership is not about recognition but about meaningful action and results, and they are encouraged to remain engaged in this spirit of teamwork.
Washington Update
The August issue delivers key federal policy insights. A House Ways and Means hearing examined Medicare Advantage oversight, addressing concerns about prior authorization, risk adjustment, and spending, with bipartisan support for reforms to improve transparency and sustainability. The Congressional Budget Office released its final estimate of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed on July 4, projecting a $3.4 trillion deficit increase and 10 million fewer insured Americans due to Medicaid cuts and tax policy changes.
Marketplace updates clarify that beginning in 2027, Open Enrollment Periods must conclude by December 31, with no longer than nine weeks allowed. CMS has also confirmed procedures for book-of-business transfers on the Federally Facilitated Marketplace, allowing new agents to be added to existing accounts under certain conditions.
The Healthcare Happy Hour podcast features a conversation with Seth Turner of AbsenceSoft on how leave benefits are increasingly central to employee recruitment and retention. Members are also encouraged to review Medicare surveys, watch NABIP’s Medicare Town Hall, and use new Medicare Voices talking points and videos for advocacy. Throughout, NABIP emphasizes its bipartisan commitment, urging members to speak with one voice when representing the association.
Resources and Member Benefits
The NABIP Resource Hub continues to provide free downloadable content, with this month’s featured resource focusing on Section 105 Medical Reimbursement Plans as a tax-saving strategy for employers and individuals. Locally, NABIP-Dallas hosts monthly luncheons on the third Wednesday of each month (except December), now with rotating venues. New members may attend their first luncheon at no cost, and the Lone Star Virtual Chapter offers complimentary CE webinars statewide.