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We successfully hosted our 2025 Spring Symposium with a social event on May 6th and main event on May 7 in Spokane and May 8 in Fife for the Seattle-side. This two-day event brought together over 100 health insurance professionals to discuss the latest trends and strategies in the health insurance sector. 

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Event Highlights:

• Engaging Sessions: Attendees participated in sessions that provided insights into current industry challenges and opportunities, with opportunities to earn up to 4 CE credits for the day!

  • ICHRA: Bridging the Gap with Joshua Brooker from Snap Health provided a comprehensive overview of Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs), explaining their structure, benefits, and implementation. It emphasizes how group and individual brokers can collaborate effectively to serve clients, avoid common pitfalls, and leverage each other’s strengths. A real-world case study showcases the strategic success of ICHRA adoption, reinforcing its value as a flexible benefits solution.

  • Medicare Industry Update with Zac Copeland from JSA provided critical updates on 2025 Medicare industry changes, focusing on new CMS regulations impacting Third Party Marketing Organizations (TPMOs), including stricter call recording rules, revised disclaimers, and the return of the 48-hour Scope of Appointment requirement. It also covered dual-eligible plan updates and the evolving Special Enrollment Period (SEP) landscape. Lastly, it explained the Inflation Reduction Act's influence on Part D redesign, including drug price negotiations, the elimination of the coverage gap, and the rollout of the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P).

  • CDH Compliance with Trey Tompkins from AdminAmerica covered key compliance considerations for account-based benefit plans including FSAs, HRAs, and HSAs. It emphasized the importance of understanding eligibility rules, contribution limits, permissible coverage, and common compliance pitfalls that can trigger IRS or ERISA violations. Agents were encouraged to support employer clients by ensuring proper plan design and knowing when to involve third-party administrators or legal counsel.

  • ERISA Compliance for Welfare Benefit Plans also with Trey Tompkins from AdminAmerica provided an in-depth overview of ERISA compliance requirements for employer-sponsored welfare benefit plans, including plan documentation, fiduciary duties, and disclosure obligations. Trey Tompkins emphasized common compliance pitfalls, the importance of written plan documents, and how agents can support clients by understanding when to involve ERISA professionals. The session also covered enforcement mechanisms, reporting rules, and the significance of plan fiduciary roles under federal law.

  • Aging Population and Selling/Serving Ethically with Bobbi Kaelin from PayPro Administrators focused on equipping agents and brokers with ethical strategies and resources for working with aging clients, particularly those facing memory loss. It emphasizes the importance of communication, informed consent, transparency, and compassion while navigating sensitive situations. Attendees will gain insights into identifying cognitive decline, respecting client privacy, and involving legal or familial support appropriately.

  • 2025 Legislative Debrief from Chris Bandoli, Lobbyist & Advocacy Consultant, reviewed a dynamic long session shaped by a new governor, shifting leadership, and a projected budget deficit. Key topics included increased state spending, new healthcare regulations, and significant insurance-related proposals such as changes to WACares and supplemental insurance penalties. The presentation also offered a preview of upcoming elections that could further impact legislative direction.

• Networking Opportunities: The symposium facilitated meaningful connections among professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
   

Acknowledgments:

NABIP WA extends heartfelt thanks to all sponsors and speakers who contributed to the success of the symposium. Their support and expertise were instrumental in delivering a valuable experience for all attendees. Thank you to Integrity Insurance Solutions (https://www.integrityinsurancesolutions.org) for sponsoring our Social on the 6th at the Mirabeau. And, thank you to Spark Advisors (https://www.sparkadvisors.com/) for sponsoring our morning refreshments.