I just returned from Wisconsin, and yes, it was as bitter cold as had expected. How people live in that cold is beyond me!
Other than the bitter cold though this was a great event. We had around 180 people show up to see our play and had the opportunity to work with a fantastic cast put together at the last moment. I really want people to know that we (Eric Johnson and I) are not doing this alone. Yes, we travel the country with our traveling road show, sometimes bringing along our Health Care Now actress, Audra Sullivan but we are not the only people working with this play.
Everywhere we go we are surrounded and supported by people that are just as dedicated to educating the general public on these complex and confusing issues regarding health care and health insurance as we are. A huge shout out this week to the cast that participated in the Madison WI trial and especially to Megan Purtell for helping us put this event together.
On Thursday of this week we are off to Indianapolis Indiana to put the show on again. At this event they are expecting around 400 - 500 people!! Yikes, yes, I am a little nervous. The president of my PR Firm, Rodger Roeser and his assistant Allison Brinkman will also be in attendance AND will be video taping the event (which terrifies me). Within a week or so we should have a video up and running on our website for public viewing.
The disclaiming under the video will be "Please keep in mind we are insurance professionals pretending to be actors, pretending to be attorneys... for the good of the cause" : )
So, wish us luck and keep us in your prayers as we continue to travel around the country bringing our message of honest and complete information regarding the incredibly important issue of accessing health care to all that will take the time to attend and listen.
Check out our website at www.altbenefits.com for a theatre near you!!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Lobbying in Washington DC
I just returned from Washington DC where I, along with about 700 other members of the National Association of Health Underwriters attended our annual Capital Conf. We spent two days on capital hill lobbying for specific health care reform bills with our senators and congressmen(and women).
This is by far my favorite conference. To go into your representative's office and sit down at a table with them or their legislative aide and discuss the issues that concern you is absolutely facinating!
We discussed issues on the expansion of the Schips program, improvements for health savings accounts that we believe will encourage further adoption by employers, and several others. For a full list of issues we talked about visit the nahu web-site at www.nahu.org. We also talked about NAHU's Health Access Plan. This is our recommendations for reforming health care while still keeping it in the private market. If you'd like to read through these recommendations also visit the nahu web-site, on the front page go to "What are we doing about Single Payer" and click on the Health Access Plan. As always, I would love to get your feedback, suggestions, critisisms, etc. This is how the system works!!
I also did a 2 hour presentation on Consumer Directed Health Care for the San Antonio Association of Health Underwriters. They are a great group of people and had about 175 agents and employers in attendance. Thank you to Will Haff the president of the association for inviting me to speak there.
This week I am off to Wisconsin where it is 11 degrees to do the play "America's Health Care System on Trial". You know I have to be passionate about what I do to go Wisconsin in the freezing weather. I grew up in Ohio but have been in Texas for over 20 years, so, the bloods a little thin : )
If you havent seen our play YOU NEED TO! I will be in Indiana on the 29th of Feb, Central KY on the 4th of March and then back to Dallas for a presentation at the Studio Movie Grill in Dallas. This is one you could easily attend!! For more information about the Dallas presentation visit www.dahu.org. This is something you need to see BEFORE you make up your mind about who has the best plan for health care reform. The promises of FREE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL may just be too good to be true.
We present both the private and government side of health care and of course, its a comedy so I promise you won't be bored!
Have a great week and say a little prayer for me out in the cold.
This is by far my favorite conference. To go into your representative's office and sit down at a table with them or their legislative aide and discuss the issues that concern you is absolutely facinating!
We discussed issues on the expansion of the Schips program, improvements for health savings accounts that we believe will encourage further adoption by employers, and several others. For a full list of issues we talked about visit the nahu web-site at www.nahu.org. We also talked about NAHU's Health Access Plan. This is our recommendations for reforming health care while still keeping it in the private market. If you'd like to read through these recommendations also visit the nahu web-site, on the front page go to "What are we doing about Single Payer" and click on the Health Access Plan. As always, I would love to get your feedback, suggestions, critisisms, etc. This is how the system works!!
