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Register Online
By September 23
For Discount
Click Here
106th Annual
IIAN Convention
"Lighting Up Our Future"
Oct 15-17, 2013
Embassy Suites
Lincoln, NE
Golf at Firethorn
50 Exhibitors
Customer Service Rep Day
Technology Track
Up to 20 CEUs!
(approval pending)
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6 New Professionals Scholarships
Click Here
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Upcoming IIAN Live Video Webinars of Interest
September 10
8-11 am
Obamacare - Overview & Update
3 Health/Gen CEUs
September 10
2-4 pm
Flood Upate/FEMA Training Part I
2 PC CEUs
September 11
2-4 pm
Includes Biggert-Waters Act Rate & Coverage Changes!
Plus 15 More Webinars In September!
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Technology Corner
HIPAA Omnibus Rule Will Have Big Impact On Agencies
The HIPAA Omnibus Rule goes into effect on September 23, 2013 and promises to bring a much higher degree of enforcement attention on independent agencies and brokerages which are "Business Associates" under HIPAA. HHS is now required to conduct periodic audits of both Covered Entities and Business Associates for compliance with HIPAA, and the state attorney generals are authorized as well to bring HIPAA related actions. Note there is no need for there to have been a breach of Protected Health Information ("PHI") to trigger such an audit and enforcement action. It is a matter as to whether the Business Associate
or Covered Entity has properly implemented the HIPAA compliance requirements.The Rule also requires independent agencies which are Business Associates to obtain Business Associate agreements by September 23 from any vendors who manage online systems for the agency, if the agency stores PHI (Protected Health Information) on those systems (such as on health insurance applications).
It requires HHS to conduct periodic audits of Business Associates as well as Covered Entities for compliance with HIPAA and authorizes HHS, as well as state attorney generals, to impose significant fines directly on Business Associates which are not in compliance.
ACT's HIPAA Work Group has prepared a new white paper to provide guidance on the key compliance measures agencies should take and references a number of resources agencies can use to help them comply.
Read the online white paper - click here
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Welcome New Big "I" Members! | | |
These independent insurance agencies joined IIAN & IIABA May-Aug 2013!
Norfolk
Cooper Insurance
Ryan Cooper
La Vista
C-Tek Insurance Agency
Gregory L. Gurbacki
Fairbury
Koerwitz Insurance Agency
Gregory D. Koerwitz
Kearney
Stokebrand Insurance
Craig Stokebrand
Lincoln
Watts Insurance Group
Nicole L. Watts-Ostrander
These Associate members joined IIAN May-Aug 2013!
Rock Rapids, IA
Home Warranty, Inc.
Matt Holmes
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Thanks to the Big "I" Industry Partner for July-August
Their support enables IIAN to present affordable, high-quality member programs.
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Join Our List
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IIAN Annual Convention Features Up To 20 CEUs*, Emerging Technologies, Obamacare Update,
Cyber Liability & Data Security, 50-Booth Trade Fair |
Join 50 exhibitors at the trade fair and opening reception at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln, and "Wish Upon A Star" for the Nebraska Make-A-Wish® "Kids For Wish Kids" program sponsored by Trusted Choice®! Enjoy golf at the exclusive Firethorn Golf Club, and
get up to 20 CEU's* presented by some of the best insurance educators in the nation. *NE CEU approval pending
Discover how your agency can take advantage of emerging technologies, going mobile, and top agency apps from technology expert George Robertson, then learn about Cyber Liability & Data Security from George and Chubb's Nickie Hunter, or Accounting Tips & Tricks for Vertafore Users by Kerry Kuntz. Join Nebraska favorite Angie Heavener for the Hold Advanced Learning seminar on Customer Service Rep Day, plus "Personal Lines - Covered Or Not Covered" and "EPL, ERISA & Benefits Administration". Get an authoritative update on implementation of Obamacare from national expert Jesse Patton, and attend an all-new E&O Risk Management seminar presented by IIABA Vice President and UNL alum Dave Walker. And don't forget to bring your sunglasses for the "Star Studded" progressive dinner and another exciting IIAN Foundation benefit live auction!
