BenefitsPRO Magazine-May 2018
Letter from the Editor
Fear of the unknown and uncertainty about the future have been present in the broker industry for a long time, but brighter days are here.
Columnists
What if you pay your child not to live in your basement?
If you want to have an impactful interaction with a potential client, the meeting has to be different.
By neglecting the employee perspective when selling voluntary benefits, you may be leaving credibility and revenue potential on the table.
Why is medical insurance seen by most as an “I've got to have it” benefit, while disability income protection is viewed as a “why do I need it” benefit?
Broker of the Year
Features
For Suzannah Gill, the end goal is always figuring out how to make a benefit plan more robust and help it work better for employees.
6 ways brokers and employers can partner to overcome today's threats to consumer-driven health care.
The sheer amount of benefits provided to employees can be vast, but it is important that they are aware of value of what they receive.
Action/Reaction
Benefits brokers weigh in on the legislative trends currently on their radar. Are you in the know?
Trending Stories
- 1Parental Burnout: Strategies for a Healthier, More Engaged Workforce
- 2UnitedHealth CEO to testify before Congress about cyberattack that could cost firm $1.6B
- 3FTC, DOJ, HHS launch health care antitrust portal for unfair competition 'complaints'
- 4What President Biden's paid leave proposal means for HR teams
- 5UnitedHealth admits ransom was paid to bad actors, 'substantial' data stolen in hack
{
"data": {
"slug": "benefitspro-magazine-may2018",
"title": "BenefitsPRO Magazine-May 2018",
"type": "issue",
"packageUrl": "",
"summary": "",
"cssFile": "",
"imageUrl": "//www.almcms.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/04/BPRO-0518-Cover.jpg",
"mediaUrl": "",
"blurb": "",
"articles": [
{
"uri": "/2018/04/19/2018-broker-of-the-year-billy-potter/",
"title": "2018 Broker of the Year: Billy Potter",
"summary": "2018 Broker of the Year Billy Potter is highly regarded as someone who listens before he speaks, and then delivers efficient, cost-effective solutions.",
"byline": "Alan Goforth",
"kicker": "Profile",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "April 19, 2018",
"wordcount": "1889",
"timeToRead": "10 minute",
"readtime": "10",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/alan-goforth/",
"name": "Alan Goforth"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/profile/",
"sectionName": "Profile"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/04/POtter.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "415"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/03/13/top-10-communities-for-well-being/",
"title": "Top 10 communities for well-being",
"summary": "Looking to make a major career move? Check out the top 10 communities for well-being, along with their scores in each of the five major criteria.",
"byline": "Marlene Satter",
"kicker": "Slideshow",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "March 13, 2018",
"wordcount": "494",
"timeToRead": "3 minute",
"readtime": "3",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/marlene-satter/",
"name": "Marlene Satter"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/slideshow/",
"sectionName": "Slideshow"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/05Sarasota.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/05/02/be-the-hero-a-qa-with-suzannah-gill/",
"title": "Be the hero: A Q&A with Suzannah Gill",
"summary": "For Suzannah Gill, the end goal is always figuring out how to make a benefit plan more robust and help it work better for employees.",
"byline": "Paul Wilson",
"kicker": "Q&A",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "May 02, 2018",
"wordcount": "1422",
"timeToRead": "8 minute",
"readtime": "8",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/paul-wilson/",
"name": "Paul Wilson"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/q-and-a/",
"sectionName": "Q&A"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/04/Gill-Suzannah-MI.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/05/01/my-job-is-finally-fun-again/",
"title": "'My job is finally fun again'",
"summary": "Fear of the unknown and uncertainty about the future have been present in the broker industry for a long time, but brighter days are here.",
"byline": "Paul Wilson",
"kicker": "Editor's Letter",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "May 01, 2018",
"wordcount": "432",
"timeToRead": "3 minute",
"readtime": "3",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/paul-wilson/",
"name": "Paul Wilson"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/editors-letter/",
"sectionName": "Editor's Letter"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/PaulWilson2-e1525270605838.jpg",
"width": "300",
"height": "342"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/03/30/6-ways-to-overcome-todays-threats-to-consumer-driven-health-care/",
"title": "6 ways to overcome today's threats to consumer-driven health care",
"summary": "6 ways brokers and employers can partner to overcome today's threats to consumer-driven health care.",
"byline": "Steven Auerbach",
"kicker": "",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "March 30, 2018",
"wordcount": "1157",
"timeToRead": "6 minute",
"readtime": "6",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/steven-auerbach/",
"name": "Steven Auerbach"
}
],
"kickerNode": [],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/feedback-istock79584307small.jpg",
"width": "881",
"height": "544"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/03/20/expanding-and-simplifying-benefits-packages-to-increase-wellness-participation/",
"title": "Expanding and simplifying benefits packages to increase engagement",
"summary": "The sheer amount of benefits provided to employees can be vast, but it is important that they are aware of value of what they receive.",
