National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals - NABIP

07/31/2026

Today's Wall Street Journal highlights the real-life impact of rising health insurance costs through the story of Suzanne and Kip Mercer, clients of NABIP member Tiffany Geiger.

After enhanced ACA premium subsidies expired, the Mercers could no longer afford more than $4,000 a month for coverage and are now uninsured. Like millions of Americans, they're delaying needed medical care because they simply can't afford it. Their story is a powerful reminder that health coverage isn't just about premiums. It's about access to care, financial security, and peace of mind.

NABIP is proud that one of our members helped bring this important story to light. Every day, licensed health insurance agents and brokers help consumers navigate rising healthcare costs, complex coverage options, and changing rules so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

As policymakers continue to debate the future of healthcare, we hope stories like Suzanne and Kip's underscore why affordability, stability, consumer choice, and access to licensed health insurance professionals must remain at the center of the conversation.

Thank you to The Wall Street Journal reporter Anna Wilde Mathews, Tiffany Geiger, and Suzanne and Kip Mercer for sharing this important story.

Read the article: https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/the-rising-number-of-uninsured-patients-starts-to-hit-hospitals-2a8894a9?st=7wKhwb

07/31/2026

🌟 Congratulations to NABIP Immediate Past President Susan Rider on being featured in Insurance Business America!

In this insightful profile, Susan shares her journey into the benefits industry, her perspective on rising healthcare costs, AI, precision medicine, and the evolving role of benefits advisors. The article also highlights her leadership with NABIP and her commitment to advancing the profession.

👏 We're proud to see Susan representing the expertise and dedication of NABIP members on a national stage.

📖 Read the article: https://ow.ly/R0FK50ZuQrw

The future of employee benefits involves your DNA, your grocery delivery, and a serious rethink of how American employers splash out

07/30/2026

🚨 NABIP Raises Concerns About CMS Decision to End Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration

NABIP is concerned by CMS's decision to end the Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration, a move that adds another layer of uncertainty to an already strained stand-alone Medicare Part D market and could result in higher costs and fewer plan options for some beneficiaries in 2027.

Today, only a handful of carriers remain in the stand-alone Part D market, leaving consumers with fewer choices than at any point since the program was first introduced.

Medicare beneficiaries deserve stable, affordable coverage options and the freedom to choose the coverage that best meets their healthcare needs, including the option to pair Original Medicare with a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan.

As these changes take effect, licensed insurance agents and brokers will play an even more important role in helping beneficiaries understand their options, compare plans, and make informed decisions.

NABIP will continue working with CMS, Congress, and other policymakers to support a sustainable stand-alone Part D market while protecting affordable coverage, meaningful consumer choice, and access to trusted professional guidance.

🔗 Read our full statement: https://ow.ly/8gQb50ZuQy9

07/30/2026

💡 Medicare certification should do more than check a box.

NABIP's Medicare Certification is designed by brokers, for brokers—giving you practical education you can use every day.

For just $100, you'll receive:

✔ Comprehensive Medicare & Medicare Products training
✔ Fraud, Waste & Abuse (FWA) training
✔ Free CE accepted in all 50 states and Washington, DC
✔ A nationally recognized NABIP Medicare certified logo for your website, social media profiles, email signature, and marketing materials
✔ Training accepted by 80 Medicare carriers and organizations

Join the 2,300+ agents and brokers who have already chosen NABIP and get ready for a successful Annual Enrollment Period.

🔗 https://www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/medicare

07/30/2026

🎙️ When pharmacy costs spike, are specialty drugs really the whole story?

In this episode of The Benefits Brief, host David Saltzman sits down with Zac Hanson, vice president of growth at RxPreferred Benefits - Transforming Pharmacy Benefit Management, to discuss how benefits advisors can better understand pharmacy spending and help clients make smarter decisions.

➡️ The biggest drivers of pharmacy costs
➡️ Why transparency and data matter
➡️ Questions every advisor should ask their PBM
➡️ Strategies to better manage pharmacy benefits

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-benefits-brief/id1371676417

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4vTKHUCb8W3e7xk9ueA3Qm?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stitcher.com%2Fpodcast%2Fnahu-healthcare-happy-hour

07/29/2026

NABIP Brings the Broker Voice to National Healthcare Policy Discussions

NABIP was honored to have Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Michael Andel represent the association at a recent healthcare policy discussion in Tampa, organized by NABIP member Bill Hepscher.