Click here for all the details and online registration! Take advantage of multiple registration discounts and six "New Professionals" scholarships! Register and reserve your hotelroom by September 23 for discount prices - call the Embassy Suites at 402-474-1111. |
| 3rd Annual IIAN Foundation Auction | |
October 16 "Star Studded" Event Supports Insurance Education In Nebraska Schools
IIAN and the IIAN Foundation are sponsoring our 3rd annual live auction during the "Star Studded" progressive dinner on October 16 at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln - part of IIAN's 106th Annual Convention. The Auction will feature a wide array of electronics, golf items, food and wine, fashion, and leisure activities. All proceeds are tax-deductible and will benefit the IIAN Foundation's scholarship program and InVEST Nebraska -a joint project to teach Nebraska students about insurance and careers, and prepare them to enter the insurance industry through InVEST Nebraska's online Associate Insurance degree program.
We need your support to sponsor an item, or make a cash donation if you don't have time to shop! See the Auction items you can sponsor and find out more - click here. If you'd like to donate online, click here. |
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Why Would You Want To Take Part In Nebraska's Health Insurance Marketplace (Exchange)? |
Of course, it is every agent's choice . . . the law does not require it . . . but if you sell health insurance, it is probably in your best interest to complete online training and get certified if you are licensed to sell health insurance, so you can place business with the Marketplace. A key thing to note - as an agent you will be able to place customers in the Marketplace, but an agent is not required to only help them shop the Marketplace . . . they can also shop outside the Marketplace. Only an agent can offer the best of both markets to a consumer. You will be able to price the products in the Marketplace and offer alternatives by quoting carriers not in the Marketplacethat you have access to.
Click here for a FAQ sheet on what you need to do to write health insurance through Nebraska's Marketplace. For personal assistance with the training or registration process, contact Phil Harr at IIAN - 402-476-2951, phil.harr@biginebraska.org. And see sidebar for upcoming IIAN Obamacare Update webinar on September 10. |
| Nebraska Health Marketplace Insurers, Preliminary Rates, & Navigators/Assisters Announced |
Four insurers have applied to offer qualified health plans in Nebraska's federally-facilitated Health Insurance Marketplace (Exchange): Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Nebraska; Coventry Health Care; CoOportunity, the cooperative health care provider in Iowa and Nebraska that was created with financing from the federal government; and Health Alliance Midwest, a managed care company from Urbana, Ill. The Nebraska Department of Insurance is reviewing forms and rates, and has just posted a rate comparison chart and list of preliminary rates. See DOI release and link to rates.
Earlier this month the federal government awarded grants to two organizations to act as Marketplace Navigators to assist individuals and families who enroll in health insurance through the Nebraska Marketplace starting October 1. Community Action of Nebraska, which has a network of nine agencies across the state, received $562,457 to fund 10 full-time positions and train 62 certified Navigators. The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska received $37,543 to hire Navigators for American Indians residing in 15 counties.
In July, the federal government also announced $150 million in grant awards to 1,159 health centers across the nation to help "enroll uninsured Americans in new health coverage" - including over $678,500 to six centers in Nebraska, which expect to hire 13 additional workers to assist 23,115 uninsured people. See the Nebraska list.
According to the Nebraska Insurance Department, both this new category of "in-person assisters" and Navigators must comply with the education and registration requirements in LB 568, the Navigator Registration Act, enacted by the Unicameral and effective on June 5, 2013. The Act specifically prohibits them from recommending or endorsing a particular health plan in the Marketplace, or offering advice which would require an insurance producer's license. IIAN was instrumental in getting LB 568 introduced and passed. The Department is in the process of issuing official guidance for Navigators and "in-person assisters" for complying with the new law. Download IIAN white paper on what's in LB 568. |
| IIAN President Lisa Davis - Working For You | |
IIAN President Lisa Davis, CPA, CPCU, ARM-P, ARe, of Omaha has been busy this spring and summer, representing IIAN members to the industry and attending numerous IIAN committee meetings. In March, April and May, Lisa led visits with the top managers of nine major independent agency companies in Lincoln, Omaha, and Des Moines - AAA, Auto-Owners, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate, Continental Western Group, IMT, Iowa Mutual, Liberty Mutual (Indiana), and North Star Mutual. The discussion agenda included company marketing plans, IIAN's strategic priorities, legislative and regulatory issues, and technology. 
