Brian M. Kalish

Broker demand for self-branded client communication software is reaching a fever pitch as agencies look to differentiate themselves from the competition. Adviser Tom Harte is capitalizing on the trend with a low-priced platform that targets advisers who find other product price points unattainable.

Broker demand for self-branded client communication software is reaching a fever pitch as agencies look to differentiate themselves from the competition. Adviser Tom Harte is capitalizing on the trend with a low-priced platform that targets advisers who find other product price points unattainable.

Despite the chance to impact daily decision making on critical healthcare, employee benefit and broker industry issues, many politically active advisers agree they are among just 10% of brokers who are involved in local and national politics. EBA presents leading brokers in each region of the country who are actively working to change the industry.

In many states, just one-tenth of brokers are involved with state and national politics, leaving the heavy lifting to a small group who enjoy the time-consuming and challenging work. But, they agree, the rest of the agent community should get involved.

It was another banner year for technology in the benefits space, with the launch of several new tech companies in the benefit space and a continued look forward with innovative new products.

Private benefit exchanges continued to grow in popularity this year — mostly in the midmarket segment. The exchanges also saw changes to their product offerings on both the employee and supplier side.

The work ahead can seem daunting for those running a private exchange. Nonetheless, they have big visions for the future that come with a fair amount of patience as the employer-sponsored benefit system adjusts.

For many of these companies, getting through to large employers can be difficult, if not impossible. A National Business Group on Health competition is giving them an opening, and providing valuable feedback for all.

The provider of benefit outsourcing solutions adds new tools to its private benefit exchange in collaboration with ConnectedHealth.

Brokers have been largely an afterthought on the public health care exchanges, industry insiders say, and one company says it is trying to change that at no cost to the broker.