July 2025 Newsletter

Leadership and Opportunities

This month’s newsletter proudly introduces the 2025–2026 NABIP-Dallas Board of Directors, led by President Carmen Freeman. The board includes Past President Jennifer Stanley, Treasurer Michelle McLaren, Secretary Caitlin Mathis, and Executive Director Patricia Pattison, alongside leaders in media, legislation, professional development, awards, public service, HUPAC, and membership. The newsletter thanks the outgoing board for their service and welcomes the new team to a year of leadership and growth.

Upcoming Events

On July 16, NABIP-Dallas hosts a complimentary webinar, Guest-Seat to C-Suite: Using Podcasts to Open High-Value Doors, presented by Jared Leshin. This high-impact session will show members how to leverage podcasting as a strategy for accessing decision-makers, creating premium content, and nurturing long-term business relationships. Following that, members can look forward to the all-day Rockstar Sales Summit on August 20 and September’s program, Reimagining Employee Benefits, with Greg Allen of AG Insurance. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities remain open for members seeking deeper engagement.

Professional Development and Certifications

NABIP’s 2026 Medicare Certification is now live. Known as MMACR (Medicare, Medicare Advantage + Compliance Requirements), the program is CMS-compliant, carrier-approved, and filed for CE credit in all 50 states and D.C. For just $100, brokers can earn up to eight CE credits, gain a professional badge for marketing, and, if among the first 100 to complete it, receive a NABIP-branded certification pin. This certification enhances professional credibility and prepares brokers for the evolving Medicare landscape.

Legislative and Advocacy Updates

The Texas legislative session produced significant reforms. Key bills included SB 1332 to fix late termination notice issues, HB 138 establishing cost analysis for mandates, SB 926 easing physician shopping incentives, HB 1612 protecting cash-pay rates, SB 493 prohibiting prescription drug gag clauses, HB 216 requiring itemized billing, and SB 916 extending surprise billing protections to ground ambulance services. Other measures expanded price transparency, advanced value-based care, and strengthened the healthcare workforce through new licensure pathways, rural hospital support, and direct access to physical therapy. Funding for the All-Payor Claims Database was also secured to boost transparency and data analysis.

At the federal level, CMS finalized its Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Rule. The provisions lower evidentiary standards for broker terminations, require repayment of past-due premiums, introduce minimum premium payments for auto-reenrolled plans, and end monthly SEPs for individuals under 150% FPL. While NABIP supports stronger integrity measures, it has flagged concerns about arbitrary enforcement and burdensome requirements that could strain brokers and consumers alike. The Open Enrollment Period will be shortened beginning in 2027, with flexibility for states to expand to nine weeks.

Washington and National Highlights

NABIP leaders recently participated in the Agent and Broker Marketplace Meetup in Washington, D.C., where CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz emphasized brokers’ vital role. National advocacy updates include NABIP’s critique of a Paragon Health Institute report, continued promotion of the MORE Sales System, and calls to extend enhanced ACA premium tax credits. NABIP also maintains its bipartisan stance, urging members to align advocacy with the NABIP Healthcare Bill of Rights while distinguishing personal political views from professional representation.

Industry News and Member Resources

The bip magazine has received the National Silver Award for Best Publication Redesign from the American Society of Business Publication Editors. The Summer 2025 issue features NABIP’s incoming President Susan Rider and covers topics such as menopause in the workplace, advocacy lessons, PEO strategies, dental benefit trends, and point solution fatigue. Locally, NABIP-Dallas continues to offer monthly luncheons on the third Wednesday (except December), free first-lunch registration for new members, and free virtual CE webinars through the Lone Star Chapter. The NABIP Resource Hub highlights Section 105 Medical Reimbursement Plans, providing members and their clients with strategies for tax savings.