A major focus of Lisa's presidency has been on working with members and company leaders to bring new, qualified professionals into the Nebraska insurance industry by supporting InVEST Nebraska, in cooperation with the IIAN Foundation - and she also serves on the Foundation board. Also a director of the Nebraska Teammates mentoring program, Lisa says, "My favorite causes have to do with the development of our youth."
A Louisiana native, Lisa earned a degree in accounting from LSU, and started her career as a financial analyst, working to attain the CPA designation. She married Dick C.E. Davis II in 2000, and moved to Omaha to assist Davis Insurance Agency with its public entity clients - and is now president of the agency. Dick and Lisa have three children - Erin, Ethan, and Elise. "In the next decade, technology, how we communicate, and interact with one another will continue to change and significantly shape how we do business," Lisa comments.
Lisa's term as president will end on October 16, when new officers are elected during IIAN's 106th annual convention in Lincoln. She says, "While it is with mixed feelings that my term as President of IIAN comes to a close, I will take with me the lessons, accomplishments and challenges experienced this past year. This year we experienced some of the most challenging legislation facing our industry - the Affordable Care Act, crop insurance, and natural disasters. Through the effort of many dedicated board members and officers, we represented our members to support and help enact legislation that protects our industry and the consumers we serve.
"We worked with companies, legislators and industry experts to bring strategic solutions to IIAN members that will help us embrace and excel in the ever changing marketplace - with Project CAP, Trusted Choice®, and InVEST Nebraska. I know these efforts will grow under IIAN's new incoming leadership team and the association staff - for the benefit of our members and industry as a whole. I look forward to continuing my work with IIAN and the Foundation, as we help shape our role as the "trusted choice" agent/broker for consumers. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President for the past year." |
| Trusted Choice® "Life Choices" State Fair Contest Features 4-H Winners | |
The 2013 edition of the 4-H Career Development Interview Contest - co-sponsored by IIAN and Trusted Choice® - went into the books Sunday, August 25, at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.
Participants from Hartington to Harrison and many communities in between, competed for Purple and Blue Ribbons at the second year of this event. Parents and participants heard about career opportunities available in Nebraska's insurance industry during the awards presentation. 
The annual contest is part of the new "Life Choices" 4-H - Trusted Choice® program to help young people all over Nebraska learn how to prepare themselves for a successful career and interview for the jobs they want - while exposing them, their parents, and educators to insurance career opportunities in Nebraska and the added value of Trusted Choice® independent insurance agencies. More about Life Choices-Trusted Choice® partnership.
Kids who participate in "Life Choices" in their communities competed in four District interview contests this spring, to qualify for the state-level contest at the State Fair. Participation should grow during the next few years among the 93 counties in Nebraska, and the 140,000 youth members and 11,000 volunteers involved in Nebraska 4-H programs. |
| National Flood Program Subsidies Phase Out | |
The 2012 Biggert-Waters Act - the law that extended the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for five years - will also increase rates for some policy holders in hopes of making the program more actuarially sound. FEMA estimates that 20% of the homes in the NFIP will be affected by the phase-out of subsidized rates over four years mandated by the new law.
The next phase of rate changes takes place October 1, affecting previously subsidized rates for some older properties, also known as pre-Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) properties. Two types of changes will be implemented:
1) Rate increases over time for some current policyholders. Some policyholders will see 25 percent increases per year. These changes will affect business and other non-residential properties, properties that have experienced severe or repetitive losses, as well as non-primary residences (this increase began in January).
2) Direct increases to full-risk rates. Policyholders with buildings sold or purchased on or after July 6, 2012, those whose lapsed policy was reinstated on or after October 4, 2012, and new policies written on or after July 6, 2012, will pay full-risk rates.
IIABA has a web page dedicated to keeping you updated on Biggert-Waters changes as they happen - click here. Big "I" Flood resource page. See sidebar for upcoming IIAN Flood Update webinars on September 10 and 11, which are also approved for FEMA-required agent training. |
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