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Tag: insurance

Monitoring Snow Loads to Protect Structures

Monday, 09 January 2023 by RISQ Consulting
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.

Major snow events can impact the integrity of a structure, making it imperative for commercial property owners to understand their building’s characteristics and structural system prior to the start of the snow season. Having familiarity with the building structure can help owners determine if any changes occurred during a major snow event and if repairs are necessary. This article discusses key building information owners should be aware of, what to look for during a pre-season inspection and warning signs of a building in duress.

Key Building Information

A commercial property owner’s knowledge of their building could be the difference between getting through a major snow event safely or experiencing structural failure. Property owners should know the following regarding the current condition of the structure:

  • Applicable building codes
  • Design snow load
  • Structural framing system
  • Thermal properties
  • Renovation history

Pre-season Inspection

A proper commercial building inspection can reveal the actual condition of a property and give owners the opportunity to fix any problems before the snow season begins. To mitigate damage and identify any potential issues, commercial property owners should:

  • Perform a detailed inspection. Check for cracks, split seams, buckling, loose parts, staining, mold and rot while inspecting:
    • Surface membranes
    • Roof vents
    • Flashing
    • Field tears
    • Gutters
    • Drainage pipes
  • Clean debris. Ensure the roof is clear of debris, including fallen branches, leaves and garbage. Debris can prevent water from draining, allowing snow to buildup and cause water damage or add weight to the structure.
  • Look for pooling water. Keep an eye out for areas where water pools, as this could be an indication of a clogged drain or slow-draining line.
  • Check the flashing. Inspect the flashing—the thin material used to direct water away from certain areas on the roof—before winter for cracks or crevices that would allow water to enter.
  • Inspect the downspouts. Ensure downspouts are properly attached to the gutters, clear of debris and that their termination bars are sealed.

While these can all be inspected regularly by the owner or an employee, utilizing a certified roof inspector who knows what to look for can help ensure the roof is in good condition before any major snow events occur.

Warning Signs of Duress

Roof decks or framing that is under duress from snow loads typically display warning signs. Commercial property owners should watch for the following signs in wood, metal and steel constructed buildings:

  • Ceiling tiles or boards that are sagging or falling out of the ceiling grid
  • Sprinkler lines and sprinkler heads that are sagging or deflecting below suspended ceilings
  • Roof members, such as metal decking or plywood sheathing, that are sagging
  • Doors or windows that no longer open or close
  • Wood members that are cracked or split
  • Walls or masonry that are cracked
  • Truss bottom chords or web members that are bowing
  • Popping, cracking and creaking noises

If any of these warning signs are observed, the building should be promptly evacuated, and a detailed structural inspection should be conducted by a qualified professional.

Conclusion

Major snow events can cause a lot of damage to a commercial structure, especially if it hasn’t been properly inspected and maintained. Therefore, commercial property owners should ensure that their building is prepared for winter weather by inspecting the structure and making any necessary repairs. For more information, contact us today.

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Thanksgiving FAILS – A Day You’ll Be Most Thankful For Insurance!

Monday, 28 November 2022 by RISQ Consulting
By Jennifer Outcelt, Creative Content Architect

We like to think of Thanksgiving as a wholesome day with family and friends enjoying each other’s company and extolling the many blessings we have had throughout the year. But in reality, it is often a day of great stress. Aren’t you thankful for having to clean your entire home, cook a ginormous meal that needs to all be done at the same time, do a ton of dishes, and make happy conversation with all your family (even though great Aunt Gladys is a bit of a wrench)? All while trying not to let on that you are one “So, when are you having more kids?” question away from a complete breakdown. Yeah, there may be a ton to be thankful for at Thanksgiving, but some things… not so much.

But if you are trying to out-do your brother-in-law’s brined and herbed turkey spectacular from last year by trying your hand at that whole fried turkey thing (how hard could it be?), then there’s one thing that you will definitely be thankful for; Insurance. Apparently, “firefighters responded to 1,630 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving in 2018 (the latest data available)—250% above the year’s daily average of 470.” That’s a ton of not-so-well-done birds!

Check out these interesting stats about holiday cooking fires and the home owner’s insurance that could save your rump!

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/thanksgiving-fires/ 

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Officials Saw More Professional Cybercriminals and Infrastructure Attacks in 2021

Wednesday, 16 February 2022 by RISQ Consulting
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.

Ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure increased in 2021, hitting 14 of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors in the United States, according to a report from cybersecurity authorities in multiple countries.

Ransomware trends and recommendations were laid out in a Joint Cybersecurity Advisory, coauthored by cybersecurity agencies in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. The report noted that evolving tactics and techniques of cybercriminals demonstrated their growing sophistication and their increased threat to organizations globally.

Officials cited attacks on critical sectors like the defense industrial base, emergency services, food and agriculture, government facilities and information technology.

Authorities recognized ransomware as the biggest cyberthreat facing the United States, with the education sector being one of the top targets. Other targeted sectors included businesses, charities, legal professionals, and public services in the local government and health sectors.

Cybersecurity authorities observed an increasingly professional field of ransomware actors in 2021.

Along with the increased use of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS), threat actors employed independent services to negotiate payments, assist victims in making payments and arbitrate payment disputes with other cybercriminals. Criminal groups in Europe and Asia have also shared victim information with each other.

According to the report, authorities observed that “some ransomware threat actors offered their victims the services of a 24/7 help center to expedite ransom payment and restoration of encrypted systems or data.”

In the United States, ransomware actors shifted their focus from “big game” organizations to midsize victims halfway through 2021 after they suffered disruptions from cyber authorities. The switch was to reduce scrutiny, officials said.

Most commonly, cybercriminals continued to initiate ransomware attacks via phishing emails, stolen remote desktop protocols (RDP) credentials and exploited software vulnerabilities.

“These infection vectors likely remain popular because of the increased use of remote work and schooling starting in 2020 and continuing through 2021,” the report stated. “This increase expanded the remote attack surface and left network defenders struggling to keep pace with routine software patching.”

Cybercriminals increased their impact through a few methods—such as by targeting the cloud, managed service providers (MSPs) and software supply chain entities—and several groups have begun attacking industrial processes. More attacks against U.S. entities occurred on holidays and weekends.

Criminals also expanded methods to extort money from victims. They would threaten to release stolen information publicly, disrupt victims’ internet access, and/or inform the victims’ partners or shareholders of the incident.

Authorities had several recommendations to reduce the likelihood and impact of ransomware attacks. Organizations should keep all operating systems and software up to date; secure and monitor potentially risky services (e.g., RDP); implement user training programs and phishing exercises; require multifactor authentication (MFA); require strong and unique passwords; protect cloud storage by backing up to multiple locations; and encrypt cloud data.

For more cybersecurity guidance, contact RISQ Consulting today.

 

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Understanding Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs)

Tuesday, 08 February 2022 by RISQ Consulting
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.

 

You may have heard of health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) before. These are employer-sponsored savings accounts that reimburse you for certain medical expenses.

An individual coverage HRA (ICHRA) is similar—it uses funds from your employer to help pay for certain medical expenses. However, there are some important features of ICHRAs that you should understand.

This article explains more about ICHRAs and how they may be used.

Comparing HRAs to ICHRAs

As previously stated, HRAs reimburse you for certain medical costs. Such expenses might include those associated with doctor visits, medical procedures and prescriptions, depending on the plan. To qualify for an HRA, you must be enrolled in your employer’s group health plan.

ICHRAs are a bit different. These accounts can reimburse you for certain medical expenses, your insurance premium or both. Whether your ICHRA will cover both your premium and medical expenses (or just one) will vary by employer.

ICHRA Eligibility

To qualify for an ICHRA, you must enroll in individual health coverage using a Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace), a private insurer, Medicare or another method. In other words, you cannot be enrolled in an employer’s group health plan and qualify for an ICHRA.

Additionally, any dependents (e.g., a spouse or children) you have on your individual health plan would also be able to use ICHRA funds.

How ICHRAs Work

On a very basic level, here’s how an ICHRA works:

  • You obtain individual health coverage through a Marketplace or another method rather than purchasing health coverage through your employer.
  • Your employer contributes a set amount every month into your ICHRA so you can be reimbursed for certain expenses as they are incurred. Contributions and reimbursements are both tax-free. Your employer decides which expenses are eligible for reimbursement under the plan’s terms.
  • Unused funds at the end of the plan year may go back to the employer or carry over, depending on the plan.

It’s as simple as that!

More Information

Speak with HR to learn more about the ICHRA options available to you.

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Understand Your Rights Against Surprise Medical Bills

Thursday, 27 January 2022 by RISQ Consulting
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.

