Dear Members,

A few years ago, there was a referendum that put universal health care to a vote for the residents of Massachusetts.  At the time, I was a member of NAHU but I didn’t know there was a state chapter, until I received an invitation to attend a meeting concerning this onerous Question #5.  With such an important legislative issue on the ballot, I thought the meeting would surely be filled with concerned brokers like myself; instead, there were fewer than ten.

That is the day I met Paul Pietro. We talked and I decided to get involved, joining the board of MassAHU in its reemergence in the state, a newly formed chapter started by a broker from New Hampshire at the request of NAHU headquarters. 

The ballot did not pass, but it wasn’t a terribly comfortable defeat either.  We knew we needed to build an organization with a voice.  But the going was slow. Chris Delorey became President in 2000, followed by Paul Pietro in 2003, and then I took office in 2005.  Also in 2005 we took a leap of faith and hired our association manager and lobbyist. 

Finally, from those meager days a few years ago, our membership has grown from less than forty people to over 220, with new members joining every month.  We have had three successful annual trade shows, influenced the outcome of health care reform, established a great website and have quality CE  programs and communications with our members.  Yet, as proud as I am of all we have accomplished in this time, I have to say that our work is just beginning.

If you look at our association’s strategic plan, you will not only see where we are but where we want to be.  Under Jean Russell’s leadership next month, we will be embarking on two exciting steps to help our association grow in stature as well as membership.  We are doing this FOR you and we can’t do it WITHOUT you, so I hope you will come to the annual meeting next week to hear our plans and be part of our future success.

It is time to face the truth, that the role of the broker in health insurance is not guaranteed in Massachusetts, nor in states around the country or the nation itself.  We know that we are a valuable part of the process; we know that we have knowledge and skills and expertise and compassion and all the things that are necessary to make the connection between health insurance and consumers.  But do others know that?

Our work is cut out for us.  Our key goal is to increase MassAHU’s visibility and influence in the health care market through a public relations campaign, lobbying, our new political action committee, and through strategic relationships with carriers, governmental entities, and legislators. 

Come to the annual meeting.  Have a cup of coffee and commiserate with your fellow members about health care reform.  Hear about the challenges that lie ahead for us and how we can make a difference.  Meet the new board members who are ready to join the ranks of a vital organization that needs you, not only for your membership but for your involvement.  As I step down from the presidency, my work as legislative chair is just beginning – will you join me?

Massachusetts Association of Health Underwriters
. . . one of the most effective voices in the health insurance industry