November 2024 Newsletter

Leadership and Opportunities

The November 2024 NABIP-Dallas newsletter opens by highlighting the 2024–2025 Board of Directors, with Jennifer Stanley serving as President. Members are encouraged to deepen their involvement by filling several open positions, including Vice President, Membership Co-Chair, Retention Chair, Sponsorship Chair, and Legislative Co-Chair. Monthly board meetings take place on the second Friday, and there are also opportunities to volunteer on special projects, community initiatives, and event support.

Upcoming Events

The chapter is closing the year with a festive Mingle & Jingle holiday party on December 4 at Vouv Dallas, complete with happy hour, hors d’oeuvres, dancing, and an ugly sweater theme. Sponsors for the event include UnitedHealthcare, Oxbridge Health, and Versant Health. In January, programming continues with an inspirational webinar from Andy Neary of Major League Mindset, scheduled for January 16 to avoid conflict with the close of the Open Enrollment Period. February brings the annual Education Day, a full-day program at Vouv Dallas offering up to five CE credits. Featured speakers include Jason Dixon of Trinity Captive, Commissioner Mulready of Oklahoma, Neil McNeil of Tokio Marine HCC, and Jennifer Stanley of StanleyKup. One additional CE speaker will be added, and the chapter is actively seeking vendors and sponsors. Looking ahead to spring, NABIP-Dallas will partner with the Fort Worth chapter to co-host a symposium and golf tournament.

Professional Development

The newsletter also recaps the November Legislative Update, which was once again led by the Merony family and paired with a successful toy drive. With the hybrid format expanding in 2025, members will benefit from a mix of in-person and virtual learning opportunities that balance education with community engagement.

Legislative and Regulatory Updates

On the policy front, the Texas Department of Insurance has proposed changes to its rating rules for individual and small group health plans. The cost-sharing reduction factor for silver-level plans would rise from 1.35 to 1.40, effective in 2026, in response to updated enrollment data. The amendments also clarify the required use of the federal actuarial value calculator, reinforcing compliance with single risk pool requirements. Comments on these proposed rules are due by December 9, 2024, with the changes scheduled to take effect in mid-2025.

Advocacy and PAC Efforts

The newsletter emphasizes the role of the NABIP-TX PAC in supporting legislative candidates who understand the complexities of health insurance and who advocate for expanding access to affordable coverage. Members are invited to contribute either monthly or with a one-time gift, and sponsorship opportunities remain open for the upcoming NABIP-TX Day at the Capitol.

Washington Update

Nationally, NABIP is active on several fronts. Members are urged to support S.4137, the Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2024. The organization has also signed a letter to the Federal Trade Commission requesting a delay in the implementation of the noncompete rule, while Senators Ron Wyden and Bernie Sanders have called for greater scrutiny of high medical bills tied to Multiplan. The Biden administration has chosen to maintain Trump-era ICHRA rules, and Michigan recently enacted legislation addressing mental health. Members can stay informed through the upcoming Compliance Corner Webinar on ERISA fiduciary responsibilities, as well as through the NABIP “Healthcare Happy Hour” podcast, which continues to deliver timely updates and insights.

Resources and Member Benefits

The NABIP Resource Hub remains a valuable library of white papers, case studies, eBooks, and industry reports. This month’s featured resource highlights the tax-saving potential of Section 105 Medical Reimbursement Plans, including Health Reimbursement Arrangements and Medical Expense Reimbursement Plans. Locally, NABIP-Dallas members are reminded that luncheons are held on the third Wednesday of every month at Vouv Dallas, with new members eligible to attend their first lunch for free. Members can also access virtual continuing education opportunities through the Lone Star Chapter, which frequently offers complimentary webinars.