 

The No Surprises Act protects people covered under group and individual health plans from receiving surprise medical bills when they receive most emergency services, non-emergency services from out-of-network providers at in-network facilities and services from out-of-network air ambulance service providers. It also establishes an independent dispute resolution process for payment disputes between plans and providers, and provides new dispute resolution opportunities for uninsured and self-pay individuals when they receive a medical bill that is substantially greater than the good faith estimate they get from the provider.

Starting in 2022, there are new protections that prevent surprise medical bills. If you have private health insurance, these new protections ban the most common types of surprise bills. If you’re uninsured or you decide not to use your health insurance for a service, under these protections, you can often get a good faith estimate of the cost of your care up front before your visit. If you disagree with your bill, you may be able to dispute the charges. Here’s what you need to know about your new rights.

What Are Surprise Medical Bills?

Before the No Surprises Act, if you had health insurance and received care from an out-of-network provider or an out-of-network facility, even unknowingly, your health plan may not have covered the entire out-of-network cost. This could have left you with higher costs than if you got care from an in-network provider or facility. In addition to any out-of-network cost-sharing you might have owed, the out-of-network provider or facility could bill you for the difference between the billed charge and the amount your health plan paid, unless banned by state law. This is called “balance billing.” An unexpected balance bill from an out-of-network provider is also called a surprise medical bill.

People with Medicare and Medicaid already enjoy these protections and are not at risk for surprise billing.

What Are the New Protections if I Have Health Insurance?

If you get health coverage through your employer, a Health Insurance Marketplace or an individual health insurance plan you purchase directly from an insurance company, these new rules will:

  • Ban surprise bills for most emergency services, even if you get them out-of-network and without approval beforehand (prior authorization).
  • Ban out-of-network cost-sharing (such as out-of-network coinsurance or copayments) for most emergency and some non-emergency services. You can’t be charged more than in-network cost-sharing for these services.
  • Ban out-of-network charges and balance bills for certain additional services (such as anesthesiology or radiology) furnished by out-of-network providers as part of a patient’s visit to an in-network facility.
  • Require that health care providers and facilities give you an easy-to-understand notice explaining the applicable billing protections, who to contact if you have concerns that a provider or facility has violated the protections and that patient consent is required to waive billing protections (i.e., you must receive notice of and consent to being balance billed by an out-of-network provider).

What if I Don’t Have Health Insurance or Choose to Pay for Care on My Own Without Using My Health Insurance (Also Known as “Self-Paying”)?

If you don’t have insurance or you self-pay for care, in most cases, these new rules make sure you can get a good faith estimate of how much your care will cost before you receive it.

What if I’m Charged More Than My Good Faith Estimate?

For services provided in 2022, you can dispute a medical bill if your final charges are at least $400 higher than your good faith estimate and you file your dispute claim within 120 days of the date on your bill.

What if I Don’t Have Insurance From an Employer, a Marketplace or an Individual Plan? Do These New Protections Apply to Me?

Some health insurance coverage programs already have protections against surprise medical bills. If you have coverage through Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE, or receive care through the Indian Health Services or Veterans Health Administration, you don’t need to worry because you’re already protected against surprise medical bills from providers and facilities that participate in these programs.

What if My State Has a Surprise Billing Law?

The No Surprises Act supplements state surprise billing laws; it does not supplant them. The No Surprises Act instead creates a “floor” for consumer protections against surprise bills from out-of-network providers and related higher cost-sharing responsibility for patients. So as a general matter, as long as a state’s surprise billing law provides at least the same level of consumer protections against surprise bills and higher cost-sharing as does the No Surprises Act and its implementing regulations, the state law generally will apply.

For example, if your state operates its own patient-provider dispute resolution process that determines appropriate payment rates for self-pay consumers, and Health and Human Services (HHS) has determined that the state’s process meets or exceeds the minimum requirements under the federal patient-provider dispute resolution process, then HHS will defer to the state process and would not accept such disputes into the federal process.

As another example, if your state has an All-Payer Model Agreement or another state law that determines payment amounts to out-of-network providers and facilities for a service, the All-Payer Model Agreement or other state law will generally determine your cost-sharing amount and the out-of-network payment rate.

Where Can I Learn More?

Still have questions? Visit CMS.gov/nosurprises or reach out to human resources.

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How to Get Your Free At-home COVID-19 Test

Tuesday, 25 January 2022 by RISQ Consulting
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.

