NAHU Represents Industry Professionals
By Michael Embry, president of the National Association of Health Underwriters.
It’s my privilege, as president of the National Association of Health Underwriters, to introduce the Western Reserve Association of Health Underwriters to readers of The Business Journal. This is one of NAHU’s finest local chapters. It is a very active member of the insurance industry and a leader in the local community.
NAHU represents more than 100,000 health insurance and employee benefits professionals across the nation. This representation encompasses more than 125 local and state chapters, and the association is the preeminent organization for our industry.
Members believe in a competitive open market for the sale and service of health insurance and employee benefit products and services. We believe that consumers have a right to work with a licensed professional insurance agent, broker and adviser.
We believe that working together with Congress in a bipartisan fashion will help to make the market a better place for consumers to choose products and services. We believe it is our responsibility to deliver to our members the very best member services, professional development programs and legislative advocacy anywhere in the industry. And we believe that every member of the National Association of Health Underwriters has a responsibility to act in an ethical and professional manner with their clients and fellow NAHU members.
The “why” of what we do is the most important element of our existence. Our goal is to have health insurance and employee benefits professionals belong to NAHU and, through the services, education and advocacy we provide, put them head and shoulders above their competition. We strive to give our members the best professional meetings on a local state and national level so they can network and learn from fellow members about how they operate in their businesses. Together we are so much better than anyone of us individually.
Our member services are among the best in the industry. This includes compliance services, technology solutions and a vast array of discount programs. These services are provided at discounts to our members.
The professional development opportunities similarly are vast. This includes 12 certification courses on a wide variety of industry related topics. Many of the courses we offer have an advanced educational curriculum. NAHU owns and sponsors the REBC program (Registered Employee Benefit Consultant) for our members at a reduced cost for courses.
In addition to these certification courses, we offer many professional development opportunities at the local and state levels. And NAHU provides a full slate of educational opportunities at our national convention each year.
On the legislative front, NAHU is regarded in Washington, D.C., as the leader in health insurance and employee benefits policy. Our annual Capitol Conference draws hundreds of members from across the nation to meet with legislators and regulators.
Whether it’s the House, Senate, White House or any of the regulatory agencies dedicated to health care and health insurance, NAHU tops the list of groups to call for expert advice and opinions. Many of the aspects that are either in or out of the Affordable Care Act are a direct result of these efforts.
In closing, let me say that members of NAHU and the Western Reserve Association of Health Underwriters epitomize professional employee benefits and health insurance agents. On these pages in the months to come, you’ll meet many of our members as they provide valuable business strategies.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