"byline": "Dinesh Sheth",
"kicker": "Best Practices",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "March 20, 2018",
"wordcount": "930",
"timeToRead": "5 minute",
"readtime": "5",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/dinesh-sheth/",
"name": "Dinesh Sheth"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/best-practices/",
"sectionName": "Best Practices"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/06Consumer.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/05/10/the-best-graduation-gift-a-parent-can-give/",
"title": "The best graduation gift a parent can give",
"summary": "What if you pay your child not to live in your basement? ",
"byline": "Christopher Carosa",
"kicker": "Expert Opinion",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "May 10, 2018",
"wordcount": "533",
"timeToRead": "3 minute",
"readtime": "3",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/christopher-carosa/",
"name": "Christopher Carosa"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/expert-opinion/",
"sectionName": "Expert Opinion"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_08_img001.jpg",
"width": "600",
"height": "567"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/05/09/for-your-next-prospecting-meeting-forget-the-binder/",
"title": "For your next prospecting meeting, forget the binder",
"summary": "If you want to have an impactful interaction with a potential client, the meeting has to be different.",
"byline": "Kevin Trokey",
"kicker": "Expert Opinion",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "May 09, 2018",
"wordcount": "552",
"timeToRead": "3 minute",
"readtime": "3",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/kevin-trokey/",
"name": "Kevin Trokey"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/expert-opinion/",
"sectionName": "Expert Opinion"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_11_img001.jpg",
"width": "200",
"height": "245"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/05/12/dont-forget-about-the-employee/",
"title": "Don't forget about the employee",
"summary": "By neglecting the employee perspective when selling voluntary benefits, you may be leaving credibility and revenue potential on the table.",
"byline": "Gil Lowerre and Bonnie Brazzell",
"kicker": "Expert Opinion",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "May 12, 2018",
"wordcount": "471",
"timeToRead": "3 minute",
"readtime": "3",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/gil-lowerre/",
"name": "Gil Lowerre"
},
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/bonnie-brazzell/",
"name": "Bonnie Brazzell"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/expert-opinion/",
"sectionName": "Expert Opinion"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_09_img001.jpg",
"width": "600",
"height": "468"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/05/14/what-legislation-are-brokers-watching/",
"title": "What legislation are brokers watching?",
"summary": "Benefits brokers weigh in on the legislative trends currently on their radar. Are you in the know?",
"byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors",
"kicker": "Commentary",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "May 14, 2018",
"wordcount": "1170",
"timeToRead": "6 minute",
"readtime": "6",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/",
"name": "BenefitsPRO Editors"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/commentary/",
"sectionName": "Commentary"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/05/Binoculars.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/05/08/we-can-do-better/",
"title": "We can do better",
"summary": " Why is medical insurance seen by most as an “I've got to have it” benefit, while disability income protection is viewed as a “why do I need it” benefit?",
"byline": "Marty Traynor",
"kicker": "Expert Opinion",
"tags": [],
"prettyDate": "May 08, 2018",
"wordcount": "552",
"timeToRead": "3 minute",
"readtime": "3",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/marty-traynor/",
"name": "Marty Traynor"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/expert-opinion/",
"sectionName": "Expert Opinion"
}
],
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_03_img001.jpg",
"width": "600",
"height": "657"
}
}
],
"navigations": [
{
"name": "Letter from the Editor",
"description": "",
"link": "",
"query": "",
"showAll": "",
"searchContents": [
{
"uri": "/2018/05/01/my-job-is-finally-fun-again/",
"title": "'My job is finally fun again'",
"byline": "Paul Wilson",
"kicker": "Editor's Letter",
"summary": "Fear of the unknown and uncertainty about the future have been present in the broker industry for a long time, but brighter days are here.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/paul-wilson/",
"name": "Paul Wilson"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/editors-letter/",
"sectionName": "Editor's Letter"
}
],
"readtime": "3",
"prettyDate": "May 01, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/PaulWilson2-e1525270605838.jpg",
"width": "300",
"height": "342"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Columnists",
"description": "",
"link": "",
"query": "",
"showAll": "",
"searchContents": [
{
"uri": "/2018/05/10/the-best-graduation-gift-a-parent-can-give/",
"title": "The best graduation gift a parent can give",
"byline": "Christopher Carosa",
"kicker": "Expert Opinion",
"summary": "What if you pay your child not to live in your basement? ",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/christopher-carosa/",
"name": "Christopher Carosa"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/expert-opinion/",
"sectionName": "Expert Opinion"
}
],
"readtime": "3",
"prettyDate": "May 10, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_08_img001.jpg",
"width": "600",
"height": "567"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/05/09/for-your-next-prospecting-meeting-forget-the-binder/",
