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Supreme Court Upholds ACA Subsidies - Major Flaws Remain
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled on June 25 to uphold health insurance subsidies for 6.4 million Americans spread across 34 states. The ruling means that those who have purchased their health insurance through the federal exchange will see no change in the subsidies they receive from the federal government. The Big "I" will continue to work with others in the market as well as both parties in Congress and the Administration to fix some of the law's major flaws - pro-actively supporting bills to repeal the ACA excise
("Cadillac") tax, and exclude agent commissions from the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) formula.
Read more.
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Call for Nominees - IIAN Board
Each July IIAN's Nominating committee meets to review candidates for recommendation for election to the IIAN Board of Directors. The election happens during the Annual Member Meeting at IIAN's Annual Convention each year - this year it's on October 13 at Embassy Suites, LaVista. If you would like to be considered, or recommend an IIAN member you know, please contact IIAN Past President and Nominating committee chairman Dee Sykora (dsykora@quinninsurance.com) or CEO Carol McClelland, CAE (carol.mcclelland@biginebraska.org). Also serving on the Nominating committee are: Elliot Basset, Mike Jones, Peggy McDonald, Phil Winkelmann, and Andy Bassett.
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New Iowa WC Law Effective July 1
Impacts Sole Proprietors, Partners, and LLC's
A new Iowa law effective July 1, 2015 requires sole proprietors, partners and limited liability company members to sign a new form if it is their intent not to be covered by workers' compensation. If they have a WC policy which covers their employees the form must be attached to the policy indicating they chose not to cover themselves. If they do not have a WC policy, they must file the form with the Iowa Workers' Compensation Division, where it becomes public record. The new law is intended to partially address the Stark Construction v. Lauterwasser Iowa court case, which awarded WC benefits based on the court's determination - using an 8-point test - that the injured party was really an employee, not an independent contractor. Existing Iowa law states that independent contractors are not employees, which is not stated specifically in Nebraska workers compensation law.
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IIAN Certified Independent Contractor Bill Carried Over To 2016 Unicameral Session
IIAN's top issue for the 2015-16 legislative session, LB 276, was introduced this year by Business & Labor Committee Chairman Burke Harr of Omaha at IIAN's request, to address the growing problem of independent contractors who do not insure themselves for workers compensation, and the risk that they could be determined to be employees by the WC Court after an injury.
After a successful grassroots campaign by IIAN members earlier this spring, LB 276 was advanced to General File (ready for first-round debate) unanimously by members of the Business & Labor Committee, with a compromise amendment limiting the scope of the bill to construction work. Since it was not named a "priority" this year, LB 276 will be "carried over" to the 2016 "short" session, and is well-positioned to move forward next year. In the interim, IIAN will work with senators and stakeholders on possible improvements.
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20th Annual Jacupke Memorial Golf Tournament Moves To Papillion - Oct 12
Contest At Eagle Hills Course Raises Funds For Foundation Scholarships - Followed By 108th Annual IIAN Convention
Due to construction at Lochland Country Club in Hastings, the IIAN Foundation's annual golf fundraiser will be held at Eagle Hills golf course in Papillion on October 12, in conjunction with IIAN's 108th Annual Convention. Tom Greco and Mike Glaser are tournament co-chairs for the 20th anniversary of the annual golf outing, which benefits the Foundation's scholarship programs for Nebraska students majoring in business. Almost $71,000 in scholarships has been awarded to date! See all the details.
Click here to register online by October 2, 2015. |
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Annual Convention Preview
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IIAN President Phil Winkelmann -
Working For You
Legislative Advocacy, Company Relations, Engaging Young Members
IIAN President Phil Winkelmann of Omaha has been busy since his election last October, representing IIAN members to the industry, state legislators, and Governor Pete Ricketts. Phil interviewed then-candidate Ricketts last fall, resulting in IIAN's endorsement in the November general election, and led a contingent of IIAN leaders attending the Governor's Inaugural Celebration in January.
On March 25, Phil welcomed the Governor and state senators from over 25 districts to IIAN's biennial Senators' reception in Lincoln, and also represented IIAN at the Governor's College World Series VIP event.
in April, he led visits with the top managers of four major independent agency companies in Des Moines, IA and Columbus, NE - Auto-Owners, IMT Group, Travelers, and North Star Mutual. The discussion agenda included company marketing plans, along with IIAN strategic priorities such as Trusted Choice �, legislative and regulatory issues, and technology. Phil represented IIAN at the joint NAIFA-NeAHU state forum for life and health agents on April 16 in Omaha.
Then April 22-23, he led IIAN's contingent of 13 members and staff at IIABA's annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., discussing agent issues on Capitol Hill with all of Nebraska's U.S. Senators and Representatives - the seventh year he has attended the national conference to lobby for agent issues.
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IIAN President Phil Winkelmann met with U.S. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry during the IIABA Legislative Conference in April - along with wife Jen, and sons (L to R) Zach, David, and Daniel.
