It hasn’t been easy for health agents and brokers moving forward after new federal medical loss ratio regulations were passed last November. Shortly after, producers saw their commissions slashed as carriers adjusted overhead to make room for higher claims payouts. Up on the Hill, amid a full-repeal outcry from Republicans, a handful of lawmakers have underscored the agent’s plight as an example of reform’s dangerous domino effect.

The National Association of Health Underwriters has been a persistent liaison in the mix, lobbying the need for immediate regulation change in order to preserve jobs and prevent further disruption in health insurance markets. Benefits Selling caught up with NAHU’s Jessica Waltman, senior vice president of government affairs, fresh off the group’s annual Capitol Conference in Washington. The association meets every year to converse with legislative leaders on issues and update agents on market trends.

The MLR’s effect on producer income has been a quiet, but contentious issue – a spin-off debate for lawmakers to highlight the pervasive nature of reform. The impetus for restricted, uniform MLR rules was to push transparency, trim administrative waste and ensure consumers are getting value for their premium dollars. But, Waltman argues, reform mandates have adversely fractured small group markets, burdening employers with higher coverage costs and new compliance headaches.