Battling Constant Changes in ACA? Bookmark These Reform Resources

Part of what makes you successful as a broker is providing guidance and direction to your clients. With the shifts in reform regulation, timeline delays and process changes, it’s difficult to find your true north.

So, where can insurance brokers go to find the most accurate, up-to-date information? We’ve put together this list of the most credible, reliable, accurate and unbiased resources available. So get your mouse ready to bookmark these five great sites and find yourself with your finger on the pulse of the information your clients need.

1)      Kaiser Family Foundation

Kasier Family Foundation (KFF) has lots amazing data-rich reports and graphics on health care reform. From its interactive maps, calculators and quizzes, to relatable videos, to up-to-date studies, this is at the top of my go-to list for Affordable Care Act (ACA) info. Its consumer resources are great for your clients, too!

2)      HealthCare.gov

What better place to go for news than the source itself. HealthCare.gov has broken down complex reform regulations, creating a site that offers easy-to-follow information on how the Affordable Care Act impacts individuals, families, small businesses and brokers. The site offers key dates for consumers and small group shoppers on the exchange, as well as key takeaways you and your clients need to know including rates, dates, fees, fraud protection and more. If you have an ACA question, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for on this site.

3)      National Association of Dental Plans

Did you know that the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) offers an entire section on its website for brokers? NADP has a running column in NAHU and it is heavily involved with shaping the legislation of dental plans under the ACA. NADP has some really excellent reports and news briefs on key reform changes plus some pretty swanky reports on dental benefits. Its broker series is a great read, too.

4)      National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU)

Chances are, you’re already a regular on NAHU’s site, or receive its emails. NAHU also has local, state and regional chapters who publish their own market-specific news and updates. If you’re a regional player or have clients in states with unique regulations, find your local chapter and dive in.

5)      America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)

AHIP’s site is chock full of great information on all things insurance, which naturally includes health care reform. I subscribe to its e-newsletter and highly recommend doing so as an insurance broker. The Agents and Brokers Smart Brief is a great way to stay tuned in to the changes in health care reform. You’ll get the latest, most important news delivered to your inbox.

Plus, a BONUS SITE! I know, I know. I said there were five sites, but with the changes in reform, it’s helpful to have some extra informational ammo in your briefcase. We’ve thrown in a bonus site for you to bookmark: The Solstice Broker Blog. It’s updated weekly with news, tools, and tips that impact your business. I promise this isn’t a shameless plug; the content on this blog is centered on you, insurance brokers, so it’s your go-to site for all things ACA, ancillary, dental EHB, sales support and more. We receive feedback from the broker community, take the topics you want to know about and find out the details for you. Subscribe to the RSS feed and get new blog posts delivered via email.

Now you know where to go for accessible, accurate, updated information on reform. Being armed with the right knowledge for your clients keeps you at the forefront of your industry and ensures that you remain their trusted benefit advisor for the long run.