I also did a 2 hour presentation on Consumer Directed Health Care for the San Antonio Association of Health Underwriters. They are a great group of people and had about 175 agents and employers in attendance. Thank you to Will Haff the president of the association for inviting me to speak there.
This week I am off to Wisconsin where it is 11 degrees to do the play "America's Health Care System on Trial". You know I have to be passionate about what I do to go Wisconsin in the freezing weather. I grew up in Ohio but have been in Texas for over 20 years, so, the bloods a little thin : )
If you havent seen our play YOU NEED TO! I will be in Indiana on the 29th of Feb, Central KY on the 4th of March and then back to Dallas for a presentation at the Studio Movie Grill in Dallas. This is one you could easily attend!! For more information about the Dallas presentation visit www.dahu.org. This is something you need to see BEFORE you make up your mind about who has the best plan for health care reform. The promises of FREE HEALTH CARE FOR ALL may just be too good to be true.
We present both the private and government side of health care and of course, its a comedy so I promise you won't be bored!
Have a great week and say a little prayer for me out in the cold.
Friday, January 4, 2008
The Gift
A book I recently read over the holidays written by Richard Paul Evans. Its a wonderful book, a heartwarming story, one that will more than likely make you cry. I did.
When you read a good book hopefully you come away with some little nugget of wisdom that you carry with you forever. Reading The Gift, I came away with several. I want to share with you a paragraph from the end of the book. I wont give the story away!
"We all have need of healing. And while our world spends billions of dollars each year on pills, potions, and procedures it is all a shadow of what we need most. What good is a life prolonged if it only extends the season of cowardice and sin? What good is a new heart if it's only to be filled with hate, or regret, - or new eyes, if all they can see is criticism and intolerance? Perhaps the artificial heart is the perfect metaphor of our age."
I dont know about you but that really spoke to me. Everyone has a different opinion of our health care system, what is broken, how we should fix it, etc.. Maybe we should all stop and take a few minutes at the beginnng of this new year and think about what's really broken, in each one of us. At the risk of getting weepy on you (which is completely unlike me : ) ) I'd like to pose this question to each and every person that reads this blog.
Its a brand new year and we all have the opportunity for a fresh start. Imagine if you will if we started the year with an attitude of gratefullness for what we do have instead of resentment for what we dont have. What if we forgave that person that wronged us instead of looking for ways to seek revenge? What if we looked for one small thing to do each day to help someone else? Just imagine what this could / would do to lift our spirits!! A better attitude, less stress, a feeling of being useful instead of useless. Probably would save billions in health care costs and the world would be a better place!
So that's my New Years blog.. my challenge to all that read this. Lets make this a year of forgiveness, gratefulness, and prosperity! Oh, and my New Year's resolution... to blog more often so Rodger, my PR guru will be filled with gratefulness towards me : )
When you read a good book hopefully you come away with some little nugget of wisdom that you carry with you forever. Reading The Gift, I came away with several. I want to share with you a paragraph from the end of the book. I wont give the story away!
"We all have need of healing. And while our world spends billions of dollars each year on pills, potions, and procedures it is all a shadow of what we need most. What good is a life prolonged if it only extends the season of cowardice and sin? What good is a new heart if it's only to be filled with hate, or regret, - or new eyes, if all they can see is criticism and intolerance? Perhaps the artificial heart is the perfect metaphor of our age."
I dont know about you but that really spoke to me. Everyone has a different opinion of our health care system, what is broken, how we should fix it, etc.. Maybe we should all stop and take a few minutes at the beginnng of this new year and think about what's really broken, in each one of us. At the risk of getting weepy on you (which is completely unlike me : ) ) I'd like to pose this question to each and every person that reads this blog.