 

If you participate in a health plan—through your employer or otherwise—you are likely eligible for free, over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for home use. Depending on your plan, your COVID-19 tests will be paid for directly by insurance, or you will be reimbursed later for the cost. The human resources (HR) department will be able to tell you which applies to you. Keep reading to learn more about this cost-saving opportunity.

 

Up to what price is covered?

In many instances, insurance companies are only required to reimburse you at a rate of up to $12 per individual test (or the cost of the test if it’s less than $12). This is typically the case when your insurance company has specific locations they want you to get your test from. However, if your insurance company doesn’t specify where you may get a COVID-19 test, you may be able to be reimbursed for your full test cost, even if it exceeds $12. In all cases, keep your receipts! Speak with your HR department to learn more about your plan’s cost limits and preferred purchasing locations.


Do I need to purchase the test at a certain location for it to be free?

Your employer may have specific locations (e.g., pharmacies) where you can pick up a free test that is paid for directly by your insurance. Your HR department will be able to tell you. However, you can also purchase a COVID-19 test from anywhere you like (i.e., online or in-person at a store) and still be reimbursed up to $12 for the test (or more, depending on your plan). Be sure to keep your receipts in order to be reimbursed.


How will I be reimbursed for my test?

If you need to be reimbursed for a COVID-19 test (i.e., it was not free at the point of sale), keep your receipts. Then, reach out to your HR department —they will be able to tell you how to submit the receipt for reimbursement from your insurance company.


How long will reimbursement take?

Reimbursement is typically prompt, but it may vary. Your HR department will be able to provide a more accurate time estimate.


What if I cannot afford to pay for a test upfront and wait for reimbursement?

There are a number of low- or no-cost COVID-19 testing options. You can find community-based testing sites here. Alternatively, COVID-19 tests are also available without cost sharing or limitations to covered individuals when administered by a health care provider (e.g., a nurse, doctor or pharmacist).


Can I be reimbursed for past COVID-19 tests I purchased?

Insurance companies are only obligated to reimburse you for COVID-19 tests purchased on or after Jan. 15, 2022. Any tests bought before then are not covered. However, while the answer will generally be no, you still can speak with your plan sponsor about potential reimbursement for COVID-19 tests you bought previously.


Is there a limit on the number of tests I can be reimbursed for?

Your plan is required to provide reimbursement for eight tests per month, regardless of whether the tests are bought all at once or at separate times throughout the month.


My workplace requires weekly COVID-19 testing. Can I be reimbursed for these tests?

Plans are not required to provide coverage for testing (including at-home COVID-19 tests) that is for employment purposes. Speak with your HR department to learn more about ’s testing requirements and your potential related costs.


Where can I learn more?

If you have any questions about the information in this article, reach out to your HR department.

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EPLI Claims on the Rise

Tuesday, 04 January 2022 by RISQ Consulting
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.

 

As COVID-19 vaccination rates increase and transmission rates of the virus decrease, employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) claims involving retaliation are expected to continue to increase as employees return to the workplace. Data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) shows that EPLI claims alleging retaliation have increased every year since 2003, with 37,632 workplace retaliation claims filed in 2020. The claims are typically filed in conjunction with discrimination or wrongful termination allegations.

The EEOC anticipates a rise in whistleblower claims from employees bringing forward concerns about health and safety in the workplace. Such claims may include employees concerned about exposure to COVID-19 due to unsafe working conditions or situations where employees allege they were wrongfully denied a request for leave or workplace accommodation.

The cost to defend and settle retaliation lawsuits has increased considerably in recent years, and the EEOC doesn’t anticipate that trend slowing down. With more workers bringing forth COVID-19-related legal actions, businesses are eager to purchase EPLI policies. However, the shift in the market has resulted in higher policy retentions, premium increases and new exclusions specific to COVID-19 exposures, and EPL insurers have started scaling back coverage.

Businesses can be proactive in mitigating EPL claims by:

  • Distributing an employee handbook—The handbook should contain the company’s equal employment opportunity policy and provide employees with steps for reporting discrimination or harassment.
  • Developing a code of ethics policy—Avoid ethical violations by developing and implementing a code of ethics and sharing it with all employees. This can help reduce an employer’s exposure to punitive damages.
  • Instituting handbook auditing procedures—Keep the handbook up to date on the latest law changes by having an audit procedure in place.

