Message from Your President – July

Dear Pennsylvania NABIP members,

As we approach July 4, and the 250^th anniversary of our nation’s founding, we honor the spirit of independence, resilience, and community that defines our nation. This holiday is a reminder of the values that shape our workplaces—collaboration, opportunity, and shared purpose. As Pennsylvanians, we are at the heart of the celebration – reflecting on our role in shaping the American experiment.

This holiday offers an opportunity to reflect on the values that guide our work as an Association—ensuring that every employee has access to resources that promote stability, well‑being, and long‑term security.

Summer offers an opportunity to promote benefit programs:

• Wellness Resources — Encourage employees to take advantage of mental‑health and stress‑management programs during the busy summer season.
• Financial Planning Tools — Mid‑year is a great time for members to review retirement contributions and savings goals.
• Family Support Programs — Highlight childcare, caregiver support, or summer activity reimbursements.
• Healthy Summer Habits — Promote fitness reimbursements, nutrition programs, or outdoor activity challenges.
• Travel & Time‑Off Tips — Help employees make the most of PTO and travel‑related benefits.

Legislative Update

• Form 5500 filings for calendar-year plans are due at the end of July, as are PCORI fees for self-insured health plans, including medical HRAs. Now is an excellent time to reach out to your clients to ensure these important deadlines remain on their radar.
• NABIP launched its PY2027 Medicare, Medicare Products, and Fraud, Waste & Abuse (FWA) Certification in late June. Currently accepted by more than 65 carriers, this certification offers a compelling alternative to the AHIP certification many agents have traditionally relied upon. At just $100, it provides a more affordable option, includes continuing education credits, and can be completed in less time. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 600 agents completing the certification within the first two weeks following its launch.  You can find the training at https://www.nabiptraining.org/nabip/medicare.
• Legislative activity often slows during the summer months as federal and state lawmakers return to their districts for the August recess. However, advocacy remains a year-round priority for Pennsylvania NABIP. This recess period presents one of the best opportunities to engage with elected officials while they are focused on constituent outreach and local issues.  We encourage members to consider meeting with their local, state, and federal representatives during this time. These conversations help strengthen relationships, educate policymakers on the value of insurance professionals, and advance NABIP’s legislative priorities. If you are interested in connecting with your elected officials but are unsure where to begin, PA NABIP is here to help. Email mailto:advocate@PA-NABIP.org for assistance with introductions, talking points, and general guidance to help make your advocacy efforts meaningful and effective.

Enjoy the celebrations, stay safe, and take a moment to appreciate the freedoms we share. We’re grateful for your partnership and dedication. 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

EDUCATE

Provide our members with high quality educational resources and trainings to better equip them in a continually evolving marketplace and business climate

COMMUNICATE

Distribute a clearly defined message across all mediums

ADVOCATE

Continually articulate to the key stakeholders that can effect a change for the better to healthcare insurance, the role that we can play as individuals and as an organization