Its a brand new year and we all have the opportunity for a fresh start. Imagine if you will if we started the year with an attitude of gratefullness for what we do have instead of resentment for what we dont have. What if we forgave that person that wronged us instead of looking for ways to seek revenge? What if we looked for one small thing to do each day to help someone else? Just imagine what this could / would do to lift our spirits!! A better attitude, less stress, a feeling of being useful instead of useless. Probably would save billions in health care costs and the world would be a better place!
So that's my New Years blog.. my challenge to all that read this. Lets make this a year of forgiveness, gratefulness, and prosperity! Oh, and my New Year's resolution... to blog more often so Rodger, my PR guru will be filled with gratefulness towards me : )
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Year end fun time!
Whether you are a broker, a third party administrator, an employer, or santa clause year end brings with it all of the joy and challenges one can imagine.
Yes, it's that time of year again! We are all getting ready for renewals, and hopefully adding on some new business. Our industry is in a challenging time right now (to say the least). Enrollment meetings that used to take 30 minutes now take 3 hours due to the complexities of consumer directed health care. It's all good though, right? We are finally, as an industry doing what is right and healthy for the consumer. Quite frankly, whether they, or we like it.
With premium increases being what they are, the poor health of consumers, and the real threat of a single payer system it is most definetly time to buckle down and get to work.
Most of you know that I am extremely involved in consumer education, whether through the monthly column I write for Benefits Selling Magazine, The Benefits Buzz radio show, or my involvement with the national association of health underwriters. I must say that balancing all of this with a family and business has proved to be quite the challenge. So, I have decided to resign my position as the incoming national media chair for the association. I really felt like at this point and this time of year my committment to consumer education had to be balanced with my committment to my business, our clients, and our livelihood!
If you are a client, please know my first committment is to YOU!! everything else speaks to my passion for making change. I wont give that up, but I do need to prioritize.
Now, having said that : ) keep watch on our website for my upcoming speaking engagements. I will be presenting a 2 hr continuing education class on consumer directed health care for the Dallas AHU on November 14, 2007. We will be discussing the compliance, pros/cons of health savings accounts, health reimbursement arrangements, and flexible spending accounts. A show you wont want to miss.
Check out the Dallas website at www.dahu.org for details. I hope to see you all there!!
P.S. I got a new puppy. She's a poodle, yes, I said poodle! Her name is Edie and she is fantastic.. I need to make time for her too!
Yes, it's that time of year again! We are all getting ready for renewals, and hopefully adding on some new business. Our industry is in a challenging time right now (to say the least). Enrollment meetings that used to take 30 minutes now take 3 hours due to the complexities of consumer directed health care. It's all good though, right? We are finally, as an industry doing what is right and healthy for the consumer. Quite frankly, whether they, or we like it.
With premium increases being what they are, the poor health of consumers, and the real threat of a single payer system it is most definetly time to buckle down and get to work.
Most of you know that I am extremely involved in consumer education, whether through the monthly column I write for Benefits Selling Magazine, The Benefits Buzz radio show, or my involvement with the national association of health underwriters. I must say that balancing all of this with a family and business has proved to be quite the challenge. So, I have decided to resign my position as the incoming national media chair for the association. I really felt like at this point and this time of year my committment to consumer education had to be balanced with my committment to my business, our clients, and our livelihood!
If you are a client, please know my first committment is to YOU!! everything else speaks to my passion for making change. I wont give that up, but I do need to prioritize.
Now, having said that : ) keep watch on our website for my upcoming speaking engagements. I will be presenting a 2 hr continuing education class on consumer directed health care for the Dallas AHU on November 14, 2007. We will be discussing the compliance, pros/cons of health savings accounts, health reimbursement arrangements, and flexible spending accounts. A show you wont want to miss.
Check out the Dallas website at www.dahu.org for details. I hope to see you all there!!
