This past year has been a landmark year to be President of AAHU.  During the course of my tenure, we encountered the largest debate to change history with the healthcare bill to law.  I was proud to learn about the prestigious role our national chapter represents at capital hill.

I was fascinated to learn the steps of detail in bill writing and hill visits. I was diligent to help our members make their voices heard.  I was pleased in knowing we did our very best to educate our clients, associates, members and families in our Atlanta community.  We live in interesting times.  But remember, Change brings opportunity.  

So, as I move to my new role as incoming Media Chairperson, I will continue to support and encourage our Board and membership to learn, develop and educate. Our role more than ever is to help the people understand the new choices and what opportunities for change may exist.  

Thank you for choosing me to be your AAHU President for July 2009 through June 2010.  It has been a wonderful growing experience and I will treasure the education I received for the rest of my years.

Sincerely,

Jodie Braner

Immediate Past President, AAHU

Our Atlanta Chapter (AAHU) received the coveted PACESETTER award at the June 2010 NAHU convention in Chicago.  This award signifies the work and dedication the chapter provided to its members, along with the Osler Award for Education.  We were pleased to be recognized again for providing educational opportunities above and beyond our fellow chapters nationally.

In addition to our National Recognition, AAHU recognized our local members on June 11, 2010 at the Galleria Ballroom awards, to the following: 

Jodie Braner was recognized with the Presidential Award!  This award goes to the chapter leaders who excelled in building chapter awareness through education, speaking, media and charity.

Ms. Ellen Diehl with the Rick Bailey Membership Award.  Ellen was recognized as recruiting the most new members during the year.  

Mr. Al Schiebel received the Presidential Award.  Al was recognized for his outstanding achievement to help all committees with any ad hoc support throughout the year.

Mr. David James was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award. David was responsible for retention.  During a struggling economy his calls and requests to maintain membership were a challenge.  He always performed with great pride and consistency.

Last, Rich Bailey was awarded the Patty Murphy award.  This award goes to a member who has demonstrated commitment to the Association over a period of 10 years or more.  

CHIPRA Notice

Your clients must issue the attached CHIPRA Notice to their employees to stay in compliance with the federal requirements as outlined by the Department of Labor.

Georgia does allow Medicaid dollars to pay for dependent child (under age 19) premium in some cases.  The dependent child must go through a “cost effectiveness” study with the Department of Community Health to see if they are eligible for premium assistance.  DCH will allow this only if they deem that it would be more cost effective for a high-risk dependent to be covered in the group health market than on Medicaid.  An example of a high-risk dependent would be a child with cancer that is incurring high claims, as explained to us by the Deputy Commissioner John Anderson.

Source: GAHU - Under the Gold Dome Report 

SB 316  passed on April 29^th.  Georgia will join 27 other states have similar legislation that would allow Medi-gap type policies to be sold to eligible individuals under the age of 65 who qualify for Medicare due to end-stage renal failure or other such diseases.

http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/versions/sb316_LC_37_1089S_hss_7.htm

SB 411  passed on April 29^th.  This bill would allow wellness or health improvement plans to provide incentives for healthy behavior.   SB 317 wording was added as an amendment to this bill that would allow Georgian’s to opt out of the federal health care system.  This bill was originally did not make it out of the House.

http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/versions/sb411_As_passed_Senate_5.htm

Source: GAHU - Under the Gold Dome Report 

Part Time Underwriting Analyst

A fast paced benefit consulting firm has immediate need for a part-time Underwriting Analyst.  This position will handle financial analysis for health and welfare client reporting, development of experience report and bench marketing analysis.

The ideal candidate would have strong analytic skills; advanced knowledge of Excel; 2 or more years of insurance experience is helpful.   Please submit your resume and salary expectations by email to cowens@mbservices.net or fax to 770 424-5888.