Jessica Brooks-Woods, CEO of NABIP, expresses profound disappointment: “We are deeply troubled by the portrayal of health insurance agents and brokers in the CMS statement.
What was not addressed is the possibility that a large number of these unauthorized plan switches are due to technological vulnerabilities that allow automated systems to make the switches, not the unethical practices of agents and brokers.” Get the full story at PR Newswire.
Here are the highlights:
Root Cause Analysis
NABIP collaborates with CMS and stakeholders, identifying specific technological flaws allowing automated systems to manipulate agent assignments, resulting in rapid consumer switches, challenging the marketplace’s structure where agents work through intermediaries.
Impact on Agents and Consumers
Instances of rapid client loss due to vulnerabilities not only result in revenue loss for brokers but also disrupt trust and relationships with healthcare consumers, highlighting the severity of the issue.
Recommendations for Enhanced Security
NABIP recommends implementing more rigorous security measures like two-step authentication to mitigate vulnerabilities, stressing the need for advanced safeguards against high-tech automated systems.
Professional Integrity and Ethical Code
NABIP asserts its commitment to ethical standards, advocating for consumer protection and supporting collaboration with stakeholders to find solutions.
Healthcare Bill of Rights
NABIP reaffirms its commitment to the Healthcare Bill of Rights, emphasizing affordability, accessibility, quality, equity, and dignity in healthcare, aligning with its broader mission.
Collaborative Approach
NABIP pledges to work with CMS and other stakeholders to address challenges and ensure a fair, secure marketplace that benefits all stakeholders, particularly consumers reliant on agents for accessing healthcare coverage.
NABIP is the preeminent organization for health insurance and employee benefits professionals, working diligently to ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and related benefits. NABIP represents and provides professional development opportunities for more than 100,000 licensed health insurance agents, brokers, general agents, consultants, and benefit professionals through more than 200 chapters across America.
