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Category: Newsroom

EventsNewsroomPress Release

SAHU PAC Event Recap: A Night of Impact and Insight

Sacramento, CA – SAHU members and supporters gathered last Thursday for an evening of education, advocacy, and networking at the SAHU PAC event. The event, which sold out quickly, featured intimate discussions with leading lobbyists and advocates shaping California healthcare.

Helen Ornellas, SAHU President, remarked, “The room was filled with like-minded Brokers and Agents who wanted to know what’s going on firsthand and were not let down, amazing evening.”

Guest speakers Faith Borges, Legislative Advocate, and Rob Stutzman, political commentator, provided updates on California health insurance and the current political landscape. The focus was on the Single Payor system and its status across political lines, highlighting the importance of being involved in shaping healthcare policy.

Faith Borges also spotlighted the pending initiative to implement a mandatory statewide insurance program for long-term care services and supports. Visit Long Term Care Insurance Task Force to learn more. Attendees engaged in discussions with special guests, including CAHIP President Tim Kanter and CAHIP VP of PAC Jack Holder, enriching the evening with valuable insights and expertise.

For those who missed the event, there’s an opportunity to stay involved by attending the upcoming CAHIP Capitol Summit in May. This event offers a chance to connect with industry experts, engage in discussions with legislative speakers and guests as they address the most recent healthcare concerns.

“We invite all members and those in the community to attend the upcoming CAHIP Capitol Summit in May,” said Helen Ornellas, SAHU President. “It’s another opportunity to connect, engage, and drive positive change in our healthcare system.”  For more information about the CAHIP Capitol Summit, visit Capitol Conference details HERE.

SAHU extends its gratitude to its members, event sponsors, and the community for their dedicated support and participation in the PAC event. Together, we are making a difference and driving positive change in healthcare.

Learn more about PAC HERE.

If you would like to support PAC directly, you may do so HERE.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com. 

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marketing April 18, 2024 0
NewsletterNewsroom

SAHU Newsletter | March 2024

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marketing March 31, 2024 0
EventsNewsroomPress Release

SAHU’s Disco Fever Annual Crab Feed Lights Up Sacramento with Groovy Vibes

Sacramento, CA – The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) hosted a dazzling Disco Fever-themed Crab Feed on Friday, March 15th, which brought together 350 attendees for an evening of fun, food, and fundraising.

The event, held at Citrus Heights Community Center, was a huge success, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. Their contributions helped make this event possible and allows SAHU to continue its mission of supporting other health insurance professionals, and our advocacy for better health care in California.

The evening featured a delectable array of seafood, including 800 pounds of crab and 100 pounds of shrimp, which were enjoyed by all.

Guests got into the groove at the silent auction, bidding on disco-tastic items like tropical trips, sports memorabilia, and art pieces. Adding to the disco fever, a dazzling array of desserts, generously donated by SAHU members and sponsors were eagerly bid on and enjoyed by many.

The evening concluded with an unforgettable costume contest and dance-off, where guys and gals showed off their best disco moves and grooved to the sounds of the ’70s.

SAHU would like to thank all of our sponsors, donors, and attendees for making this event a success. Your support is truly appreciated and will help SAHU continue to serve the health underwriting community in Sacramento.

SAHU extends a special thank you to the incredible committee, whose diligent work made this evening success:

  • Diane Christian – InterWest
  • Carmen Perea – Benefit Mall
  • Rosamaria Marrujo – Trusted American
  • Penelope Yanez – Kaiser Permanente
  • Peter Alamillo – Delta Dental
  • Helen Ornellas – Ornellas & Associates
  • Specs Lanham
  • Liz Mack – Kaiser Permanente
  • Jackie Martinez – Ornellas & Associates
  • David Pierce – Canopy Health
  • Cerrina Jensen – Stellar Stories
  • David Brabender – Atman Insurance
  • Addison Beverly – Aetna
  • Lauren Bayha – BenefitsBay
1) SAHU President, Helen Ornellas.
Crab Feed Event Sponsor, Amwins Connect team.
Aetna- Dessert Sponsor, & Addison Beverly with their delightful dessert donation.
Crab Feed Costume Sponsor, WHA team
Groovy attendees feelin’ the disco funk!
Groovy attendees feelin’ the disco funk!
Groovy attendees feelin’ the disco funk!

To view the full gallery, and get a full recap of the evening, visit our SAHU site.     

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com. 

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marketing March 31, 2024 0
NewsletterNewsroom

SAHU Newsletter | February 2024

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marketing February 29, 2024 0
NewsletterNewsroom

SAHU Newsletter | January 2024

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marketing January 31, 2024 0
NewsletterNewsroom

SAHU Newsletter | December 2023

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marketing December 31, 2023 0
NewsroomYear in Review

SAHU 2022 – 2023 Year in Review

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marketing December 28, 2023 0
NewsroomPress Release

Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) Delivers Holiday Joy with Successful Completion of donating to the River Oak Center for Children Toy Drive

SACRAMENTO, December 19, 2023 — After weeks of anticipation and community engagement, the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) is pleased to share the success of its collaboration with the River Oak Center for Children for the annual toy drive. The initiative aimed to bring holiday cheer to 100 children of all ages, and thanks to the unwavering support of the community, it exceeded expectations.

The streamlined donation process through the Amazon shopping link proved to be a resounding success, allowing community members to effortlessly contribute and make a meaningful difference in a child’s Christmas morning. SAHU extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who clicked, shopped, and shared in the spirit of giving.