"title": "For your next prospecting meeting, forget the binder",
"byline": "Kevin Trokey",
"kicker": "Expert Opinion",
"summary": "If you want to have an impactful interaction with a potential client, the meeting has to be different.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/kevin-trokey/",
"name": "Kevin Trokey"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/expert-opinion/",
"sectionName": "Expert Opinion"
}
],
"readtime": "3",
"prettyDate": "May 09, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_11_img001.jpg",
"width": "200",
"height": "245"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/05/12/dont-forget-about-the-employee/",
"title": "Don't forget about the employee",
"byline": "Gil Lowerre and Bonnie Brazzell",
"kicker": "Expert Opinion",
"summary": "By neglecting the employee perspective when selling voluntary benefits, you may be leaving credibility and revenue potential on the table.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/gil-lowerre/",
"name": "Gil Lowerre"
},
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/bonnie-brazzell/",
"name": "Bonnie Brazzell"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/expert-opinion/",
"sectionName": "Expert Opinion"
}
],
"readtime": "3",
"prettyDate": "May 12, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_09_img001.jpg",
"width": "600",
"height": "468"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/05/08/we-can-do-better/",
"title": "We can do better",
"byline": "Marty Traynor",
"kicker": "Expert Opinion",
"summary": " Why is medical insurance seen by most as an “I've got to have it” benefit, while disability income protection is viewed as a “why do I need it” benefit?",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/marty-traynor/",
"name": "Marty Traynor"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/expert-opinion/",
"sectionName": "Expert Opinion"
}
],
"readtime": "3",
"prettyDate": "May 08, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/BSL_16_03_0318_03_img001.jpg",
"width": "600",
"height": "657"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Broker of the Year",
"description": "",
"link": "",
"query": "",
"showAll": "",
"searchContents": []
},
{
"name": "Features",
"description": "",
"link": "",
"query": "",
"showAll": "",
"searchContents": [
{
"uri": "/2018/05/02/be-the-hero-a-qa-with-suzannah-gill/",
"title": "Be the hero: A Q&A with Suzannah Gill",
"byline": "Paul Wilson",
"kicker": "Q&A",
"summary": "For Suzannah Gill, the end goal is always figuring out how to make a benefit plan more robust and help it work better for employees.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/paul-wilson/",
"name": "Paul Wilson"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/q-and-a/",
"sectionName": "Q&A"
}
],
"readtime": "8",
"prettyDate": "May 02, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/04/Gill-Suzannah-MI.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/03/30/6-ways-to-overcome-todays-threats-to-consumer-driven-health-care/",
"title": "6 ways to overcome today's threats to consumer-driven health care",
"byline": "Steven Auerbach",
"kicker": "",
"summary": "6 ways brokers and employers can partner to overcome today's threats to consumer-driven health care.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/steven-auerbach/",
"name": "Steven Auerbach"
}
],
"kickerNode": [],
"readtime": "6",
"prettyDate": "March 30, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/feedback-istock79584307small.jpg",
"width": "881",
"height": "544"
}
},
{
"uri": "/2018/03/20/expanding-and-simplifying-benefits-packages-to-increase-wellness-participation/",
"title": "Expanding and simplifying benefits packages to increase engagement",
"byline": "Dinesh Sheth",
"kicker": "Best Practices",
"summary": "The sheer amount of benefits provided to employees can be vast, but it is important that they are aware of value of what they receive.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/dinesh-sheth/",
"name": "Dinesh Sheth"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/best-practices/",
"sectionName": "Best Practices"
}
],
"readtime": "5",
"prettyDate": "March 20, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/03/06Consumer.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Cover Story",
"description": "",
"link": "",
"query": "",
"showAll": "",
"searchContents": [
{
"uri": "/2018/04/19/2018-broker-of-the-year-billy-potter/",
"title": "2018 Broker of the Year: Billy Potter",
"byline": "Alan Goforth",
"kicker": "Profile",
"summary": "2018 Broker of the Year Billy Potter is highly regarded as someone who listens before he speaks, and then delivers efficient, cost-effective solutions.",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/alan-goforth/",
"name": "Alan Goforth"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/profile/",
"sectionName": "Profile"
}
],
"readtime": "10",
"prettyDate": "April 19, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/04/POtter.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "415"
}
}
]
},
{
"name": "Action/Reaction",
"description": "",
"link": "",
"query": "",
"showAll": "",
"searchContents": [
{
"uri": "/2018/05/14/what-legislation-are-brokers-watching/",
"title": "What legislation are brokers watching?",
"byline": "BenefitsPRO Editors",
"kicker": "Commentary",
"summary": "Benefits brokers weigh in on the legislative trends currently on their radar. Are you in the know?",
"isDownload": "false",
"authors": [
{
"webUrl": "/author/profile/benefitspro-editors/",
"name": "BenefitsPRO Editors"
}
],
"kickerNode": [
{
"uri": "/commentary/",
"sectionName": "Commentary"
}
],
"readtime": "6",
"prettyDate": "May 14, 2018",
"primaryCategory": {
"channelName": "",
"sectionName": "",
"uri": ""
},
"image": {
"uri": "https://images.benefitspro.com/contrib/content/uploads/sites/412/2018/05/Binoculars.jpg",
"width": "616",
"height": "372"
}
}
]
}
],
"sponsors": []
}
}