P.S. I got a new puppy. She's a poodle, yes, I said poodle! Her name is Edie and she is fantastic.. I need to make time for her too!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Putting America's Health Care System on Trial?
Interesting title huh? A good friend of mine, Eric Johnson, and I decided to do just that. Instead of continuing to shout that those that believe a single payer system would be good for America are wrong, and that we, who believe in keeping the financing of health care in the private market are right we decided to do a little research into their argument.
What we found is that they actually do have a compelling, if not incredibly emotional argument for single payer. What newspaper doesn't want to write an article about how the big bad insurance companies are making million dollar bonuses off the backs of our hard working, tax paying citizens, and our reward, they say is denied coverage, increasing premiums, etc..
The fact is they do have a valid point. We have major issues and inadequacies in this industry. Those issues though, I believe are better addressed in the private market rather than being turned over to government control.
The challenge? To get people / citizens / consumers to sit down and listen to both sides of the issue and have enough information to make an INFORMED decision rather than soaking up media soundbites both sides are quite capable of getting into the mainstream media.
So, we wrote a play / skit / mock trial and put our private health care system to the test! Eric, the prosecuting attorney (in favor of single payer), and myself, of course the defense attorney went to work to prove our points.
We have put this trial on 3 times now, the latest being in Louisville, KY at the NAHU Region III conference and we are having a blast. Not to mention presenting both sides of a very controversial issue. Of course it is a comedy. Who wants to listen to health insurance issues for 3 hours unless they can laugh! I want to send a HUGE shout out to Linda Erlenbach, VP Region 3 for making us feel welcome and putting on a tremendous conference. Linda, you are the best!!
On a more personal note I want to thank my husband, Chris! The guy that is always behind the scenes growing our business, taking care of our children, giving me the opportunity to travel the country and spread the message of why keeping the financing of health care in the private market is so important.
This is not just business for me, this is personal. Chris and I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren (expectng our 5th.. congrats to our son, Chris Jr. and his wife, Sara on expecting their 4th). How they access health care in the future is of great concern to me, and should be to all of you reading this blog.
Don't forget to tune into the radio show this week. We will be discussing the never ending issue of individual health insurance policies offered under a cafeteria plan. Our guest, John R. Hickman with Alston & Bird.
Have a GREAT week!!
What we found is that they actually do have a compelling, if not incredibly emotional argument for single payer. What newspaper doesn't want to write an article about how the big bad insurance companies are making million dollar bonuses off the backs of our hard working, tax paying citizens, and our reward, they say is denied coverage, increasing premiums, etc..
The fact is they do have a valid point. We have major issues and inadequacies in this industry. Those issues though, I believe are better addressed in the private market rather than being turned over to government control.
The challenge? To get people / citizens / consumers to sit down and listen to both sides of the issue and have enough information to make an INFORMED decision rather than soaking up media soundbites both sides are quite capable of getting into the mainstream media.
So, we wrote a play / skit / mock trial and put our private health care system to the test! Eric, the prosecuting attorney (in favor of single payer), and myself, of course the defense attorney went to work to prove our points.
We have put this trial on 3 times now, the latest being in Louisville, KY at the NAHU Region III conference and we are having a blast. Not to mention presenting both sides of a very controversial issue. Of course it is a comedy. Who wants to listen to health insurance issues for 3 hours unless they can laugh! I want to send a HUGE shout out to Linda Erlenbach, VP Region 3 for making us feel welcome and putting on a tremendous conference. Linda, you are the best!!
On a more personal note I want to thank my husband, Chris! The guy that is always behind the scenes growing our business, taking care of our children, giving me the opportunity to travel the country and spread the message of why keeping the financing of health care in the private market is so important.
This is not just business for me, this is personal. Chris and I have 3 children and 4 grandchildren (expectng our 5th.. congrats to our son, Chris Jr. and his wife, Sara on expecting their 4th). How they access health care in the future is of great concern to me, and should be to all of you reading this blog.
