Advocacy in action blog

On Friday, February 12, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that, in accordance with an Executive Order signed by President Biden, a Special Enrollment Period for the Health Insurance Marketplace will be available in the 36 states using the HealthCare.gov platform. The SEP will be available from Monday, February 15, through Saturday, May 15 for most states.

NAIFA-WA is urging changes to a long-term services bill, HB 1323, to protect employees who have purchased long-term care coverage.

NAIFA-Idaho member EmmaLee Robinson testified before a hearing of the Idaho Legislature on the Annuity Consumer Protections Act (HB 79) and encouraged lawmakers to adopt legislation based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ updated Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model. The NAIC model requires financial professionals to work in the best interests of consumers on annuity transactions.

The Ohio Department of Insurance has finalized a rule based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ updated Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model that requires financial professionals to work in the best interests of consumers on annuity transactions. The new rule goes into effect in Ohio on Feb. 14.

NAIFA strongly supports efforts to encourage and incentivize workers’ participation in employer-provided retirement plans available on the private market. Private-sector plans offered by employers provide many design features that help workers plan for secure retirements. A qualified financial professional, such as a NAIFA member, can help workers with individual retirement-planning solutions and assist employers in establishing workplace plans.

The Delaware Department of Insurance has published a final regulation based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ updated Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model that requires financial professionals to work in the best interests of consumers on annuity transactions.

NAIFA is encouraging the efforts of Indiana state Sen. Greg Walker and Rep. Martin Carbaugh to replace the Indiana Long Term Care Insurance Program, also known as the RWJ Partnership, with legislation (HB 1405 and SB 261) to create a Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) Partnership.

NAIFA's Virginia chapter held a successful Day on the Hill event on January 29, even though Virginia’s legislative session is completely virtual at present due to COVID-19. The Day on the Hill has been a key element of NAIFA-VA's advocacy mission for many years and a way for the chapter to engage with members from around the state.

The New Jersey state Senate has passed the New Jersey Insurance Fair Conduct Act, which would permit a consumer to bring a private cause of action lawsuit against an insurer accused of an unreasonable claim denial or delay in payment of benefits.

NAIFA supports Maryland state legislation that would provide consumers in the state with easier access to resources and educational materials on long-term care (LTC) planning. A NAIFA-Maryland member served on the Task Force on LTC Education and Planning that made recommendations that helped shape the bill, HB 599, Public Health – Long Term Care Planning.