5 Issues Independent Agents Will Address at the 2026 Big ‘I’ Legislative Conference
Get up to speed on the five key issues that will be the focus of the 2026 Big “I” Legislative Conference taking place April 22–24 in Washington, D.C.
Health
Health Care Costs Projected to Rise 10% in 2026
Health care costs are predicted to rise 9.6% in the U.S. in 2026, according to WTW’s “2026 Global Medical Trends” report. While next year’s increase will be slightly less than the 9.7% rise in health care costs experienced this year, it will be significantly higher than the 7.6% increase in 2024. Globally, costs are predicted…
4 Tips for Agents Looking to Grow Their Supplemental Health Care Book of Business
As health care costs continue to rise for many Americans, employers increasingly view supplemental health benefits as crucial for recruitment, retention and employee satisfaction.
From the Front Lines: Health Care
“The out‑of‑pocket maximums keep climbing, and the cost follows in lockstep,” said independent agent Matt Brown. “Even with a large population receiving tax credits on the individual market, the remaining premiums remain a burden for most.”
Why Health Care Premiums Continue to Rise
Prescription drugs play a significant role in increasing health care costs, with Americans spending approximately $98 billion out of pocket on prescription drugs, a 25% increase over the past five years.
Arch Introduces New Supplemental Health Insurance Products
Insureds will be reimbursed for expenses incurred up to their selected benefit limit. Additionally, there is no medical underwriting required to obtain coverage.
Medicare Advantage Providers Withdraw and Cut Agent Compensation
In response to providers significantly reducing or eliminating agent compensation, the Big “I” voiced its concerns in joint letters to Congress and to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Turn Long-Term Care Avoidance Into Growth and Loyalty
When there’s no long-term care plan in place, care decisions are made in a crisis. Here are four tips agents can use to help clients integrate LTC into their plans.
Sexual Misconduct Liability for Health Care Organizations
Claim activity, social inflation and third-party litigation funding are leading carriers to reduce their financial risk for abuse exposures, leaving health care organizations struggling to attain adequate insurance.
From the Front Lines: Long-Term Care
“We see challenges with LTC (long-term care) adoption rates,” says independent agent Kelly Augspurger. “In my opinion, it’s an awareness and education issue because people don’t know what they don’t know.”
