NABIP-NN June 2026 Newsletter 
Chapter Updates
2027 Medicare Final Rule Rules May Luncheon Discussion Program
Will Pierce, Associate Regional Sales Director, for Senior Marketing Specialists of Columbia, Missouri, brought his Medicare expertise to Reno to moderate three other Northern Nevada Medicare experts at the May NABIP-NN luncheon program.
Joining Will in the panel discussion was Amy Beck, broker and manager of the Carson City Health Benefits Associates, along with Merre Gregory, Medicare broker since 2017 with her own agency operating in 15 states, and Robbie Rushing, President and owner of Sparks’ Senior Insurance Agency, operating from a main office in Sparks since 1993.
For most of the brokers in attendance, the discussion of the 2027 Final Rules for Medicare Advantage and New Part D programs sounded like a celebration as panelist after panelists applauded much more of the changes than not.
It was noted repeatedly by moderator Pierce that the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals deserved a great deal of credit achieving significant policy victories for agents, brokers and Medicare beneficiaries by convincing the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) into agreement with the changes recommended by NABIP.
All three panelists were in general agreement with the improvements that were being implemented in this fall’s open enrollment period.
Final Medicare Rules – Winners for Brokers
The most significant improvements in the Medicare rules discussed by the May luncheon panelists included:
Eliminating the 48-hour scope of appointment (SOA) waiting period.
There is now more flexibility related to educational and marketing events by allowing the immediate collection of SOA forms at such events and permitting marketing events to occur immediately after educational events at the same location, as long as attendees are clearly notified that it will occur and are given an opportunity to leave.
The changes to the third-party marketing organization’s disclaimer are a significant change to the timing requirements from the first minute of a call to requiring the disclaimer to be presented just prior to discussing plan benefits.
Last to be discussed were the new rules about shortening the time periods for retaining audio or written transcripts of marketing and sales calls. The new rules require audio recordings to be kept for one to three years and four to six years for audio or complete transcripts.
NABIP-NN Prepares for the 2027 NABIP National Convention
NABIP-NN’s 96th national convention will be held at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from June 27th through June 30th.
Each year, the election of board officers, who will serve on the national board from July 1st to June 30th, occurs at the annual House of Delegates.
The Northern Nevada chapter will have four members voting as official delegates at this year’s convention.
Aliana Rushing as the chapter’s President, Georgana Cepeda as the chapter’s Vice President, Joy Gardner, chapter Vice President of Finance, will vote as a state chapter’s delegate and Don Goldmann, chapter Vice President of Media & Communications, will vote as part of the Past National President delegation.
Mark Gaunya, NABIP member from the Boston area, will be on the slate of candidates as the 2026-27 President-Elect at the House of Delegates. Also new to the slate is Pat Burns, California, for Treasurer and Paige Phillips, Alabama, for Secretary.
A Bittersweet Farewell
NABIP-NN President Aliana Rushing
As I close out my final month as President, I’ve found myself reflecting on everything our chapter has accomplished this year, and I am truly overwhelmed with gratefulness and pride.
Together, we brought renewed energy and success back to our monthly luncheon meetings, offering CE opportunities as often as possible while planning industry relevant programs months in advance. We hosted our largest expo yet with more vendors and attendees than ever before, maintained the highest membership numbers in our chapter’s history, and raised more funds than ever for the charities we care so deeply about.
Professionally, we’ve strengthened connections, expanded our knowledge, built our referral networks, and continued finding ways to better serve our broker community.
Personally, this organization has given me something even greater. I’ve built friendships I never expected, found a family I wasn’t born into, and became part of a community that truly understands both the pressures and rewards of the work we do. Even in stressful seasons of life, I’ve watched this group come together to support, encourage, and uplift one another not just as colleagues, but as friends.
Serving as President of this chapter has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life. When I first joined the board in 2019, I never could have imagined where the journey would lead or how deeply it would impact me both personally and professionally. Leading this chapter is a responsibility I have never taken lightly. My focus this year going into this role was on community, friendship, collaboration, and a shared passion for growth and knowledge, and I hope that our members felt that this year.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible people behind the scenes. Thank you to our amazing board members whose dedication made every accomplishment possible. Thank you to our committee members who quietly serve without titles or recognition. Thank you to our event attendees whose participation fuels the success of our events and community. And thank you to our carrier partners whose support and sponsorships help make so much of our work possible.
It is bittersweet to step away from this position, but I am incredibly excited for the future of our chapter and for the leadership of Georgana Cepeda as your NABIP Northern Nevada President for 2026–2027. I have no doubt she will continue building on the momentum, passion and sense of community that make this chapter so special.
Thank you all again for your trust, support and friendship throughout this journey. It has truly been an honor and a pleasure to serve.
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 4th 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
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.
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
