GAHU offices
Transcription
GAHU offices
GAHU Press Georgia Associations of Health Underwriters www.gahu.org edited and compiled by Larry J. Schmidt, ChFC, CLU GAHU offices 503 Hickory Ridge Trail, Suite 110 Woodstock, Georgia 30188 (770) 516-4746 ________________________________________ April 2003 Inside this Issue President’s Message Georgia Legislative Winner Capital Conference Articles Golf Extravaganza! President’s Message GAHU President Lance Ledbetter BOTH GAHU & AAHU ARE AWARDED ON NATIONAL BASIS FOR STATE & LARGE CHAPTER LEGISLATIVE AWARDS!!! Only one legislative award provided by NAHU to both State & Large Local chapters on a national basis. Our thanks to both COGA (GAHU’s Committee on Government Affairs) who continue to make a difference for GAHU’s members on a daily basis, along with David Johnson (GAHU’s Award’s Chair) for making putting GAHU over the top with his impressive award submission efforts. GAHU was recently well represented by 21 members who participated within NAHU’s Capital Conference in Washington D.C. Capital Conference is NAHU’s annual event that provides members an opportunity to participate within the national legislative process… lobbying on behalf of our industry’s interests. Bottom line, this event allows our members to make a difference on a national level, beyond our continued State Legislative efforts. Both Senators & Congressmen (&/or their staff members) provided GAHU members an opportunity to discuss key issues of importance including concerns with Association Health Plans (AHPs), Support of MSA’s, Expanded Access to Long-Term Care Insurance, Uninsured, and Medical Liability Reform to name a few. Go to NAHU’s website (nahu.org) to review NAHU positions on above key issues, along with presentations and highlights for event. Texas Congresswoman, Kay Granger spoke at Capital Conference and is currently supporting our efforts by introducing H.R. 1236 which supports a refundable health insurance tax credit for low-income individuals and families. This bill will help provide accessibility through more affordable health insurance coverage. Please review recent NAHU Legislative Alert in support of H.R. 1236!!! Our continued efforts in Georgia State Session have been beneficial as this session is winding down. With key support from our lobbyist, Michael Wardrip, GAHU continues to make progress, including efforts of legislative support for funding of the Georgia State High Risk Pool. Please review Michael’s article in this edition, providing highlights of our efforts on key state legislative issues. My thanks to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket on behalf of your state & local chapter. With key support from David Knight (GAHU Fundraising Chair), GAHU was able to raise needed monies to help reimburse expenses from some of Capital Conference & upcoming NAHU State Convention attendees. “Get Involved” by participating within your local chapters programs!!! DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FUN ~ SIGN UP FOR GAHU’S UPCOMING GOLF TOURNAMENT LOCATED AT THE “EXCLUSIVE” ATLANTA NATIONAL GOLF COURSE ~ schedule for Tuesday, May 6th with charitable sponsorship provided to CURE, Childhood Cancer Program. *Go to gahu.org for further details. Based on our goals and objects, GAHU & Local Chapters continue to deliver on providing key events of interest: Local Chapter meetings providing quality CE programs including legislative updates (go to gahu.org for calendar); GAHU Golf Tournament ~ May 6, 2003 @ Atlanta National Golf Course July 16th – 19th ~ GAHU’s State Convention located at Marriott Bay point (5 Star Resort) outside of Panama City, FL; COBRA / HIPAA Seminar(s) in June 2003; My continued challenge to you (our member) is to get involved (i.e. recruit a foursome to play in our golf tournament, offer your services as an accredited CE speaker, lend your valuable time on Capital Hill, contact me to share your interest to serve on a committee) in any level you prefer ~ but to get involved in support of your industry’s future! Please access our website gahu.org &/or email me at [email protected] with any insight as to how we can be of greater service to you, as your input and participation is key to our ongoing success! Until Next Month ~ May God Bless You, Lance Ledbetter GAHU President 2002-2003 Members of the Georgia Associations who attended the Capital Conference in March Chapter Activities of Note Ethics Continuing Education Opportunity: Still need your three hours of ethics for the year? Here is a great opportunity to pick up this requirement and socialize with our Macon members. The Middle Georgia Association of Health Underwriters is meeting on April 22, from 12:30 to 3:30 for a 3 hour ethics course taught by Laura Drew of BCBS of Alabama. The meeting will be at Healy Point Country Club (formerly River North). Lunch will not be served, but refreshments will be provided. For directions, you may call Sam Macfie @ 478314-2420 or email him at [email protected] Party Time and Vendor Mixer. This really sounds like a blast. President Ron Hatch of the Chattahoochee Chapter (Columbus, GA) invites all to their 3rd annual Industry Expo Thursday June 5 from 5-8 pm. The fun begins at The Estate, 5150 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907 that includes a pool party and “thong” contest. According to the CAHU newsletter, “wear your favorite pool attire and bring a water buddy! Hot Hors D’Oeuvres, beer, wine and more. Industry vendors will have tables set up for a meet and greet. For information call Becky Seckinger 706-596-8730 or Juanita Thomas at 706-323-9009. Georgia State/Atlanta Associations Win Legislative Excellence Awards By Russ Childers, Chair, Committee on Government Affairs, Georgia Capitol Conference 2003 was held in Washington DC at the end of March and the 22 members of our