Time to usher in the new. Jim Christenson, one of this year’sBenefits Selling Expo speakers, gives us some insight on where theemployee benefits industry will tread throughout the next fiveyears, and what to expect out of health care reform. The followingis just a preview. Don’t miss Christenson’s upcoming session – andfull remarks – at 4 p.m. on April 6 in Nashville.

Benefits Selling: What changes to the healthcare reform bill do you anticipate seeing in 2011, if any?
Jim Christenson: There won’t be any changes.Public opinion is slowly changing to favor the bill. The dominantparty is loathe to remove the age 26, no-pre-x, no-cap provisionsand the states cases will need to be decided.

BS: What kind of impact will health care reformmake on consumers this year?
JC: Health care reform, the Patient Protection andAffordability Act, will help those that have not been able toqualify for coverages. Price increases in coverage will still comefrom utilization and new innovation in medicine.

BS: What issues should employers address withemployees regarding health care reform in 2011?
JC: Employers need to have clearly communicatedthe changes to their employees. They need to allow theirconsultants and brokers to help them with solid strategies to dealwith changes through 2014.

BS: What are the pros and cons of the healthcare reform legislation?
JC: I tackle one pro and con and that is requiredcoverage provisions. The dirty little secret is that 100 percentparticipation will help spread risk and lower prices. The under-30sstill don’t own health insurance in significant percentages. At theworkplace lower paid employees have cancelled coverage onthemselves and their families because they can’t afford the payrolldeductions. No one thought that required automobile insurance wouldwork but it has. The con is that adoption will place a new strainon employers and may derail our economic recovery.

BS: Should brokers expect to see any impact ontheir business in 2011 because of health care reform?
JC: I think 2011 will be the same as 2010,double-digit price increases handled by ever increasingdeductibles. Brokers will continue to see a softening ofincome.

For the full interview, and to check out more exclusive speakerQ & As for Benefits Selling Expo 2011, go to www.benefitspro.com.