Greater Washington Association of Health Underwriters

Mission

The Greater Washington Association of Health Underwriters (GWAHU) is a local chapter of The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) which exists to improve its member's ability to meet the diverse health, financial and retirement needs through education, networking and professional development.

Vision

That all residents of the Greater Washington Metro Area have an advocate to assist in obtaining private sector solutions for health, financial and retirement security through the service of insursnce professionals.

Congratulations to Our 2010 GWAHU Person of The Year, Alexis Tucker!

A Message from GWAHU's new President, Teresa Conto ...

Welcome,
I have been in our business since 1996 which is to some of you, not long enough, and to others, a long time. My first position was as a receptionist for a small firm. I moved on to work for larger companies, learning the ropes more each day. I worked my way up to a position as a Benefit Consultant and have been an Advisor with Independent Benefit Services since 2000. I was promoted to Senior Advisor in 2008.

Most of us who enjoy our career did not dream of a life in Insurance Sales when we were little. Somewhere along the way, something about this industry sparked a curiosity within each of us, and here we are today. We choose to participate in a business that demands we grow, change and adapt…or be left behind. Whether it’s adapting to our client’s needs or the requirements of our legislature, this is an industry that insists we bring our best game, every day.

No matter what the reason, choosing this path was an important decision. For me, this provided the best opportunity to meet people, become educated about new and evolving issues, and to be an Advocate for others. I definitely enjoy my career. I have been fortunate to have been in the company of many brilliant people and have seen the affect our role as Advocate plays in protecting consumers every day.

I joined GWAHU to give back to the Industry that has afforded me so many opportunities. I personally think that all who pass the insurance licensing exam should be required to join. Our Association has so many things to offer. We provide educational tools, guidance, sharing of best practices and ideas, and networking with others who understand our role. An essential benefit is our National Chapter that has lobbied Congressional leaders on our behalf countless times over the years, and will continue to do so. Each year NAHU commits thousands of dollars to represent our interests on Capitol Hill. NAHU is 20,000 members strong, so that our voices can be heard.

Our local Chapters host monthly meetings from September through June. Usually, C.E. credits are awarded and the topics range from learning about new products, sales techniques and strategies to legislative updates from political leaders. Our Chapter provides the platform for members to network with each other and meet their carrier sales representatives - all while enhancing their education. Guest speakers have included the Maryland Insurance Commissioner, Vendor CEO's, Legislative Representatives, and Vendor Representatives.

We give back to our community through our annual Golf Event that raised $5,000 last fall to benefit "Cure Search", a local cancer research foundation. Every December, our annual Teddy Bear Drive provides car loads of stuffed bears to Children's Hospital to put a smile on an ill child’s face. In addition we sponsor other public service efforts such as the Winter Coat Drive, Adopt a Family For the Holidays, and Cell Phones for Soldiers. These are just a few outreach efforts, and we are always looking for creative suggestions from our members.

As we look ahead to all the potential threats that our Industry faces, it is imperative that we unite in our goal of preserving the rights of consumers to have a choice. In addition, we must ensure that they are properly educated on those choices in order to make informed decisions about a product/service that profoundly affects their family and their everyday lives. You and I may go about our days very differently, but the foundation for which an "Agent" stands for should be uniform. Being a member is a personal choice, but this is our career, our livelihood, our calling. Do your part; don't wait for someone to do it for you.

I really hope to see you attend a meeting, share an idea, and help us speak with one voice!

Warmest regards,

Teresa Conto

GWAHU April Meeting Update...

Cobra meeting:

Last week, Fifty people attended our 2 hour CE meeting on Cobra and Hi-tech. Tom Jacob, CEO from eflexgroup, outlined the basics of Cobra as well as the ARRA changes and finished with an overview of what is expected for companies regarding Hi-tech implementation.

Tom is a fellow NAHU member from Wisconsin, and travels the U.S. educating Brokers and Consumers. His lighted-hearted approach to a rather dim topic kept the group engaged.

We had four sponsors this month - GBS, Dentaquest, ProSource and Lincoln – and Lincoln was our featured sponsor. In addition, ProSource raffled off a Flip camera and Melisa Biedron from Astra HR won! Lincoln offered up an Abe Lincoln bobble head, and the lucky recipient was Natalie Barakat. Joyce Care from M&T Bank won a $50 gift card for meeting all our sponsors and finally, Craig Mohn from Lifetime Benefits was awarded a $25 gift card for completing the survey. Craig generously asked that a donation be made to Manna Foods in lieu of his gift card.

Next month, we will not have a local meeting as the Maryland Expo will be held on May 19^th and May 20^th at Turf Valley. I hope to see you there!

Differentiate Yourself

When I was asked to remind you of the application period for our Leading Producers Round Table, "differentiate yourself" is what popped into my mind. As salespeople, we are always looking for ways to stand out from our competitors. Only a select number of health insurance agents in the country qualify for LPRT, so receiving this award sets you apart from others in the business.

LPRT is the home of the most successful members of NAHU. We formed LPRT in 1942 to recognize the most successful underwriters of accident & health insurance. Today, 68 years later, LPRT is still recognizing the top producers in our industry.

If you are a top producer, manager or agency marketing health, disability, long-term care and worksite marketing products, you should be recognized as one of top one percent of our industry. As a member of LPRT, you will receive exclusive benefits, invitations to LPRT-only events and discounted registration for NAHU events.

You'll be recognized in HIU and at NAHU annual convention in Chicago, where an exciting LPRT event will take place. I understand that our LPRT Committee is planning a really special event; you will not want to miss it. If you are a top producer, please join me as a member of LPRT and apply today.

Applications can be found on the NAHU website and are due March 31.

You just need to be sure to complete your application by March 31 to be recognized as the cream of the crop in our industry.

Russ Childers

President of NAHU