Associations attending enjoyed much success during our visit. Our Associations “swept” the awards with both the Georgia State Chapter winning the Legislative Excellence Award for large state chapters (finally squeaking by Ohio, our long time nemesis) and the Atlanta Chapter winning the Legislative Excellence Award for large local chapters. (please congratulate those involved but particularly our Awards Chairs – Dave Johnson for the state and Chuck Ray for Atlanta). Region 5 (our region) was also recognized for having the largest number of regular HUPAC donors, the highest percentage of HUPAC donors and the highest total donations in 2002. (see repeat of article by Donna Hill following) But our success did not end at the awards table. We were successful in meeting with staff for all of our Congressional delegation – both Senators and all 13 Representatives. In fact, we met personally with Senator Saxby Chambliss and 8 members of Congress – Jack Kingston, Sanford Bishop, Jim Marshall, John Lewis, Johnny Isakson, John Linder, Mac Collins, and Nathan Deal. The staff meetings were particularly useful, as only 4 of the 15 offices had the same health staff as a year ago – these meetings will lay the groundwork for communicating our positions quickly and effectively when key issues come to a vote. Meetings with several offices resulted in much interest in co-sponsorship of several bills dealing with our priorities – especially long term care insurance and medical liability issues. We even had one member ask us to have the DC staff work with his staff to amend the current MSA laws – expanding their availability and flexibility. Positions on some issues, like association health plans, may take some more work. But our excellent access and good meetings will ease the way in those talks. Those attending also heard from representatives of the Heritage Foundation, the Center for Studying Health System Change, Galen Institute's Center for Consumer Driven Health Care and representatives of the press, the Pharmaceutical industry and many other’s regarding problems and solutions in the industry. Mark McClelland of the FDA, and many members of Congress brought perspective to the issues – I was particularly impressed with Rep. Jim DeMint of South Carolina. Many of the presentations can be accessed on the NAHU web site (NAHU.org) by clicking on meetings and than on Capitol Conference 2003. I would particularly recommend a program by Tennessee’s Legislative Chair, Bob Shupe, entitled “A Bitter Pill”. In my opinion Capitol Conference is one of the best lobbying efforts of our entire industry and certainly the premier NAHU event – as a political junkie, I like it much better than the Convention. You should start making plans now to attend CC04, March 28-30, 2004. Displaying the Legislative Excellence Banners are left to right, Lance Ledbetter, President, GAHU; Raymer Sales, Atlanta Past President; Lisa Hellman, GAHU Vice President; Russ Childers, GAHU Legislative Chair; Lucita Husband-Perez, President Atlanta Chapter; and Jeff Fishback, Atlanta Chapter Legislative Chair. NAHU Capitol Conference-2003 Ronald Levine-Federal Legislative ChairGAHU/AAHU This year’s NAHU Capitol Conference hosted over 600 attendees with the Georgia delegation contributing 20 strong. One of NAHU’s largest. This year introduced numerous speakers from some of the largest think tanks and policy bureaus shaping policy in the nation. We were also fortunate to hear from key congressional representatives such as Kay Granger, R-TX (Sponsor of HR 1236-SAVE Program). Our keynote speaker was a member of the Bush cabinet in the Honorable Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson. Finally, the recipient of the NAHU Spirit of Independence Award was Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-TN for his efforts to reform Medicare and national health policy. Our delegation met with the office of every congressional representative in Georgia and four were freshman members to Washington. Many included meetings with local congressional members themselves and our two Senators Zell Miller and Saxby Chambliss. One can see the difference the last few years have made as Georgia continues to build strong ties to our leaders and their key legislative aides along with the financial impact of our HUPAC contributions. Again, a special note of recognition must be paid to Russ Childers who spends a great deal of time personally arranging our meetings. GAHU took home the Large State Legislative Award, but as a clean sweep, Atlanta’s own AHU brought home the Large Chapter Legislative Award. This to say the least is a rare feat and while Russ Childers and Jennifer Pender are to be congratulated for GAHU, Jeff Fishback and Raymer Sale are to be equally recognized for legislative efforts on behalf of AAHU. However, there are many others to be recognized including the intensive legislative prowess of Michael Wardrip our renowned lobbyist, and both awards were also the product of our respective awards chairman of David Johnson from GAHU and Chuck Ray from AAHU. Even though we sent a large delegation, we are still a “grass roots” organization and I cannot emphasize enough that we all as GAHU members use “Operation Shout.” It’s become easier than ever with just three (3) clicks after logging on to www.nahu.org . Your voice is now heard inside the Washington Beltway! Let’s keep our efforts strong and voiced often. Excellence in Legislative Achievement The Chapter Legislative Excellence Award honors state and local chapters that excel in their legislative involvement by performing outstanding service throughout the year. There is one award for state chapters with more than 300 members and one per local chapter with over 300 members. This is the first year for Georgia to win the award; Atlanta has won for the last several years. Among