Tri-City Sales Forum
February 19, 2010
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Amarillo Civic Center Regency Room
401 Buchanan St.
Amarillo, Texas
Hosted by Members of The National Association of
Insurance and Financial Advisors of Lubbock, Plainview, and Amarillo
$75 for non-members,
$50 for members
Tickets include catered luncheon
Click here to access a listing of speakers.
Information - Call Sammy O'Dell, LUTCF 806-358-0988
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NAIFA-Texas Position on Healthcare Reform
NAIFA-Texas is committed to the preservation of the private delivery of health insurance. We oppose the creation of a public plan that would unfairly compete against private insurance companies in the health insurance marketplace. We oppose any plan that diminishes or eliminates the important role that agents perform in the marketing, selling and servicing of health insurance. NAIFA-Texas believes that we must build upon the strengths of the current system, reduce costs, insure coverage for more Texans, and improve value throughout our health-care system without resorting to new government programs or jeopardizing the high quality of care we enjoy and expect as Texas consumers. |
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NAIFA-Texas and 360 Training have partnered together to bring members an unlimited amount of insurance continuing education courses for only $35.00. Click here to view the courses offered.
As you know, the Texas Department of Insurance requires that you complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. Fifteen of the thirty hours must be completed in a classroom or classroom equivalent setting. Online courses through 360 Training qualify as "CLASSROOM EQUIVALENT" courses that can be completed in your office or home.
Click here for more information and requirements on Texas insurance continuing education. |
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Agents Can Look Up Completed CE Records Online.
Need to know how many CE hours you've earned? Then take advantage of TDI's program requiring continuing education providers to report the completion of continuing education courses by licensed individuals. The reporting system which is managed by a third-party vendor, Sircon, allows individual agents to access and look up the courses they have completed from any Texas CE provider, including NAIFA-Texas. To look up your completed courses or to find course offerings in your area go to sircon.com. |
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Endorsed Professional Liability Program |
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Errors & Omissions Insurance
The NAIFA-endorsed Professional Liability Insurance Program provides quality errors and omissions coverage (E&O) to NAIFA members. The program offers comprehensive professional liability insurance, superior customer service, an easy application process, and competitive rates. For information on all available coverage options and features, and/or how to apply, visit: www.naifainsurance.com | |
Looking for Resources from NAIFA's National Website?
You can Join, Renew and Obtain information critical to NAIFA Members by visiting
www.naifa.org
Download a Quick Guide to NAIFA's Website Here | |
Rules Impact Agents Selling "Complex Products"
The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has published, for formal comment, proposed rules to implement legislation passed by the 81st regular session of the Texas Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Perry. The legislation relates to continuing education and/or certification requirements for the sale of annuities, Medicare advantage plans, and certification for agents marketing/selling small employer group health insurance. Click here to view the proposed rules in their entirety.
NAIFA-Texas is advised that the certification/examination and CE requirements will be applicable, if the rules are adopted, to individuals who obtain a current resident agent license issued by TDI on or after April 1, 2010, or who renew a resident agent license on or after April 1, 2010.
Licensees may count the hours required for certification and CE toward the completion of the continuing education requirements otherwise prescribed in the Insurance Code for the licensee. Licensees who may qualify for the longevity exemption (20 years or more continuous licensed) are not exempt from the provisions of the proposed rules to market or sell the so-called "complex products" as defined by statute.
Comments on these proposed rules should be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 21, 2009, to Gene C. Jamon, General Counsel and Chief Clerk, Mail Code 113-2A, Texas Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 149104, Austin, Texas 78714-9104. An additional copy of the comments must be simultaneously submitted to Matt Ray, Deputy Commissioner for the Licensing Program, Mail Code 107-1A, Texas Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 149104, Austin, Texas 78714-9104. |
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Senate To Debate Healthcare Reform Bill
Following the Senate's 60 to 39 vote last week to open debate on a healthcare reform bill, NAIFA expressed deep concern about the proposed legislation. Attempts to cover the uninsured should not come at the expense of the employer-based system that currently covers 160 million Americans or raise premiums beyond affordable levels for those now covered, said NAIFA President Tom Currey. In his comments, Currey disputed the need for a so-called "public plan" in the legislation and said the Senate bill does not address the devastating results of allowing individuals to purchase coverage after they are ill or injured - essentially leaving everyone in the system "on claim." Currey also noted that new health insurance responsibilities in the bill would have an economically adverse effect on many employers.
The bill is comparable to H.R. 3590, health care reform legislation passed by the House Nov. 7. The Senate debate on the bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, will resume Nov. 30.
Even if the Senate does pass the bill, it must then go through a difficult process of reconciliation with the House-passed bill that contains significant differences. A conference report is also subject to the 60-vote requirement (to pass a motion to proceed to it) in the Senate. So the need for a super-majority in the Senate will remain in play until the very end of the process.
Agents are encouraged to educate their clients and friends and to take advantage of local media opportunities as well as energize their colleagues. See below for links.