Don't forget to tune into the radio show this week. We will be discussing the never ending issue of individual health insurance policies offered under a cafeteria plan. Our guest, John R. Hickman with Alston & Bird.
Have a GREAT week!!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Find Sharon
People I know have recently started a little game called "Find Sharon", you know like Find Waldo. Yes, its true I have been quite busy lately so I thought I would tell you all where I am instead of your having to play the "find sharon" game!
Another crazy week for me. I am off today to Little Rock AR for our Region VI National Association of Health Underwriters Conf. For those of you that didnt know I am the incoming national media chair for this association. It is another full time job but fortunately for me I absolutely love what I do.
Don't forget to check out the radio show next week, its going to be a great one. We will be discussing whats happening in the world of debit cards! You can tune in on Tuesday at 1:00 cst to www.health.voiceamerica.com to listen. And for goodness sakes PLEASE call in, people always send me emails after the show with great questions.. would be great to have you call in live!!
One last thing, if you have not subscribed to Benefits Selling Magazine you need to. Did you know I write a monthly column called the "Consumer Corner". Its a great magazine and its FREE. Just go to benefitssellingmag.com to subscribe.
I would like to give a written shout out to Denis Story, Editor of Benefits Selling Mag for all he has done to help me. Denis, you ROCK!
Thats all I have for now, I will write more when I return from my trip and let you know what else is going on (and where I will be the following week). Have a great week.
Another crazy week for me. I am off today to Little Rock AR for our Region VI National Association of Health Underwriters Conf. For those of you that didnt know I am the incoming national media chair for this association. It is another full time job but fortunately for me I absolutely love what I do.
Don't forget to check out the radio show next week, its going to be a great one. We will be discussing whats happening in the world of debit cards! You can tune in on Tuesday at 1:00 cst to www.health.voiceamerica.com to listen. And for goodness sakes PLEASE call in, people always send me emails after the show with great questions.. would be great to have you call in live!!
One last thing, if you have not subscribed to Benefits Selling Magazine you need to. Did you know I write a monthly column called the "Consumer Corner". Its a great magazine and its FREE. Just go to benefitssellingmag.com to subscribe.
I would like to give a written shout out to Denis Story, Editor of Benefits Selling Mag for all he has done to help me. Denis, you ROCK!
Thats all I have for now, I will write more when I return from my trip and let you know what else is going on (and where I will be the following week). Have a great week.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The Evolution from CDHPs to Consumerism: Beth I Hear You Calling
Our first posting! Welcome to my blog and thank you for visiting. We'll work hard to keep this blog informative and up to date on what is going on in my world, where in the world I am, and what the heck is going on in health insurance. I look forward to your feedback.
Our Commitment to Advocacy and Education
The Benefits Buzz: Inside Health Insurance in America
Tuesday, July 17th, 2007 -- 1 p.m. CST (2 p.m. EST)
The Evolution from CDHPs to Consumerism: Guest Beth Bierbower
Join Host Sharon Alt along with co-host Mark Bellman for the second in a three part series on "consumerism" with guest Beth Bierbower, VP of Product Innovation for Humana. Beth will discuss what the major components of consumerism are. Does Humana foresee continued growth in Consumer Directed Health Plans or is this just a passing phase as many pundits have suggested. What are the barriers to growth?
Our Commitment to Advocacy and Education
The Benefits Buzz: Inside Health Insurance in America
Tuesday, July 17th, 2007 -- 1 p.m. CST (2 p.m. EST)
The Evolution from CDHPs to Consumerism: Guest Beth Bierbower
Join Host Sharon Alt along with co-host Mark Bellman for the second in a three part series on "consumerism" with guest Beth Bierbower, VP of Product Innovation for Humana. Beth will discuss what the major components of consumerism are. Does Humana foresee continued growth in Consumer Directed Health Plans or is this just a passing phase as many pundits have suggested. What are the barriers to growth?
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