Health care legislation is a hot topic lately. You may think first about Washington D.C. – rules or regulations set by Congress or the Department of Human Health & Services. But, issues arise just as often in Frankfort, which could have dramatic impact on our health insurance prices or the coverage we need for medical treatment.

I was recently re-invited onto the Board of the State Chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters – America’s Benefit Specialists. While I was President in 2002, much has evolved in the health care landscape since. I felt it was important to be directly involved again … so last month, I joined a small group of brokers and consultants in Frankfort for a day on the hill.

After breakfast with several members and the Chair, we headed to the Capital for the Banking & Insurance Committee meeting. Watching a debate over the “chiropractor bill” (setting a legislative price for those services) or hearing about the process for establishing Kentucky’s federal health insurance exchanges was extremely interesting. It will impact most Kentuckians and without a watchful eye, we may never be sure how government would address these issues.

I was also able to meet with both my Senator (Ernie Harris) and my Representative (Dr. Bob Deweese) and greatly appreciated their hospitality and good discussion. It is important to establish relationships with legislators to have an open line of communication, as well as to become a resource for the issues small businesses consider important.

On behalf of our clients, time with legislators is time well spent … in fact, we make every effort to share updates with clients and actions they can take to have an impact on legislation.