Broker blog

Did you make it to San Diego for the BenefitsPRO Expo? From machine learning to the Broker of the Year Panel, it was a terrific 3 days of connecting with benefits experts from all over the country.

If you were there, maybe your mind is still swirling with ideas. If not, we believe sharing is caring and hope this recap helps to fill you in.

Below is a compiled list of 10 takeaways from our team....

I was recently asked, “What word would you like to see eliminated from the healthcare industry?” I chose the word “cheaper.” And because I’m not a whiner who just brings problems, my solution is this article.

I KNOW you’re implementing strategic ideas to contain skyrocketing out of pocket costs. While you continuously strive to care for your clients, the realities of healthcare in our country make it more challenging each year. As I’m sure you’re VERY aware, unfortunately employees and their families are paying for more than ever before: click here to get our infographic with current stats.

How many companies do you work with that have Millennial decision-makers? 

Whatever your answer, it will certainly increase. “Mature Millennials” are in their mid-30’s and are beginning to take on leadership and management roles in their organizations. By 2025 they’ll represent a whopping 75% of the workforce. In just a few years, the majority of business leaders will be Millennials.  

How does this impact you as a broker? How will this generation function as leaders of companies and managers of the generation coming behind them? 

Has Alexa changed your life yet? Vacuum the floor, start the dishwasher, feed the cat, clean the litter box, order more paper towels and lower the thermostat. That’s just a few items from the to-do list I handed over to Artificial Intelligence today – and all without one manual click or key stroke. Whew, no more straining my index finger to push all those buttons. 

Are you struggling to offer fun ideas to keep your clients (and their members) engaged? Even with great benefits, helping employees understand how they work and the best way to use them is like getting someone to use their gym membership.

Health Insurance giant Cigna announced on Thursday that it has agreed to buy Express Scripts, the nation's largest pharmacy benefit manager (PBM). This is yet another blockbuster deal that continues to shake the healthcare landscape. 

Twenty years ago, I joined the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU). A year later I traveled to Washington D.C. for the first time to attend their annual "Capitol Conference."