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Fate of Estate Tax Uncertain as Deadline Nears
No agreement in either the House or the Senate has been reached on what action to take on the estate tax which, under current law, will be repealed completely in 2010 unless Congress acts prior to the end of the year. Both the House and the Senate have indicated support for one more year of 2009 estate tax rules but neither chamber has passed legislation needed to do so. According to NAIFA lobbyists, a number of lawmakers want to revert to 2001 rules ($1 million exemption, 55% top rate), or to make permanent 2009 rules ($3.5 million exemption, 45% top rate), or to establish a 35% top rate and $5 million exemption. The expected compromise may be to pass legislation to keep in place for one year the 2009 rules but the issue will have to be resolved after Congress returns from their Thanksgiving recess. |
NAIFA Responds to Media Attack, Misinformation On October 7, 2009, MSNBC's "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" show included a wildly erroneous diatribe focused on COLI as well as a direct attack on NAIFA and IFAPAC. Olbermann's assertions on COLI were distorted characterizations, including gross errors regarding the federal tax rules applicable to business-owned life insurance.
As a result, NAIFA leadership and staff jumped into action. They produced a COLI fact sheet posted on the What's New section of www.naifa.org.
Then they issued a letter to the Olbermann show's producers to educate Countdown's audience regarding NAIFA and IFAPAC and to correct the misstatements about COLI.
Next they produced a video response from NAIFA President Tom Currey, which you can use to encourage non-members to join the fight to retain life insurance and annuity tax advantages.
Links:
· NEW: Video Response by NAIFA Pres. Tom Currey
· See the MSNBC report
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Texas IFAPAC Issues Appeal for Broader Support
An Open Letter to NAIFA-TX Members from the 2009 PAC Chair
I am reaching out to you on behalf of NAIFA-Texas PAC. 2009 has been one of the most active legislative and regulatory years we've ever faced as agents and advisors and NAIFA is there for you, as a member.
If you've been following what's going on in Congress, there's not a day that goes by without mention of proposed legislation that will negatively impact the products and services our Agents & Advisors offer. As Congress searches to pay for Stimulus Programs and Health Care Reform and without growing the deficit, it's easy to see why our tax-favored products are right in the crosshairs to solve our economic worries.
Have you thought about how these issues affect your business?
Rest assured, our NAIFA Government Relations Team and Volunteer Members in concert with IFAPAC, are working hard to protect the role we play and take care of the products and services we offer that protect America's Families. To do this, we support our friends in Congress through our political action committee, known as IFAPAC, and your financial support is needed now, more than ever.
Our goal is for all members of NAIFA-Texas to make an annual contribution to IFAPAC in support of their career. We can't do it alone, but together we can make a difference. Can we count on you?
We appreciate your support.
Les Littleton, LUTCF, CLU
2009 NAIFA-TX PAC Chairman
Click here to view a list of current TX IFAPAC Contributors |
2010 Leadership In Life Class Selected
The Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) selection committee has announced the selection of the 2010 class of candidates. Twelve students, selected from applicants across the state, will take part in the Institute, which is slated to begin in Austin next February. The following twelve (12) candidates were selected:
Christie D. Bonczek of NAIFA-TX Gulf Coast;
Cheri C. Stanwix of NAIFA Dallas;
Ruben D. Lozoya of NAIFA Beaumont;
Jenna M. Gasper of NAIFA-San Antonio;
Timothy J. Roels, Jr. of NAIFA-Fort Worth;
Nancy B. Britain of NAIFA-Austin;
Hagan J. Dial of NAIFA-Austin;
Theodore B. Erck of NAIFA-Houston;
Dawn A. Dickinson of NAIFA-Houston;
Belinda Kohutek of NAIFA-Abilene;
Rebecca Raeke of NAIFA-Wichita Falls;
Dale L. White, III of NAIFA-Dallas. |
NAIFA-Dallas Legislative Gala a Huge Success
Highlights of NAIFA-Dallas' fourth annual Legislative Gala Nov. 20 at Prestonwood Country Club included after-dinner remarks by Bosnian war hero Scott O'Grady and by Dr. Devon Herrick, National Center for Policy Analysis. O'Grady recalled his dramatic rescue by U.S. forces following six days of avoiding enemy capture when his plane was shot down over Bosnia and he was presumed dead. Herrick provided an insightful analysis of the current healthcare debate in the Congress. Lawmakers who were in attendance included U.S. Congressman Ralph Hall, who introduced O'Grady, and five Dallas area Texas House members: Rep. Angie Chen Button, Rep. Linda Harper-Brown, Rep. Jim Jackson, Rep. Carol Kent, and Rep. Robert Miklos. Representing NAIFA-Texas at the event were President Randy Robertson, Lubbock; President-elect Cylinda Clark, Dallas; Secretary Stephen Ehlers, Houston; and CEO/ Chief Legislative Officer Des Taylor, Austin. |
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NAIFA-Texas Board Adopts Strategic Plan
At a strategic planning meeting held Nov. 6 in Austin, the NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors developed a plan designed to make the state association more effective in meeting the needs of its membership and recruitment of new members. The Board's plan includes developing a stronger, more effective network at the local grassroots level for political involvement and political action; appointment of a member benefits chair; mailing members with December renewal dates a NAIFA Benefits Guide; and, on a regular basis, sending new licensees a "congratulatory" letter introducing them to NAIFA; and providing local membership chairs a list of newly licensed agents so that invitations to local meetings can be extended. | |
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