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Congratulations to the NYSAHU and Local Chapters on the accomplishments of 2009! NYSAHU and our local chapters won the following awards at the NAHU Annual Convention:
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Many of the changes to health reform will come down to the State level for implementation. Now, more than ever, NYSAHU members need to have a presence with our representatives. A Letter From The President
On behalf of our board of directors, welcome to the website of the New York State Association of Health Underwriters (NYSAHU). We are part of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), representing more than 100,000 licensed health insurance agents, brokers, consultants and benefit professionals through more than 200 chapters across America. We hope you find our website valuable.
The New York State Association of Health Underwriters is comprised of over 500 members in four very active chapters;
- Downstate (New York City);
- Northeast New York (Albany);
- Greater Central New York (Syracuse); and
- Western New York (Rochester and Buffalo).
When I started in this industry back in 1996, times were a little bit different, simpler. Remember HMO’s? Raise an office visit copay from $5 to $10, modify the RX card a bit and voila 8 -10% savings. Unfortunately, keeping healthcare costs in check is a much more difficult task today which requires a much greater degree of expertise, knowledge, and resources.
Why should you consider membership in your local NAHU chapter?
The size and scope of the healthcare/insurance sector has become extremely complex for all employers and individuals & particularly burdensome for those with limited resources. As we face the challenges associated with implementing the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, employers and employees throughout the Empire State are concerned about how this reform package will affect their lives and bottom lines; we understand and share this concern. Our members guide their clients through the complexities of health insurance purchasing, enrollment and administration, while ensuring they get the best policy at the most affordable price.
NYAHU, NAHU and our local chapters offer our members a multitude of opportunities in the areas of education & professional designation, professional conferences & networking functions, publications & business development, and advocacy at both the state and federal levels of government. This past year alone our members provided valuable input and insight to legislators in Albany and Washington, which helped significantly improve numerous pieces of healthcare legislation that could have otherwise hurt consumer’s ability to continue to afford and access quality healthcare. Our work is not complete and much more needs to be done, but we are grateful to our members and those legislators/regulators who have given us the opportunity to present our views and recommendations.
If you have never attended your local chapter’s monthly membership meeting, I would encourage you to attend and decide for yourself whether our association is looking out for your best interests by providing valuable, timely and cutting edge materials to help you improve your knowledge base. Moreover, I promise you will not only be thoroughly impressed with the professionalism of your local leaders who are committed to our association, but will begin to understand how important and valuable membership in this association is, and continues to be. If your schedule doesn’t permit you to attend membership meetings on a regular basis, then please consider supporting your association in other ways like serving on a local chapter committee and providing your input, attending our states annual “Day on the Hill” in Albany”, or simply continuing (or beginning) your membership to help support our efforts.
As healthcare reform is unveiled over the next several years, we are committed to continuing our work in Albany and Washington to improve this piece of legislation (and others) wherever and whenever possible. Assisting our members interpret these regulations will be an ongoing and integral part of our communication strategy as well.
We are very fortunate to have Tom Faist, from Faist Government Affairs, as NYSAHU’s Chief Legislative Counsel. Tom will continue providing legislative summaries throughout the year and will continue his important work with our Legislative Committee further monitoring legislative initiatives in Albany and helping to craft our association’s positions. Tom has worked tirelessly on our behalf and is a major reason for our improved visibility in Albany and success in the legislative arena. Thank you for your guidance and wise counsel Tom. We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to our Legislative Committee (and general membership too), who have provided and continue to provide expert testimony in New York City, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester & Buffalo and other parts of the state on our associations behalf.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge how honored I am to be serving with such an amazing and talented board of directors. Their ongoing commitment of time, energy, and resources to this association is an inspiration to many of us and the motivation behind our tremendous growth in the last several years. Our Immediate Past President, Ross Kraft, has done an outstanding job leading our association through one of the most challenging times in our history. His vision and passion for this industry are beyond reproach and a huge asset to our organization.
Please take a moment to review our web site and explore the many professional opportunities available to you through the hard work of so many of your peers. If for no other reason, join us to support your industry and the people who are working tirelessly to protect your future.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any of us, anytime. We are here to help.
Warm regards,
Andrew F. Biernat
President
New York State Association of Health Underwriters
“Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has a moral right to withhold his support from an organization that is striving to improve conditions within his sphere”
Theodore Roosevelt
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