Chapter Updates

Dillon and Goldmann Awarded at Capital Conference

Two of Northern Nevada chapters officers were honored at the NABIP Annual Capitol Conference in Washington DC on February 23^rd.

Former Chapter President and Current Nevada state President, Michael Dillon, and current Vice President of Media and former national NAHU President, Don Goldmann, were both recognized as meeting the Triple Diamond level for fundraising.

Only two other members across the country were given this recognition.  Michael and Don were the only members recognized from Region 8 and their effort helped the region win the top fundraising award among the eight national regions.

Heidi Sterner, President of the Southern Nevada chapter, was also recognized for her outstanding legislative work.

Nominations Announced for 2026-27 Board of Directors

The chapter’s Nominations Committee has announced the slate of nominees to be voted on at the Annual Membership Meeting scheduled for April 29, during the Benefits and Medicare Expo.

The nominees include:

All other board positions will be appointed by the President once the board takes office on July 1^st.

Anyone wishing to serve on the board should contact the Nominations Committee chairperson, Don Goldmann, at [email protected].

Medicare Panel Draws Large Audience for February Membership Luncheon

A panel of three local Medicare experts spoke about the good, bad and ugly of the most recent Medicare open enrollment period.

Each gave extensive, enlightening and thoughtful comments about their wins, setbacks, compliance headaches and client challenges along with amusing descriptions of what kept them going through the challenging fall season.

The panel discussion was moderated by NABIP-NN PAC chairperson, Jay Eldridge of Harmony Health and Life Insurance Partners.

The panelists included Alex Sampson, President and Owner of Health Benefits Associates; Christine McKinnis, Manager of The Medicare Store; Aliana Rushing, Vice President of Senior Insurance Agency and President of the NABIP Northern Nevada chapter.

NABIP Foundation, by Julie Ann Evans

The NABIP Foundation helps consumers and communities access and afford high-quality healthcare through education programs, targeted contributions and user-friendly tools.

It was founded in 1980 and is a 501(c)(3) organization with the primary goal is to educate the public on healthcare and healthcare financing through private and public programs and provider initiatives.

The brochures, videos and other materials address a range of important health issues from mental health to the importance of medication adherence, and so much more. There are resources for Medicare beneficiaries as well as public programs like Medicaid, with continued work on opportunities to promote private healthcare financing through health insurance.

Supporting the NABIP Foundation is accomplished by contributions and grants from individuals, companies and foundations. The attached flyer provides information on the various levels of contributions for both individual-level donors and corporate-level donors.

Please consider contributing to the NABIP Foundation!

Operation Shout:  Improve Financial Support For MA

The Trump administration has proposed flat rates in Medicare Advantage (MA) for 2027, which insurers project does not reflect the real cost of such plans.

In late January, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its annual proposed advance notice governing MA and Part D. 

The proposal includes a net payment rate increase of 0.09% in MA, meaning levels will be essentially flat if the plan becomes final.

The proposed rule drew immediate ire from the industry, which is already navigating significant financial challenges in this market. Multiple leading players have elected to exit certain MA markets. 

In comments submitted to CMS, AHIP said the proposed rule "risks undermining CMS’ goal of providing beneficiaries with stable, affordable choices during the annual enrollment period" next year.

An AHIP analysis suggests the proposed advance notice could increase member premiums by $23 per month if insurers choose to maintain existing benefits, or $550 each year for a senior couple.

The AHIP said the CMS could avert these potential changes by adjusting the proposed payment rates to account for the rising cost of care for seniors and by phasing in updates to risk adjustment starting in 2028, which is consistent with the agency's approach to other key overhauls.

Failing to act, the group said, could exacerbate inconveniences seniors are already feeling. For example, a recent study published in JAMA found forced disenrollments in MA have risen.

Contact your senator and house representative and urge them to pass additional budget support to increase the proposed payment for 2027.

March Member Luncheon Features Carrier Panel

The representatives from four different carriers will have a candid conversation as they dig into the forces shaping Nevada’s group market. This panel will explore what’s driving premium increases, how renewals are built, where plan design is evolving, and what brokers can do to bring greater clarity and transparency to employers.

They’ll look at specialty drug costs, network strategies, level‑funded options, and the carrier–broker partnership that ultimately determine how well employers are supported.

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Calendar of Events

NABIP - Northern Nevada March Monthly Meeting

NABIP - Northern Nevada April Monthly Meeting

 Expo April 2026

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NABIP Happenings

New Member Orientation

One of the best ways to maximize the value of a NABIP membership is to learn about all the benefits at any monthly New Member Orientation!

Monthly orientations are held by Zoom at 9 AM on every 4^th Thursday of the month. 

The Zoom meeting ID is 826 3420 3381 and the passcode is “Membership”.

The program can also be accessed here: http://welcometonabip.org

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Member Resources

Online Learning Institute

Earning the Registered Employee Benefits Consultant® (REBC®) designation elevates your credibility as a professional. The field of employee benefits continues to evolve rapidly. A year does not go by without new government regulations, new or modified coverages, and new techniques for controlling benefit costs. To best serve their clients, professionals need to have a current understanding of the provisions, advantages, and limitations associated with each type of benefit or program as a method for meeting economic security.

Affordable courses are available by visiting the NABIP site here.

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Did You Know

There are many resources available to every member.  Below are active links to a world of benefits that come from being a member of NABIP.

This collection of logos contains active weblinks to make it very easy for you to click and be led directly to the appropriate section of the national NABIP website. 

Apply today for one of NABIP's highest honors - Leading Producers Round Table (LPRT). Click here for more information. 

NABIP's Leadership Academy assists chapter leaders and members to become better leaders in life and NABIP. This 12-module program provides a wide variety of topics touching on many areas to provide students with a well-rounded experience. Programming can be done through attending pre-recorded programming, by attending monthly webinars or as a mix of the two formats.

NABIP created the President's Triple Crown Program to recognize those members whose individual contributions help advance the association's mission.

NABIP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB).

 Vision & Core Values, DEIB Training & DEIB Resources. Click Here to learn more.

Leadership Mentorship Program

Provides senior leadership support to new and current members professionally and in their leadership roles. Click Here for more information

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