As employees return to the office, employers should review their EPL coverage and take proper precautions to avoid EPL claims. For more information on EPLI, contact us today.  

Remote Employees More Isolated Than Ever

As the world enters the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote employees feel more isolated than ever. According to a survey from One Poll and Volley, 7 out of 10 employees who work from home report feeling increasingly isolated after more than a year out of the office. Two-thirds of respondents also report feeling disconnected from their teams, with a similar percentage reporting they work directly with someone they could not pick out of a lineup.

Loneliness can result in poor mental health outcomes, such as depression or anxiety. Employers should be concerned that isolation can lead to increased stress levels and poor decision-making, both of which can hurt business. However, it can be difficult to detect symptoms of isolation.

To better thrive in remote work situations, employers should encourage employees to:

  • Reach out to coworkers. Utilizing video and audio calls throughout the week to communicate and brainstorm with coworkers can increase feelings of collaboration and inclusion. It can also help teams communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.
  • Work outside the house once a week. As more COVID-19 vaccinations are administered and restrictions are lifted, it can be helpful to work outside the home at least one day per week. A library, café or co-working space can help fight feelings of isolation.
  • Go outside for lunch. Taking a break and enjoying a nice walk during lunch can help bring fresh energy back to work. Making time for movement outside or inside can help boost endorphins.
  • Make plans for after work. Schedule time with friends and family after work to feel less lonely. Having plans can also ensure employees don’t overwork or get burnt out.

Employers should be proactive in reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation in remote workers to improve morale and business outcomes. For more information, contact us today.

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Nonstandard Auto Insurance

Monday, 27 December 2021 by RISQ Consulting
This article is from RISQ Consulting’s Zywave client portal, a resource available to all RISQ Consulting clients. Please contact your Benefits Consultant or Account Executive for more information or for help setting up your own login.

 

When a driver buys auto insurance, the insurance provider will make a calculated risk by agreeing to cover them. In exchange for coverage, the driver pays the insurance company an insurance premium (typically monthly, semiannually or annually). This premium is based on various risk factors, including age, marital status, credit history, vehicle type and driving history. Sometimes, if a driver has significant operating risks, they may not be able to be covered as part of standard, low-risk insurance pools. As a result, they may be required to buy nonstandard auto insurance.

However, needing nonstandard auto insurance isn’t as uncommon as you might think. According to research from Verisk, a data and analytics company, 20% of premiums paid for auto insurance are for nonstandard policies. Other industry experts say this number could be as high as 40%.

While the average nonstandard auto policy won’t look much different from a standard plan, it often costs more overall. Nonstandard policyholders often find it a bit more challenging to find affordable coverage. Keep the following general guidelines in mind when getting coverage.

 

Who Typically Needs a Nonstandard Auto Policy?

There are a handful of groups of people who would typically need to purchase a nonstandard auto policy. One group includes drivers with major traffic violations or other significant operating risks on their records. A driver might earn this designation if they:

  • Are under 25 years old
  • Carry an SR-22 certificate, which certain states impose on drivers who commit certain driving offenses
  • Have a tarnished driving record with numerous infractions for reckless driving
  • Have had a DUI or OWI charge
  • Drive a vehicle with a salvage title
  • Have previously driven uninsured or underinsured
  • Have a poor credit rating (most states allow insurers to consider credits when setting your rates)
  • Carry a foreign license or have no driving record in the United States
  • Have a high risk of accidents

Outside of this group of high-risk drivers, other individuals may need to purchase a nonstandard auto policy if they have a luxury vehicle, racecar or another type of vehicle that has a higher risk of theft or large losses.

These indicators show an insurer that, statistically, this driver may be more likely to have another high-cost claim or accident that the insurer would need to pay for on the driver’s behalf. Since the driver is now a greater cost risk to the insurer, they will have to compensate for that risk by charging the driver a higher premium. Every insurance company is different, which is why it’s important to work with a qualified agent to determine what type of coverage may be necessary. 

 

Differences Between Standard and Nonstandard Policies

The primary difference between standard and nonstandard auto insurance policies is their cost. Nonstandard policies are offered only to drivers with the highest risk of causing accidents or filing significant claims on their policies. The higher cost that comes with the policy is designed to cover the additional cost and more frequent claims filed by these drivers, on average.

Some insurers don’t offer nonstandard policies, which might force drivers who have been newly classified as nonstandard to look for coverage from an entirely new insurance carrier. Still, nonstandard auto policies will generally contain all the coverage options available to regular drivers, and an agent can help a driver customize a policy to fit their needs.

