Public Announcements
Press Release: Congress Passes Spending Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2026
PRESS CONTACT: Kelly Loussedes [email protected]
Congress Approves Spending Package Advancing Longstanding NABIP Healthcare Priorities
WASHINGTON, D.C. —The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) today applauded Congress for approving a government spending package that includes several critical healthcare provisions NABIP has championed for years to increase transparency, accountability, and affordability across the healthcare system.
The package advances policies designed to confront rising healthcare costs, bolster consumer protections, and improve the accuracy and integrity of health coverage information. These priorities are central to NABIP’s Healthcare Bill of Rights and long-standing advocacy agenda.
The legislation includes measures to increase pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) transparency and require prescription drug rebates and related payments to be passed through to health plans, helping curb practices that drive up drug costs and mask the true cost of coverage for employers and consumers. It also strengthens Medicare site-neutral payment policies to address excessive costs, improves oversight of Medicare Advantage provider directories to protect beneficiaries from unexpected cost sharing and care disruptions, and reinforces implementation of the No Surprises Act to shield consumers from surprise medical bills.
“The inclusion of PBM transparency and site-neutral payment reforms in this package is a major policy win with implications across every segment of the healthcare market,” said Jessica Brooks Woods, CEO of NABIP. “These long-overdue reforms address systemic practices that inflate costs, distort pricing, and ultimately harm consumers and employers. NABIP has been calling for action on these issues for years, and we are encouraged to see Congress take meaningful steps to confront them.”
NABIP has long emphasized that reforms like these are essential to protecting consumers from unexpected costs and disruptions in care, while also giving employers greater clarity into healthcare spending. Just as importantly, these policies support the ability of licensed agents and brokers to provide accurate, trustworthy guidance and help individuals, seniors, and employers make informed coverage decisions.
“NABIP will continue pressing policymakers to ensure these reforms are implemented as intended and to build on this momentum with additional solutions that promote transparency, affordability, and access to care across all markets,” Brooks Woods added.
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NABIP is the preeminent organization for health insurance and employee benefits professionals, working diligently to ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and related benefits. NABIP represents more than 100,000 licensed health insurance agents, brokers, general agents, consultants and benefit professionals through more than 150 chapters.
NABIP Rewind: 2025 Advocacy in Action
NABIP Rewind: 2025 Advocacy in Action
2025 was a BIG year—and NABIP delivered! When our community shows up, policy changes. Period.
From a record-breaking Capitol Conference with 700+ advocates to bipartisan legislative wins at the federal and state levels, agents and brokers made their voices impossible to ignore. Together, we protected employer-sponsored coverage, advanced HSA modernization, strengthened Medicare agent protections, influenced CMS rulemaking, and drove real transparency and accountability across the healthcare system.
Our momentum was undeniable: 15,000+ grassroots messages, nonstop lawmaker engagement, growing PAC influence, and trusted seats at the table with Congress, CMS, and state regulators nationwide. This is advocacy fueled by expertise, unity, and purpose—and it works.
We didn’t just participate in 2025. We led. We influenced. We won.
And we’re not slowing down. Join us back on Capitol Hill Feb. 22–24 for Capitol Conference 2026 as we keep turning one powerful voice into action—and action into results.
Read the details of our collective success: HERE
National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, Arizona Chapter Installs New Board
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2025
Contact: Jenny Weaver, Communications Chair – Arizona Chapter
480.716.7889, [email protected]
National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, Arizona Chapter Installs New Board
The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, Arizona Chapter (NABIPAZ), an organization of health insurance agents, brokers and benefits professionals, installed its 2025-2026 board.
Alana Mayer was installed as NABIPAZ president. Alana brings over 25 years of health insurance experience spanning customer service, sales, account management, and business development. Currently with Black, Gould & Associates, she has also held key leadership roles within NABIP since 2018 and is a 7-time Triple Crown winner, LPRT-certified, and a graduate of the Leadership Academy. Known for her award-winning career and commitment to professional growth, Alana continues to be a driving force in the benefits community.
“Local agents and brokers serve as a source of truth about healthcare coverage that links the needs of citizens, business and policymakers to create a healthy, more fiscally responsible American healthcare system,” Mayer said.
The 2025-2026 Board:
· Alana Mayer, President, Black Gould & Associates
· Sheila Prior, Immediate Past President, Cigna Healthcare
· Charlene Hogeland, President Elect, Black Gould & Associates
· Phillip Magnuson, Secretary/Treasurer, Magnuson & Associates
· Jennifer Farrell, Legislative Co-Chair, Black Gould & Associates
· Rory Stone-Walsh, Legislative Co-Chair, Hershenberg & Stone-Walsh Insurance Services LLC
· Patti Johnson, Professional Development Co-Chair -Tucson, Blue Cross Blue Sheild of Arizona
· Maddy Robinson, Professional Development Co-Chair - Phoenix, AmWins,
· Jessica Cheney, Membership Chair, Arcwood Benefits Consulting, LLC
· Morgan Whitaker, Membership Experience Chair, Banner|Aetna,
· Peter Rowe, NABIP Political Action Committee (PAC) Chair, Arcwood Benefits Consulting, LLC
· Sarah Gollwitzer, Awards Chair, Avesis, LLC
· Jenny Weaver, Communications/Media Chair, PES Benefits – AllyHealth Division
· Netta Garcia, DEI&B Chair, Magnuson & Associates
The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals represents more than 100,000 professional health insurance agents and brokers who provide insurance for millions of Americans. NABIP is headquartered in Washington, DC. For more information, visit our web site at www.nabip.org.
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Jennifer Farrell Honored with NABIP’s Distinguished Service Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2025
Contact: Jenny Weaver, Media & Communications Chair
480.716.7889, [email protected]
Jennifer Farrell Honored with NABIP’s Distinguished Service Award
Miami, Florida (June 30, 2025 ) — Jennifer Farrell has been named the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, the highest volunteer honor presented by the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP). The award was presented during NABIP’s Annual Convention last month in Miami, Florida.
The Distinguished Service Award honors NABIP members who have consistently gone above and beyond in their volunteer service at the local, state, or national level. This recognition is reserved for individuals whose sustained commitment of time, talent, and resources has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the association and the health insurance industry. Nominees exemplify dedication, leadership, and a deep passion for advancing the mission and values of NABIP.
Farrell was selected for this prestigious recognition due to her long-standing service, exceptional leadership, and measurable contributions that have helped shape the future of the health benefits profession.
Jennifer has been an active NABIP member since 2005, serving in key leadership roles at local, state, and national levels, including President of both the Greater Phoenix and Arizona Associations of Health Underwriters. She has spearheaded membership growth, championed legislative advocacy, and contributed to NABIP’s policy and strategy through various national working groups and as Region 7 Liaison on the PAC Board of Directors. Since 2007, Jennifer has built a strong reputation for client advocacy and broker support, first at Black, Gould & Associates and now at Warner Pacific, continuing her service to Arizona’s broker community.
“Jennifer sets a standard of excellence that reflects the heart of our chapter’s work,” said Sheila Prior of Arizona Chapter Immediate Past President. “This year alone, she led legislative efforts in our community and strongly supported engagement at our Day at the Capitol event to empower our members. Their dedication continues to elevate the reputation of our profession nationwide.”
The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals – Arizona Chapter (NABIP Arizona) is the state’s leading organization for health insurance and employee benefits professionals. We advocate for access to affordable, quality healthcare, promote ethical practices, and provide education and networking to help members succeed. Learn more at www.NABIPArizonaorg.
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