(Arlington, VA) – Health care policymakers and leaders will speak about the implementation and future of health care reform at the National Association of Health Underwriters’ (NAHU) 22nd Annual Capitol Conference. More than 700 health insurance agents, brokers and consultants are expected to attend the conference, held at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on January 23-25, to address issues such as medical loss ratio, exchanges and the importance of health insurance advisors.

"As NAHU members address issues of healthcare reform implementation, we can better understand how to increase access to high-quality healthcare and ease the financial burden of healthcare costs on American families and small businesses," said NAHU CEO Janet Trautwein. "We spend every day helping millions of individuals and employers find policies that will provide them with the best and most affordable coverage. With all the changes and complications created by the new law, this endeavor is more important than ever. No one is more committed to finding solutions for the health and financial well-being of America."

Key speakers include Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), Representatives Kurt Schrader (D-OR), Mike Coffman (R-CO), Greg Wren (R-AL) and Barbara Sears (R-OH), Director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight at Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Steve Larsen, Deputy Commissioner for Life and Health at the Wisconsin Department of Insurance Dan Schwartzer, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Josh Sharfstein and many other industry professionals.

At NAHU’s Capitol Conference, health insurance agents and brokers communicate their legislative agenda to congressional leaders. One of NAHU's top advocacy goals is to minimize the potential health insurance cost increases from the new law and to make sure that elected officials understand the critical role that health insurance agents, brokers and consultants play in our health care system.

"This conference is an opportunity for health insurance professionals and members of Congress to exchange ideas and bring greater understanding to what health care reform means for Americans," said NAHU President Mel Schlesinger. "We work directly with consumers who need help finding quality, affordable coverage in a time of great economic turmoil. And as such, we are perfectly suited to help shape the future of health care."