Sacramento, California May 30, 2024— The SAHU Golf Tournament, held on May 16th at The Ridge Golf Club in Auburn, was an outstanding event filled with sunshine, friendly competition, and memorable moments. With a total of 102 golfers and 20 vendors attending, the day was buzzing with activity. From manning the holes to driving drink carts, everyone played a part in making this tournament a tremendous success. A special shout-out to this year’s golf tournament sponsor, Word & Brown, for their generous support!

Tournament Highlights and Winner Celebrations:

1st Place Winner: Aetna Foursome

• Noah Woehler (hit a Hole-in-One at hole #12!)
• Daniel Hawkins
• Tyrone Sales
• Jacob Woehler

2nd Place Winner: Cypress Dental Foursome

• Andrew Garnett
• Chuck Richesin
• Ryan Andrew
• Mike Updegraff

1st Place Mixed Team: Capitol Insurance Solutions Foursome

• Maia Francis
• Jackie Fitzhenry
• Tim Murphrey
• Josh Hedger

Closest to the Pin Winners:

• Men: Dylan Asherman
• Women: Carmen Perea

Longest Drive Winners:

• Men: Daniel Hawkins
• Women: Marissa Herndon

Danny Langarica from Cal Choice remarked, “Yesterday was one of the best SAHU Golf Tournaments I’ve ever been to. So much fun!” This sentiment was echoed by many attendees, highlighting the success and enjoyment of the day. 

A huge thank you to all our sponsors! Your support was essential in making this event a success, and we truly appreciate it.  We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

• Event Sponsor: Word & Brown
• Social Media Sponsor: Berkley Accident and Health
• Party Tee Sponsor: Mutual of Omaha
• Margarita Sponsor: Western Health Advantage
• Tee Sponsor: Dickerson Insurance Services
• Drink Cart Sponsor: Colonial Life
• Cannon Hole Sponsor: Anthem
• Longest Drive Sponsor: Q Benefits
• Tee #10 Lunch Platinum Sponsor: Amwins
• Hole-in-One Sponsor: Paycor

To learn more about SAHU’s events, becoming a member or sponsor, please visit our website, sahu-ca.com.

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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. 

Sacramento, CA May 7, 2024 – The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) recently hosted its annual Vanguard Cornhole event, bringing together 31 teams and 70 attendees for a day of camaraderie and spirited competition.

Held last Thursday, the event highlighted the growing popularity of cornhole as a recreational activity among SAHU members.

The top three teams emerged victorious after a day of intense competition:

• 1st Place: Danny Langarica (Cal Choice) & Andy Fullerton (Wraith Scarlett Randolph) – Prizes included 2 Giants tickets and a $50 Firehouse gift card.
• 2nd Place: Brian Coppin (Cal Choice) & David Parker (Cigna + Oscar) – Prizes included a $50 Top Golf gift card and a $25 movie theater gift card.
• 3rd Place: Enoch Barrios (Covered CA) & Guest – Prizes included a $25 movie theater gift card.

Special recognition goes to Cerrina Jensen, who narrowly missed being the first woman to make it into the top 3. Her performance was commendable and showcased the inclusive nature of SAHU events.

The event also provided a platform for valuable networking opportunities, allowing brokers and general agents to connect in a relaxed setting. Participants enjoyed the friendly yet competitive atmosphere, fostering a sense of community among attendees.

“We’re thrilled with the success of this year’s Vanguard Cornhole event,” said Helen Ornellas, SAHU President. “It was great to see everyone come together for a day of fun and networking.”

SAHU would like to thank all the participants, sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible.

2024 Vanguard Cornhole Sponsors:

• Aetna
• Aflac
• Amwins
• Anthem
• Beam
• Bruins Legal Documentation
• Cal Choice
• Covered California
• Kaiser Permanente
• Marshall
• People Rock
• Sun Life
• Sutter Health
• VSP
• Western Health Advantage
• Word & Brown

For more information about SAHU and future events, visit sahu-ca.com.

To view more details about the event, visit our Cornhole Event page.

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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. 

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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. 

Sacramento, CA – River Oak, in partnership with the Sacramento Health Underwriters Association (SAHU), is thrilled to announce the launch of its annual Turkey Drive, aimed at providing Thanksgiving meals for 25 local families in need.  With the holiday season approaching, River Oak and SAHU are dedicated to giving back to as many families in the community as possible, ensuring that everyone can partake in the joy of Thanksgiving festivities.

This year, River Oak has streamlined the donation process, making it easier for everyone to contribute to this meaningful cause. By clicking the DONATE button on our website, you can support our mission and help us reach our goal of providing nutritious and delicious Thanksgiving meals for 25 deserving families.

Donations will be accepted through Friday, November 17th, 2023, allowing ample time for community members and organizations to participate and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate during the holiday season.

We cordially invite you to join us on November 20th from 10:00 AM to 10:15 AM at 5445 Laurel Hills Dr., Sacramento, CA 95841, for a special photo opportunity as we celebrate and share in the success of our Turkey Drive initiative. RSVP now to secure your spot for this heartwarming event and witness the impact of your generosity firsthand.

Andrew Garnett, SAHU’s Community Services Chair, expressed his optimism for the project, stating, “When we extend a helping hand, we create a community of giving.” Let’s come together and build a stronger, more compassionate community by ensuring that every family possible can enjoy a Thanksgiving feast this year. For further information and to RSVP, please visit our website at https://sahu-ca.com/event/2023-river-oak-center-for-childrens-turkey-dinner-drive/.

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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. 

The Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) proudly looks back on its 2023 Business & Medicare Expo as an unprecedented success. The AI Technology themed event garnered a remarkable turnout of over 300 registrants, reflecting the growing interest and commitment of professionals in the insurance industry. A highlight of the event was the Medicare Breakout session, which was met with an overflowing audience, emphasizing its significance in today’s healthcare landscape. In line with SAHU’s dedication to professional development, the Expo offered 5 CE courses that provided valuable insights and knowledge enhancement for attendees.  

SAHU also proudly announced the exceptional individuals who will be joining the SAHU board for the 2023-2024 term. This esteemed group of professionals brings their expertise and dedication to further enhance our organization’s mission, ensuring a bright future for SAHU.

The vibrant atmosphere was complemented by the presence of 30+ exhibitors who showcased the latest trends, products, and services in the industry.

Our fantastic Keynote speaker, Ryan Howard, Corporate Executive with AnalytIQ Advisors, left our audience inspired with his insights on empowering insurance sales agents through the strategic utilization of AI tools for enhanced customer engagement and substantial revenue growth.  We also had the privilege of welcoming Tim Kanter, President of California Association of Health Insurance Professionals (CAHIP), who delivered a powerful and informative legislative update, keeping our attendees well-informed on the latest industry developments. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ryan Howard and Tim Kanter for their invaluable contributions, which enriched the Expo experience for all.

We owe a great deal of gratitude to our sponsors, each of whom played a pivotal role in making the Expo an unparalleled experience!  A big shout out to Brand New Day for ensuring our attendees started their day with a nourishing breakfast, and River City Medical Group for curating an exquisite lunch. The event was energized with coffee breaks sponsored by Word & Brown, while Dignity Health brought everyone together with an enjoyable Happy Hour.  Recognition is also due to California Choice for their badge sponsorship, and Alignment Health Plans for taking on the mantle of Certification Sponsor.

Finally, we extend our profound appreciation to Western Health Advantage for championing this event as our main sponsor. Their unwavering support made it possible for SAHU to elevate the Business & Medicare Expo to new heights.

We look forward to future collaborations and even more successful events!

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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.