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A major focus of Phil's presidency has been encouraging members
- especially Gen X and Y - to become actively involved in Big "I" legislative advocacy, and volunteering for committees and task forces. Earlier this year, Phil appointed IIAN Secretary-Treasurer Krae Dutoit of Grand Island, as chair of a new IIAN "Member Engagement" task force, charged with developing new ways for more members to become engaged with IIAN in ways that are meaningful to them.
"The question I always ask as leader of IIAN's Board is : Does whatever we're considering provide value for IIAN members?", says Phil. "And it makes me feel really good to see more young people getting involved in IIAN!"
Phil has been in the insurance business for over 26 years, and is a partner and agent for Omaha Insurance Services, Inc., in Omaha. Insurance runs in the family - his uncle founded an independent insurance agency in the 1940's, and along with Phil's father, owned Union Casualty Insurance Company in Omaha until 1986. He and wife Jennifer have five children: Caitlin, 24, Matthew, 22, Daniel, 12, David, 10, and Zachary, 6.
Phil's term as president will end on October 14, when new officers are elected during IIAN's 108th annual convention in LaVista.
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The New Big "I" Blog
Association Happenings & Things You Need To Know - Weekly Update From IIAN's Staff
Brenda gives a primer on the basics of your agency's E&O coverage.
By Jeremiah Gudding We are working hard to create opportunities for more people to be involved in a meaningful way and to create an association that meets the needs and expectations of all of our members.
Nancy takes the mystery out of the new online State Based System (SBS) for filing and tracking your CE hours and certificates.
By Carol McClelland How IIAN's new "Innovative Leadership" program, which launched May 4-5 at the IIAN office in Lincoln, is developing "emerging leaders" for their agencies and IIAN.
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Free CE For Members
5 Things You Really Need To Know + The Latest On Drones
3 P/C CEUs*
Legal/Ethical Responsibilities Update
3 Ethics CEUS*
August 25 - Grand Island
August 26 - Norfolk
August 27 - Ashland/Mahoney
Instructor: John Dismukes, CPCU, CIC
* Pending Nebraska DOI Approval
$1 Per CEU DOI Processing Fee |
125 Attend May IIAN Members Only CE Series
IIAN's Free CE seminar series in May was presented by Hartford Steam Boiler instructor Fred Knoll in Ogallala, Kearney, Norfolk, and Ashland. Over 125 members learned how to manage equipment breakdown risks and the latest on identify theft exposures and data compromise coverages.
Member reviews were very positive, like this one: "I knew very little about this coverage and was not too excited about class. I learned much, excellent presentation and very informative.." |
Big "I" Reviews Agency Contracts
The Big "I" has reviewed the new CNA Producer Agreement and the Cincinnati Insurance Companies' Agency Agreement, to assist members with understanding the terms of the contracts. We provide these and other company contract reviews as a free benefit to members. Members must login at www.iiaba.net and visit the Contract Review section. Other recent reviews include: Allied, Foremost and Safeco. Contact IIAN at 1-800-377-3985 for assistance. |
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What Do You Know About ISO's PAP Ridesharing Endorsements?
Ridesharing is once again making headlines in the wake of a California Labor Commission ruling that Uber drivers are employees of the company, not independent contractors.
And Uber has now filed for permission to operate legally in Nebraska - while the Nebraska Public Service Commission believes both Uber and Lyft are already operating without authority.
Did you know that ISO has already made two nationwide filings in response to the rise of ridesharing through transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft? Find out more from IIABA Virtual University guru Bill Wilson. |
Insurance Services Online Program
The online Insurance Services Certificate program through Northeast Community College starts Aug. 24 - Principles of Insurance - 8 weeks - 3 college credits, 24 CEUs. Personal Insurance & Commercial Insurance courses start Oct. 19 - also approved for 24 CEUs.
Registration Information Here. Call IIAN office for information on $1,500 program scholarship - 1-800-377-3985.
"I just completed the NECC online Insurance Certificate program. I really enjoyed my insurance instructors and their real world experience. I currently work in the insurance industry, so this program reinforced and improved my knowledge, and skills. I also earned my AINS designation through this program. I would highly recommend [it] to anyone coming into the industry - it applies practical knowledge. " Tiffany A. Jacox, CIC, AINS, Service Agent Manager, Loring & Co., Omaha
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IIAN Partners of the Month - Thank You! June July
Their support enables IIAN to present affordable, high-quality member programs.
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About E-Bulletin
IIAN's
E-Bulletin is a monthly newsletter that provides IIAN members with
insurance industry and association news. In addition to delivering
timely news and information, this newsletter communicates relevant
information about valuable products and services that could enhance
your agency's ability to succeed in the industry's competitive
environment. If you wish to be removed from our e-mail list, e-mail
webmaster@biginebraska.org. |
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