LAS VEGAS — I have a confession to make, which seems appropriate given where I am this week.
While I've been in this industry for a decade now, covering it from the outside at first, I've never felt a part of it. Which is why my role on the executive committee of the Vanguard Council, NAHU's rebranded young agents group, is particularly exciting for me.
You'll be hearing more from me on this group over the next few weeks — and our plans going forward — but suffice to say it's about much more than young agents these days.
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Speaking of which, I heard from a longtime California broker, who's just going through hell right now with renewals. Because, you know, 50 percent (or worse) premium jumps will do that to almost anyone. Better yet, he's done more than just complain about it. He's started packaging together some high-deductible options for smaller employers that have been pretty well-received. Employers are helped off the hook. Employees get some help wheee they need it most, both in terms of guidance and product. And brokers can find themselves a productive new role.
And while hating Obamacare has certainly become something of a national pastime these days, more than one broker approached me this week complaining about the conflicting DC federal court opinions over the federal subsidies. Brokers still hate this legislation, don't get me wrong, but this never-ending uncertainty is starting to wear thin. The last round of enrollments was frustrating enough, but while even more cases work their way back to Roberts and gang, brokers and carriers are left hanging. The only thing not holding steady, obviously, are the premiums.
But don't get me wrong. It's not all doom and gloom. Brokers remain a tenacious bunch. The way forward might still be a little murky, but it's clear that the only option off the table is status quo.
Finally, in a couple of wellness-related bits that might have slipped your notice this week, the number crunchers dropped some new ones on us.
First, on the Forest Gump beat, is running. Apparently a new study reveals that running even as little as five minutes a day is enough to stave off an early death. In one of the largest, and longest running, studies of its kind, researchers found that runners who logged as little as five minutes a day cut their risk of cardiovascular disease by 45 percent. They also manage to extend their lifespan, on average, by three years. Of course, if you haven't done the proper retirement planning, then there's probably no point…
And, last but not least, remember that fist bump Obama and his wife traded on stage years ago? And all the hand-wringing it caused (so to speak)? Well, turns out that fist bump is a hell of a lot cleaner than shaking hands, cutting the germ exchange by 80 percent. Something to keep in mind next flu season.
So, my strategy for the next trade show I'm at is to run away from every broker I see, while shadow boxing the ones I can't avoid.
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