Voluntary pet insurance growing, but not making brokers rich
While one of the most talked about rising employee benefits, brokers vary in their approach to offering this trend because of the realities of use, cost and profit.
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Could voluntary products see rate hikes?
Industry experts say that while unlikely, the historically stable product line may have the potential for price changes as its sales continue to rise.
Benefits Think How to build a powerful business network
Commentary: The Japanese have a business philosophy called the keiretsu. Find out how it could improve the way you operate.
NARAB II passage still questionable
Industry groups hope the broker licensing bill will be attached to another insurance law that should go through Congress soon, but lawmakers arent confirming anything right now.
Can advisers survive a demise of small group health insurance plans?
Benefit insiders predict a steep decline in small business group health insurance sales in the coming years, which could prove harmful for many independent brokers and agents.
Benefits Think 4 website mistakes that turn buyers away
Commentary: Break through the mold of using the usual benefit adviser website model. Blogger Wendy Keneipp walks you through the mistakes and fixes for a better sell on the World Wide Web.
Brokers eager for change on Nevadas exchange
After the exchange board moved this week to switch their state-run marketplace to the Feds model, brokers were cautiously optimistic about the next step because the last open enrollment experience was a nightmare and fiasco.
Senators pledge support for agents and brokers to CMS
In follow-up to two broker-friendly bills introduced in late March, a group of five U.S. Democratic senators are asking the agency again for changes that will help ACA-certified agents better enroll consumers.
This industry group plans to lobby hard for NARAB II
The potential for passage of this agent and broker licensing bureau bill in Congress is within reach, leaders from this trade association say.
Benefits Think A thank you note to the benefits industry
Commentary: Blogger Vinnie Daboul had a crisis three years ago what did he have to show for decades of work in the benefits industry? Here's how he worked through it and how he's feeling today.
This supplemental benefit is a value-add and cost-saving measure
Supplemental benefit SurgeryPlus is a new product offering for advisers, especially those who work with self-funded clients.
Advisers could see record-high profitability in 2014
High first quarter profitability means benefit agents and brokers could see a record-breaking year in 2014, including bigger bonuses from carriers.
Benefits Think Industry insights from the road
Commentary: Columnist Nelson Griswold talks about how the ACA is a massive employer subsidy and why you need to be ahead of other small-group brokers on renewals this year.
Benefits Think The sales system that cannot fail
Commentary: Columnist Mel Schlesinger reveals his sales techniques including only meeting with prospects who also want to meet with you.
Employers need to understand DOMA benefits implications
The Supreme Courts 2013 ruling striking down part of the Defense of Marriage Act has lasting implications on employee benefits that employers may be asking advisers about soon if they havent already.
Benefits Think How to own your presentations
Commentary: Blogger John Graham says we are our presentations because we're the ones up there getting judged. Here's seven steps to putting your best foot forward.
This start-up could disrupt the wellness game
A new app has hit the streets of New York, looking to maximize the gym reimbursements that are available but underutilized on many insurance plans.
Benefits Think Self-funding for small businesses with a twist
Commentary: Blogger Mark Gaunya discusses a niche way some smaller employers might find appealing as a self-funding strategy to control health care costs. Its called a captive solution.
Benefits Think 3 tips for the benefit renewal talk with small businesses
Commentary: Guest blogger Rich Fahn, a small business-focused benefit broker, gives advice for the challenging conversations brokers will have to have with many small groups as premium hikes are mounting.
Importance of data analysis for brokers increasing
One brokerage has gone as far as to create a position internally to only analyze claims. Why you need to get on the data bandwagon, too.