 

Residual Market Auto Insurance Policies – Coverage for the Highest Risk Drivers

At times, some drivers will have such high operating risks that they will be unable to obtain insurance through even a nonstandard plan. To still get the coverage you are required to carry, they will have to obtain coverage through the residual market. The residual market is a pool of drivers managed by state regulators. When you apply for coverage through the residual market, your state’s Department of Insurance will then require one of the insurers operating in their borders to issue you a plan. Residual market plans are often among the most expensive policies available and should only be considered as a last resort.

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Ring-Ring, Your Future Career Calling

Friday, 10 September 2021 by RISQ Consulting
By Tiffany Stock, Director of Marketing & Client Relations | Employee Benefits Consultant | Partner

I know it may be hard to believe, but there isn’t a never-ending flow of resumes and applications coming in for people looking to get their foot in the door to start a career in insurance. In my almost 14 years in this industry, I can say I have only met one person who said they knew they wanted to work in insurance when they were growing up – I know, again, hard to believe [insert sarcastic face here]. I mean, I went through a few phases and thought I wanted to be a doctor, a graphic artist, or work in advertising – but never once did I think I’d work for an insurance brokerage and consulting firm.

Back in 2008, I had just had my second daughter and was working for an advertising and consulting firm. It was a small agency owned by a husband and wife, which was perfect for that time in my life. Being a small agency, I had my hands in a little bit of everything and got to meet a lot of people. But once I had two young children at home, I started to feel like if I was going to be away from them for forty+ hours per week, then I needed a job with more of a career path, room for growth, and new opportunities to learn. I hate to say it, but I was BORED. So, I updated my resume and started surfing the internet looking for open positions (I know that statement just dated me😊).

I came across an ad on Craigslist for an administrative position, no company name shown, and it was posted by a staffing agency saying something like, “Are you looking for a new career? Do you like creating presentations and working with a team? Opportunities for growth…”  you get the picture. So, I submitted by resume and got through a few rounds of interviews, one of them ended up being a lunch interview at Pizza Plaza! Well, I got the job! I remember many times in the first few years, the then President of the company would check in with me to make sure I wasn’t “bored.” And I can say, there is not one time since I started in this industry where boredom has set in!

There are many different types of insurance, so I’m going to narrow down the focus to where my experience and opinions lie, in the Employee Benefits realm. Think of all the types of benefits you might look to an employer to provide you with (or at least provide access to). All types of insurance are highly regulated, and employee benefits is no exception. Both from the state and federal level, Health & Human Services, Department of Labor, Internal Revenue Service, State Divisions of Insurance, etc. all have a part in the rules and regulations surrounding the benefits you can get from your employer. There is so much to learn and just when you think you may have “mastered” something, a new piece of legislation gets passed, or a new product is introduced – there are never-ending learning opportunities in this field. And if you find a particular type of product or program that interests you, there is plenty of room to become a “specialist” in that topic.

You get to meet A LOT of different people, from local family-owned business owners, to boards of directors, people representing all sectors of our economy, from Presidents and CEOs, down to entry-level staff. At the end of the day, my job is to help employers know what their options are and help them evaluate those options to ensure those benefits align with their goals and objectives. Then, I facilitate making sure that their employees know what is available to them and be there as a resource to help them make the most of it.

One of the best things about my job is when I know I have helped someone. Insurance is a tool to help with financial protection. In the case of health or life insurance, you hope people never have to use it, but if they do or think they may, I hope I’ve made sure all my clients and their employees know we are here to help them navigate those difficult times.

It’s not all great, but I’m not sure of any job that doesn’t have its fair share of ups and downs. Let’s get real, it can be tough working in an industry that is so highly regulated, especially in a state that has some of the highest healthcare costs in the country. Things don’t always go the way we want or the way we hope, so during those times it’s so important to make sure you have a great work-family. Having an awesome team that supports you and an employer that has your back is crucial when those tough times come along. When I think of my team and the traits that make us successful, like being intellectually curious, self-motivated, a team player, and always looking for ways to make things better, the sky is the limit.

So, if you know of someone looking for a new career path, send them our way. Retirement is still in the distant future for me, but there is no better time than now to start looking for the person who can fill my shoes when that time comes. It may not be the career most kids dream of, but it certainly enables me to live the life most adults dream of!

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