the criteria are active involvement of a legislative committee, attendance at Capitol Conference, interaction with state and federal legislators, strong liaison with the Insurance Commissioner, member support of HUPAC, organizing a state PAC, continuation of a legislative lobbyist program, sponsoring a "Day on the Hill", and attendance at state and national leadership workshops. The award can be directly attributed to the strong leadership of the State Legislative Committee chaired by Russ Childers, with Jennifer Pender heading the Legislative Communications Committee, and Ron Levine as the Federal Legislative Chair. Michael Wardrip is the GAHU state lobbyist and Donna Hill, HUPAC, and Lisa Hellman, GAHUPAC, head the Political Action Committee efforts. In addition, Russ Childers is the NAHU Region V Legislative Chair. David Johnson, Awards Chair, made the presentation that by all reports is what put Georgia over the top. Congratulations to all and their efforts! State Legislative Issues Michael A. Wardrip LUTCF GAHU Director of State Governmental Affairs Sine Die? Not Yet! The clock is set to gong for Sine Die at midnight on Friday, April 18. The pedal is on the metal and the stalling that characterized this session so far appears as a distant memory in the rear view mirror. Perhaps wrangling over the budget has narrowed, or maybe with the war for Iraqi liberation coming to culmination in a timely fashion, folks see the paucity of reason in holding the citizens of Georgia hostage wondering what useful purpose the General Assembly had for existing this year. In addition to the pace of activity, the amount of legislation under consideration that affects our industry has increased in likelihood of passage. Bills dealing with market innovation, agent and company accountability, annuity non-forfeiture provisions and potential for tort reform have a pretty good chance of becoming law. Of course, the proof isn’t in evidence until the final gavel has fallen and the dust has had a chance to settle. Our own project to offer coverage to medically uninsurable Georgians has been no less daunting than it has in past years. That is with the exception that this year we actually will end the year with some progress beyond what we start with. The uninsured issue has been studied to death for years in Georgia and we will finally have a bill number for a substantive solution we can wrap a grassroots campaign around for passage in 2004. As I am writing this report, I am preparing tomorrow to go to Legislative Counsel with the functioning parts of our bill for drafting and filing. I sit here with a little nervousness knowing this is a project that affects the lives of thousands and just getting it underway has been years in the making. For whatever reasons, forces beyond our control have complicated getting any new programs under consideration during this legislative session. Frustration and weariness have at times been great and some days at the Capitol have felt like guard duty at a lonely outpost. Others have been quite exciting with the prospect of success enticing me to keep in the game and keep working our campaign strategy toward final victory. No matter what the issue at the State Capitol, none is as important as what we see unfolding on the world stage. All of us, I believe, can see in our young men and women serving in harm’s way, inspiration to do all things we set as goals with the right leadership, the right armament and the strength of heart and courage to do the job. I know I take heart that with all the troubles our economy and our industry face, we can be an army for change and we can make the changes that bring us the ability to bring solutions to our clients and those we love and care for. We’ll keep you posted on our progress. We’ll ask you to help. Be ready. Michael A. Wardrip LUTCF GAHU Director of State Governmental Affairs ====================================== ++ GIVING/ABUNDANCE ++ ====================================== "It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." - Ralph Waldo Emerson "Don't be reluctant to give of yourself generously, it's the mark of caring and compassion and personal greatness." - Brian Tracy "The charity that is a trifle to us can be precious to others." - Homer "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Norman MacEwan Source: www.dailyinbox.com/dibpresents.html Georgia Associations of Health Underwriters’ 2003 Annual Golf Extravaganza Atlanta National Country Club 10 Tournament Players Dr · Alpharetta, GA 30004 (11:00 a.m. Shotgun Start – Registration and Driving Range will open at 9:30 a.m.) Tuesday, May 6, 2003 $165.00 per participant Box Lunch, Post Round Dinner and On-Course Refreshments Included Hole in One Prizes for the Top Net and Gross Team Scores Putting and Long Drive Contests Pursuant to Atlanta National Country Club policy, walk up registrations will not be available. The registration deadline is May 2, 2003. Full refunds are available for cancellations made by May 1. Registration Form: Golfer’s Name Handicap or Daytime average score Phone Number e-mail address _________________________ ________ _____________ ____________________ _________________________ ________ _____________ ____________________ _________________________ ________ _____________ ____________________ _________________________ ________ _____________ ____________________ Total Fee ($165 per golfer): ___________ My check made out to GAHU is included. Please bill my credit card. Card Number: _______________________ Expiration Date:________ Signature:_______________________ Please mail to Trey Tompkins c/o Admin America, P.O. Box 1810, Roswell, GA 30077 or fax to 770-992-0723 Many thanks to this year’s Presenting Sponsors: and ? (it could be you) A portion of this year’s funds will be donated to the Childhood Cancer Cure Foundation.