In addition to online contributions, SAHU members took part in a special in-person volunteer opportunity at the ‘Santa Workshop,’ hosted by the River Oak Center for Children on Thursday, December 14th, 2023. This unique event transformed SAHU members into Santa’s elves, as they dedicated their time to wrapping gifts that will create enchanting moments for parents and children on Christmas morning.

“Once again, the Sacramento Community has come together to bring joy to the families who need it the most this holiday season. said Andrew Garnett, Community Services Chair.  The Toy Drive was a huge success! Members of SAHU were able to meet many of the families that will be receiving the toys on behalf their children.  The gratitude these mothers, fathers, and grandparents had as we wrapped up their toys for them was unbelievable. It’s an experience I will never forget.  I am very grateful to be a small part of the kindhearted community that we are.   Thank you for all your support! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at SAHU.”

As SAHU wraps up this year’s toy drive, the organization remains committed to its mission of making a positive impact in the community. The success of this initiative reinforces SAHU’s dedication to serving and uplifting those in need, and the association looks forward to continuing its meaningful contributions in the future.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com.

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marketing December 20, 2023 0
NewsroomPress Release

CMS’ 2025 Proposed Final Rule: SAHU Advocates for Industry Response with Compensation & Marketing Changes On the Rise

In response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2025 Proposed Final Rule, the Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) is taking a proactive stance to represent the interests of its members and the broader health insurance community.

CMS has introduced a comprehensive proposed final rule, CMS-4205-P, set to bring about substantial changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D programs, effective from the 2025 contracting year starting September 30, 2024. Notably, the proposed rule addresses critical aspects of Medicare marketing and communications policies, particularly impacting agent and broker compensation outlined in Section 1851(j) of the Act.

Key elements of the proposed final rule encompass the elimination of administrative fees and overrides, restrictions on services provided to Medicare agents, impacts on different agency types, changes in marketing reimbursements and Health Risk Assessments (HRA) fees, modifications in commission structures, and operational adjustments for agents and agencies.

SAHU and its board members believe that CMS-4205-P may have certain drawbacks, particularly as this policy would essentially leave agents and brokers unable to directly recover administrative costs. These adjustments impacting FMO/Agency support, training, technology, and related aspects will influence beneficiary options by diminishing the number of agents not only promoting Medicare Advantage but also providing a diverse range of plans. In essence, this regulation is poised to yield outcomes contrary to its intended objectives.

“Field Marketing Organizations (FMOs) are General Agents who provide training, and a multitude of compliance expertise to field agents. Agents struggled to comply with the recent CMS recording requirements, but FMOs were able to quickly provide a scalable solution. Without the general support of FMOs, insurance carriers would need to provide these services, raising their administrative costs and premiums to beneficiaries.” Says, NABIP CEO Jessica Brooks-Woods.

With the CMS-4205-P proposal open for public comment until January 5th, SAHU urges its members and the broader community to unite in advocating for the best interests of our clients and the sustained strength of our profession. We encourage everyone to contribute professional and constructive feedback, and comments can be conveniently submitted through Regulations.gov.

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com. 

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marketing December 5, 2023 0
SAHUToyDrive
NewsroomPress Release

SAHU Teams Up with River Oak Center for Children to Support Their Annual Christmas Toy Drive

Sacramento, CA – The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) is thrilled to announce its collaboration with the River Oak Center for Children for their much-anticipated annual toy drive. With a goal to bring holiday cheer to 100 children of all ages, SAHU invites the community to join in the festive spirit of giving.

This year, River Oak has streamlined the donation process, making it easier than ever to contribute. Simply click on the Amazon shopping link and choose a gift to make a meaningful difference in a child’s Christmas morning.

For those looking for a hands-on experience, SAHU invites you to join a special in-person volunteer opportunity at the ‘Santa Workshop’ hosted by the River Oak Center for Children. Be part of the magic on Thursday, December 14th, 2023, as we become Santa’s elves, wrapping gifts to help create enchanting moments for parents and children on Christmas morning.

Volunteer sign-ups are available on our SAHU Event Page here.  This is a fantastic chance to donate your time, spread the festive spirit, and assist families in preparing for their Christmas morning.

“We all know that it’s not about what’s under the tree at Christmas, it’s about who’s around it. Join us in coming together to embrace those families who need it the most and spread the magic of Christmas,” says Andrew Garnett, Community Service Chair at SAHU.

How to Get Involved:

Donate Online: https://sahu-ca.com/event/river-oak-center-for-children-holiday-gift-drive-2023/.  You will find a helpful Shopping list and link to shop!

 ‘Santa’s Workshop’ Volunteer Sign-up:  Volunteer days are being held at the River Oak Center on December 14th, with various time slots available to select.  This year, River Oak is looking for volunteers to checkout items, wrap gifts, replenish items, and lend a helping to support this event.  Click this sign-up form to register.

To learn more about this event, visit our SAHU Events Page.

We hope you can join us in the spirit of giving back this season to bless 100 kids with a special gift this Christmas. The SAHU community wishes everyone a joyful and magical holiday season!

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For over 30 years, SAHU has worked to improve our members’ ability to meet the health, financial and retirement security needs of all Californians and Americans through education, advocacy, and professional development. For more information, please visit: sahu-ca.com. 

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marketing December 1, 2023 0
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