2015 is finally here — which means it's time to speculate about what might happen in the benefits industry in this new year. We asked some experts to give us a few predictions. Here's what they said.

Political battle.

“I think the second round of open enrollment for PPACA will go more smoothly, and we'll see millions more sign up for health insurance. With this issue waning, you'll see Republicans trying to find something else to pin on Obama as they jockey for position as the 2016 presidential nominee. Thus, with all the posturing that will be going on, very little — if any — meaningful legislation will be passed. It will be all politics all the time.”

—Carroll Fadal, distribution officer, American Fidelity Distribution Arms, Texas Life; Waco, Texas

Photo: Associated Press/Susan Walsh

Survival game.

“Advisors will see the small group market fade away as more small businesses abandon group-sponsored health insurance and send employees to the public exchanges. Instead, they will either sell their practices, merge with larger organizations or focus the necessary resources on developing tools, strategies and expertise in the mid-sized to large markets. Those who choose to innovate and adapt will survive — at least for another five years or so.”

—Aaron Davis, president of NextLogical Benefit Strategies; Benefits Selling's 2013 Broker of the Year; Westminster, Maryland

Photo: Associated Press/Don Ryan

Consumerism growth.

“Everyone will have a high-deductible plan/health savings account/health reimbursement account or some type of plan that forces the employee into consumerism. Worksite or voluntary plans like accident/critical illness/gap plans will become more prevalent. I also expect more brokerage consolidation, and think most brokers will have in-house compliance managers/attorneys.”

—Jani De La Rosa, senior vice president, Heffernan Insurance Brokers; San Francisco

Instant Insights /

3 industry predictions for 2015

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