Message from Your President – December
Dear Pennsylvania NABIP members,
As 2025 draws to a close, we extend our sincere appreciation for your commitment and contributions as members of Pennsylvania NABIP. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated achievements, and strengthened the foundation of our organization.
Thanks to your engagement, this year has been marked by meaningful growth, collaboration, and innovation. Your professionalism and support continue to drive our mission forward. Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to build on this momentum with new initiatives, expanded opportunities for collaboration, and a renewed focus on excellence.
On behalf of the leadership team, thank you to our corporate partners, board of directors, and most importantly- you, our dedicated members, for your vital role in the benefits community. Our collective strength will remain essential as we navigate the evolving healthcare landscape. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year.
Legislative Update
State level:
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 88 into law on November 25, 2025, expanding no-cost diagnostic breast imaging for state-regulated health insurance plans. The bill requires insurers to cover all medically necessary diagnostic breast exams with no cost sharing for insureds. After being introduced in June, the bill was delayed during state budget negotiations before ultimately advancing.
Why this matters: While most insured individuals have access to annual breast cancer screenings, the out-of-pocket cost for follow-up tests and diagnostic imaging has long been a barrier to care. Senate Bill 88 helps remove that obstacle and supports earlier detection and improved health outcomes.
Federal Level:
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, reports circulated that the White House was preparing to release a legislative proposal to extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits, with new income caps, for an additional two years. The proposal reportedly also included provisions related to Association Health Plans and Short-Term Limited Duration plans.
However, after significant disagreement emerged among GOP members regarding the credit extension, the release was delayed. As of this writing, negotiations continue with NABIP staff actively engaged in as many discussions as possible. Another Senate hearing, Making Health Care Affordable Again: Healing a Broken System, is scheduled for December 3 at 10:00am EST.
PA NABIP and NABIP maintain that allowing these enhanced credits to expire would substantially increase coverage costs, not only for marketplace enrollees, but eventually for those in group plans as well. This remains our highest-priority issue.
We urge you to contact your legislators through the NABIP Operation Shout! by clicking here. A vote is expected as early as next week, and now is the time to make your voice heard.
Please follow us and share our posts on LinkedIn. Feel free to contact me directly with any questions or thoughts at mcuomo@vbaplans.com.
Respectfully,
Matt Cuomo, PA-NABIP President
Vice President of Sales, VBA
2026 NABIP Capitol Conference Scholarship
Apply today for one of two (2) scholarships to be awarded to first time Pennsylvania NABIP (PA-NABIP) members to attend the NABIP’s 36th Annual Capitol Conference in Washington DC on February 24 – 26, 2026.
This is your opportunity to join the PA-NABIP Board of Directors and more than 600 top insurance and benefits professionals for a dynamic exchange of ideas and strategies with healthcare policymakers, influential industry leaders, and elected representatives. This premier event offers unparalleled networking opportunities and delivers the critical insights, tools, and actionable strategies needed to drive meaningful change and shape the future of healthcare policy in a rapidly evolving landscape. Plus, meet with your lawmakers in Washington DC to be a part of the movement that defines the next era of healthcare solutions. Click here to view the conference agenda.
Why Should You Attend?
- Amplify Our Voice: The stakes are high, and legislators and regulators need constant reminders of our industry’s significance. By attending, you contribute to a powerful, unified voice that champions the role of benefits professionals and our industry’s needs.
- Enhance Your Advocacy Skills: Hear from the NABIP legislative team, who are on the front lines on Capitol Hill fighting for your industry. Learn how to effectively advocate for your clients and your business.
- Engage with Influential Leaders: Gain insights from influential congressional leaders on NABIP’s vital role in protecting the positions of benefits professionals and advocate for intelligent policies that advance our industry and benefit your clients.
- Experience the Strength of Community: If you’ve never attended a Capitol Conference, you’re missing out on seeing your association in action! Not only will you network with peers, but you’ll also leave with lasting friendships, bolstered by shared experiences and goals.
PA-NABIP Scholarship candidates must be:
- a first-time Cap Con attendee
- a current PA-NABIP member in good standing
- willing to attend the general sessions on Monday (2/23/26) and Tuesday (2/24/26) and at least one breakout session
Click here to apply by December 5th
Please note that this scholarship covers the Cap Con registration fee only, a $725 value; travel and all accommodations are the responsibility of the individual attendee. However, scholarship attendees will be extended a discounted room rate to stay at the same hotel with the PA-NABIP delegates.
2025 Conference Attendee Testimonials
Last year marked my first CapCon experience—and what an unforgettable journey it was! Both personally and professionally, it exceeded expectations. We didn’t just make an impact on Capitol Hill; we built meaningful connections with fellow PA NABIP members, sharing insights and stories that matter. This opportunity to advocate and educate was energizing, rewarding, and a true chance to influence the future of our industry.
Jonathan Bernstein, Alera Group General Agency, Director, Ancillary and Worksite Benefits
My first NABIP Capitol Conference experience was truly EPIC. I had the unique opportunity to meet with leaders in Congress and advocate on behalf of our clients and industry. I also savored the opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues “across the aisle” of our competitive industry. It’s truly refreshing to bond with like-minded people with shared values in a time when society seems polarized, I truly felt part of something bigger than myself.
Kevin Davis, EB Consulting Group, Principal
Attending NABIP Capitol Conference provides you with the true American experience, everything you learned in the history books, seeing government live and in person, truly an amazing experience.
Ed Hourigan, Creative Benefits Inc., Insurance Broker
I’ve attended Capitol Conference for the last 8 years building relationships with other NABIP members from all over the country. The feeling of all those people you are spending time with are there for the same reason and speaking in one voice on Capitol Hill is truly amazing. I can’t imagine missing one year.
Priscilla Knerr, Alera Group, Director of Account Management
Attending Cap Con for the first time was a great experience all around. I was able to build personal relationships with some amazing insurance professionals from across the state and see the national, big picture of the impact that of NABIP. I would highly recommend attending and experiencing Capitol Hill firsthand during this conference.
AJ Reeves, Builders Exchange Benefits, Business Development Specialist
To apply for one of the scholarships, please complete the online application no later than December 5, 2025. For more information about attending Capitol Conference, click here or send your questions directly to Alexis Bruni, PA-NABIP Legislative Chair at Advocate@PA-NABIP.org.
