I think we all agree that everyone is making less and we have to adapt but within reason. The MLR is going to lead to a huge drop off of producing agents in the individual market. DOI and carriers are going to have to prepare for the services that customers demand. – Tony Nefouse Consumer group slams agents... This group argues that brokers have lost relevance? Really? Although I have all the enrolling sites for my clients, I have not sold even a SINGLE case in this manner. Even if I encourage people to go there, they go there to research but they do not enroll.

Why? Over and over I hear the same thing. They want my advice. This requires a conversation where I delve into what is important to them, what fits their lifestyle (as it were)and then I do either a paper application or an online application for them, depending on the insuring company. These so-called “watchdog groups” are so ignorant about what people really want it is just beyond sad. To even give them press and a measure of legitimacy seems somehow misguided.

As for our so-called “excessive” commissions - I’d like to challenge every single one of these organizations to run their businesses, rent, lights, salaries, etc. on the percentage of commissions available if this very bad law is not changed. I guarantee NOT A SINGLE ONE OF THEM are doing it, or even could do it. They’d be shut down. Perhaps we need a law saying that if you are a non-profit, salaries and overhead cannot exceed 4 percent or all income.
– Michael Myers

A Canuck Weighs In
(“Oh, cellulite,” March 2 Editor’s Blog) I lived 22 years in Canada, and 21 years in America. I agree — Canadians are a little healthier. But what does that tell us? It DOESN’T tell us that Canadians are healthier because of who pays their medical bills. Live there & you’ll recognize they are healthier because they eat a little less, & they move a little more.

There’s your key. This can occur here without changing who pays for insurance. Although the point of interest is that since I was born (1967 – the year nationalized medicine started in Canada) — it’s been the government’s job to promote healthy eating & healthy lifestyle.

They’ve spent BILLIONS on it in 43 years. Don’t think that doesn’t play in to it. Don’t you think it will become a national budget line-item in America, too, as soon as we’re on the hook for everyone’s medical bills?
– Reid Rasmussen