Message from Your President – August

Dear Pennsylvania NABIP members,

As we wind our way through summer, PA-NABIP continues to demonstrate that our greatest strength is our members. From educational programs and networking events to volunteer initiatives and community engagement, this season has been a reminder that meaningful connections are built by showing up, sharing ideas, and investing in one another. While virtual meetings have their place, nothing replaces the value of face-to-face conversations. Whether you’re reconnecting with longtime colleagues, meeting potential business partners, or building relationships with professionals from across the industry, our in-person events provide opportunities that can lead to new business, fresh perspectives, and lasting professional connections.

We encourage you to take advantage of the exciting events ahead. Join us in Western Pennsylvania on September 1 or Eastern Pennsylvania on September 2 for engaging discussions on the growing value of ancillary benefits while expanding your professional network. Then, don’t miss our Eastern Region Golf Outing on September 14 at Huntingdon Valley Country Club—one of our most popular networking events of the year and a great opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and make new ones in a relaxed setting.

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event and continuing to build the connections that make PA-NABIP the largest and most active chapter in the country.

Legislative Update

• CMS to End Temporary Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Program
  CMS has announced that the temporary subsidy program that helped limit premium increases for Medicare Part D stand-alone prescription drug plans will end for the 2027 plan year. As a result, some Medicare beneficiaries may experience larger premium increases than they have seen in recent years. NABIP has issued a public statement of concern in response to the announcement and is currently preparing a larger response with the help of the Medicare Advisory Group.  PA NABIP members who serve Medicare-eligible clients should monitor carrier announcements during the upcoming Annual Enrollment Period and be prepared to discuss potential plan and premium changes with beneficiaries.
• ICYMI: Watch the August Recess Webinar Recordings
  This week The Tiber Creek Group joined NABIP’s Government Relations team for our webinar, “Washington Update: Where Congress Stands Before Heading Home in August.”  The live version of our Washington Update Newsletter, the webinar provided an overview of current congressional activity, key policy developments, and issues expected to shape discussions during the August Recess and upcoming election cycle. This was the companion webinar to last week’s August Recess Talking Points and Advocacy Webinar.  Members can watch both here – NABIP Membership Resources – Webinars
• Review the Updated August Recess Talking Points
  NABIP has released updated August Recess talking points outlining the association’s federal legislative priorities and key messages for discussions with lawmakers. Members meeting with elected officials, attending town halls, or participating in community events are encouraged to review these materials before engaging with policymakers.  Please reach out to the PA NABIP Legislative team to notify them of any meetings you may have had or would like help with.  We are always willing to help and will help you with follow up.  You can view the federal talking points here – NABIP Policy Documents – Talking Points.  Pennsylvania NABIP’s Legislative Committee will be putting together our own version of state level talking points for those meeting with state and local lawmakers. Look for that in the coming weeks!

As always, please 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