The event brought together healthcare leaders, including several NABIP members, for conversations with Dr. Mehmet Oz and Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) about the future of healthcare policy and opportunities to improve the healthcare system for consumers.

During the discussion, Michael reinforced the importance of including licensed agents and brokers in healthcare policy conversations, sharing firsthand insights into the challenges consumers face and the vital role brokers play in helping Americans navigate increasingly complex coverage options.

The conversation also explored ways to improve access to care, strengthen the use of health information and technology, combat fraud, and address healthcare affordability. Discussions like these underscore the importance of ensuring policymakers hear directly from the professionals who help consumers make informed healthcare decisions every day.

Thank you to Bill Hepscher for organizing this important discussion and for bringing together healthcare leaders and several NABIP members for meaningful conversations about the future of healthcare.

NABIP remains committed to ensuring the voices of licensed agents and brokers, along with the consumers they serve, help shape policies that expand access, improve affordability, and preserve consumer choice. Through initiatives like our Healthcare Bill of Rights, we continue to advocate for a healthcare system that puts consumers first.

Learn more about NABIP's Healthcare Bill of Rights: https://nabip.org/healthcare-bill-of-rights/

07/29/2026

The future of NABIP starts with the next generation. 🌟

Want more young professionals involved in your chapter or agency? Kristin Ray introduces four NABIP members who got involved early and explores what chapters, agencies, and industry leaders can do to attract, engage, and empower the next generation of benefits and insurance professionals.

📖 Read the article in the Summer 2026 edition of bip: https://digitaledition.pub/wc/nabip/bip/Summer-2026/

07/29/2026

🎥 Building NABIP in the Dakotas

We're excited to announce the formation of NABIP's new North & South Dakota Chapter, bringing benefits and insurance professionals together to strengthen advocacy, expand professional development, and build a stronger community across both states.

In this short video, Tom Wright, NABIP Region IV Legislative Liaison, shares why this new chapter is important and the opportunities it will create for agents and brokers across the Dakotas.

This week, members will gather in Sioux Falls for the chapter's kick-off meeting—an exciting milestone as they begin building the future of NABIP in North and South Dakota.

Dakota members: There's still time to join us on July 30! The event is free to attend, and we'd love to have you with us.

This is a great opportunity to:
✔️ Connect with fellow agents and brokers
✔️ Hear the latest federal and state advocacy updates
✔️ Discuss trends impacting Medicare, ACA, and employer-sponsored coverage
✔️ Help shape the future of NABIP across the Dakotas

📍 Interconnect Events at Cherapa Place
345 N. Reid Place, 3rd Floor
Sioux Falls, SD
🕜 1:30–4:00 p.m.
🍻 Networking Happy Hour to Follow

Congratulations to the dedicated member leaders making this vision a reality. Together, we're building a stronger NABIP community and advancing the insurance benefits profession across North and South Dakota.

07/28/2026

🏆 More exciting news for bip!

We're proud to announce that bip has been named a finalist for Best Nonprofit Publication (Print or Digital) in the 2026 Content Marketing Awards.

Selected from an outstanding field of entries, this recognition celebrates the creativity, quality, and impact of our flagship publication. Congratulations to the talented team, contributors, and partners who make bip possible—and thank you to our members for sharing their expertise and inspiring every issue.

📖 Read the bip magazine: https://digitaledition.pub/wc/nabip/bip/

07/28/2026

Something new is coming to NABIP... and it's all about connection. 💜

At NABIP, some of our most valuable connections happen through simple conversations. That's why we're excited to launch NABIP Social Hour—a relaxed, welcoming virtual gathering where the focus is on people, not business.

This isn't a webinar, committee meeting, or policy discussion. It's an opportunity to connect with fellow NABIP members from across the country, share experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen the relationships that make our community so special.

Whether you've been part of NABIP for years or are joining us for the first time, there's a place for you at Social Hour. Come as you are and discover the connections, conversations, and community that make NABIP so special.

What to Expect

🤝 Meet NABIP colleagues from across the country
💬 Share ideas, stories, and experiences
🌟 Build meaningful relationships in a relaxed environment
💜 Enjoy authentic conversations with fellow professionals

Upcoming Social Hours (3:30–4:30 p.m. ET on Zoom)

July 29 • September 23 • December 23 • January 27 • March 24 • May 26

Register for tomorrow's Social Hour: https://ow.ly/MYsv50ZtNJJ

Come As You Are. Connect. Share. Belong.