September 22, 2011

Government Relations: Building on Positive Change

2010 vs. 2011

As a result of the November of 2010 elections in Wisconsin, we have positive and encouraging changes to health care reforms in our state.

The comparison of September 2010 to September of 2011 is significant.

Highlights include:

·         Election of a conservative, pro-free market Governor, Scott Walker.

·         Both houses of the Wisconsin legislature are now controlled by pro-business Republicans.

·         Election of an experienced small businessman to the U.S. Senate, Ron Johnson of Oshkosh.

·         Two new Wisconsin Congressmen, Reid Ribble (a successful roofing contractor from Green Bay) and Sean Duffy (a former District Attorney).

·         A pro-competition Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Dennis Smith.

·         A leadership team at Wisconsin OCI that has direct insurance-sector experience.  This includes Commissioner Nickel and his Deputy, Dan Schwartzer.

The first piece of legislation passed and signed into law was the long-awaited Health Savings Account (HSA) proposal.  It provides favorable tax treatment for Wisconsin income tax purposes.

Numerous meetings have been held with the new Walker Administration, legislators and others about how best to lower health care costs, improve quality and to have them more fully appreciate the value professional insurance agents provide to small businesses and to individuals.  In addition, much attention on WAHU’s part has been given to the important details of implementing the PPACA in our state.  This includes waivers to be sought from federal HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Please see our separate Legislative Report in this packet that addresses additional, upcoming priorities for WAHU.

On a national level, NAHU too was highly engaged in their efforts on your behalf:

·         NAHU staff made numerous visits to Capitol Hill and to federal agencies, advocating on behalf of the Association’s policy initiatives.

·         NAHU staff attended many briefings, hearings and coalition meetings.

·         A significant amount of data was provided to the NAIC to assist them with their analysis of the medical loss ratio (MLR) provision in PPACA.

·         Comments were developed and shared with federal decision-makers regarding limits on flexible spending accounts, 1099 reporting provisions, broker compensation and PPACA repeal.

·         The size and the effectiveness of HUPAC has been increased significantly.

·         Substantial resources were expended for public relations and media relations.  These included news releases, letters to the editor, op-eds and training of NAHU members about working with the media.

·         Professional development has been provided for CE, on-line courses and reference materials.

WAHU and NAHU have our work cut out for us at both the Wisconsin and federal levels, to ensure favorable policies for our industry.  Now is the time for us to influence health care and health insurance policymaking for many years to come!