The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® (HVBA) had the distinct pleasure of attending PlanSource’s elite event Eclipse in Nashville, TN. PlanSource is a technology company that automates and simplifies every aspect of employee benefit programs, so employees and HR teams can make smarter, more confident benefits decisions. 

What an experience we had learning all about how PlanSource is such a versatile technology platform for employers who are truly looking for an engaging tool that helps employees navigate their benefits and offerings in one simple-to-use software. I was amazed at the ability of the software to easily be white-labeled for employers to use as their intranet site for all things benefits with their new product, The Source.

The team at PlanSource brought their best partners together for a 2023 update and to gain insight from their partners on what they are doing well and what they could do better. They presented their 2023 goals which included even better integrations, a faster onboarding process, and such ease for employers to get everything they offer in one spot for their employees to access.  

Some of the staggering statistics were mind-boggling. One stated that employees typically spend about 15 minutes selecting their benefits. With so much at stake, easier software with a better user experience could help employees get the benefits that fit their current needs and see benefits that will help them in their future from a health and wealth perspective. 

The most impressive experience at this event was the interactive round tables where the C-Suite team of PlanSource took time with small groups asking pointed questions surrounding their service as well as getting perspectives on pain points that brokers face and employers experience and how to best to solve challenges with a much more robust communication strategy for employees to easily engage and get the most from what their employer is offering in terms of benefits.

Finally, the fun. The meeting was interactive, and the evening events were well executed. We got to have a taste of Nashville at The Gibson Garage where a delicious dinner was served, and we got to hear the songwriter’s version of many songs written for some of the most famous entertainers in the country.

What a great experience all around. PlanSource is a step above the rest with its customer-centric focused approach to servicing its clients.

The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association (HVBA), is the nation’s largest, leading non-profit in voluntary benefits, also known as ancillary or supplemental insurance. As THE national influencers we serve as the central point of communication for the industry, offering networking, education, and the latest updates on the trends, best practices, and innovations for:

• Insurance Brokers & Consultants
• Carrier Representatives
• Human Resource Executives
• Voluntary Benefit Service Providers

We focus on improving the health of our partners and their teams through the sharing of proven strategies and success stories of employee benefit solutions.

Dorking Wanderers have today confirmed that they have added to their senior management team with new shareholders, Rob and Kyle Shestack from the United States.

Sports enthusiasts Rob and Kyle, who are also huge Philadelphia Eagles fans, join the Wanderers set-up following several months of positive dialogue with the Wanderers board. After developing a passion for Dorking Wanderers from afar, they will primarily be responsible for building the clubs profile and followers both in the United States and across the globe.

Rob is an Actuary by trade, and Kyle specialises in the insurance sector, so they bring a wealth of business acumen to add to the Wanderers management structure as the club embarks on the next chapter of it’s non-league journey.

“Once I stumbled upon the Dorking story I was hooked. I read and watched many interviews that Marc had done, saw the Bunch of Amateurs episodes, saw the British record of promotions, and thought this could be the perfect opportunity to attempt to get involved with a special club. I researched the community and saw how unique the story was and how much the club means to the town. I shared this insight with Rob and he agreed that it would be worth reaching out. After getting in touch the club got straight back to me, and over the next few months Marc and I spoke almost daily on what it would look like for us to join the Wanderers. The rest as they say is history and we’re looking forward to playing our part in helping DWFC reach its full potential”.

Kyle Shestack

Executive Director Kris Lea said: “We are delighted to welcome Kyle and Rob to our boardroom. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and they have demonstrated from the outset a real desire to help the club move forward. The senior management team felt that they would be a great fit, and we are looking forward to seeing the positive impact they will make on the club stateside”

Kris Lea, Executive Director, DWFC

Both Rob and Kyle are in the UK for the Wanderers home fixture versus Torquay United on February 21st (when they will be introduced to supporters before the match), and Wrexham away on February 25th.

To learn more, visit: dorkingwanderers.com

Triada Health has signed on as the newest HVBA Corporate Sponsor

Houston – January 25, 2023 The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® (HVBA) is delighted to announce our newest strategic partnership with Triada Health. Combining the HVBA’s commitment to Employee Benefits Education and Triada’s desire to offer hassle-free, affordable products. It’s a convenient way to address needs within the benefits community.

HVBA is the first national non-profit trade association focused on Voluntary Benefits for employer groups and affinity groups. Their goal is to promote the education, communication, implementation, and enrollment of Voluntary Benefits in the workplace. Unlike other organizations that focus strictly on the Agent/Broker community; the Insurance Carriers or solely engage with the Human Resources and Benefits Community; HVBA is dedicated to the entire Group Healthcare & Employee Benefits Ecosystem.

The partnership allows for great benefit strategies with a potential to deliver breakthrough client results. “The HVBA has a strong makeup of industry leaders and champions of employee benefit solutions and we are excited to partner with the HVBA to help brokers and consultants deliver real value and innovative solutions to employers and employees across America, in all
50 states, at a time when they have never needed it more,” says Dennis Ontaneda, Sales Vice President at Triada.

“We are very excited to welcome Triada Health to the HVBA team. The voluntary benefits industry is evolving, and we know there is a need for advancements around products and enrollment solutions. We are confident Triada Health addresses the industry’s need for the design of “cutting-edge” products and innovations in technology. Triada Health’s expertise and new product designs will help propel the voluntary benefits industry to the next level.” Robert S. Shestack, Chairman & CEO, of the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association®.

About Triada Health

Triada Health is a provider of supplemental health benefits solutions, driven by technology and an integrated customer experience. The solutions are distributed through independent brokers and agents to employer groups of varying sizes. With products designed to integrate seamlessly into medical plans Triada strives to help employers create ways to improve their benefit strategies. Triada’s insurance solutions are available in all 50 states (including New York). Learn more at https://www.triada.com/ or follow Triada Health LLC on Linkedin.

About the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association®

Founded in 2008, The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® (HVBA) is the nation’s largest, leading education and information non-profit association in voluntary benefits industry. As the foremost national influencers, we serve as the central point of communication for the industry. For further information or questions, please contact: Jenny Jenkins, Managing Director, at 561-398-1060 or jjenkins@vbassociation.com.

The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® (HVBA) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the “Daily Insurance Report.”

• The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association®, is the nation’s largest non-profit benefits industry association focused on Voluntary Benefits for employer and affinity groups, with over 10,500 LinkedIn members.
• The “Daily Insurance Report” is subscribed to by 25,000 elite insurance industry influencers who receive it Monday – Friday and have a quick overview of what is appearing in the media regarding the insurance industry: with an emphasis on life, health, and employee benefits.

Philadelphia, PA / January 3rd, 2023
Robert S. Shestack, CFF, CVBS, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the “Daily Insurance Report” by the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association®. “Adding the resources of the “Daily Insurance Report” to our catalog of services provided to our membership and industry organizations will significantly enhance the value we bring to the employee benefits industry,” said Mr. Shestack.

“We are also excited to enlist the addition of industry icon and veteran, Walt Podgurski, publisher, who will become a HVBA Executive Board Member & Advisor, and continue to assist with the newsletter production and related media services” Shestack continued.

Walt Podgurski released the following statement: “It is a privilege to join the HVBA in their pursuit of voluntary employee benefit plan excellence. I look forward to working with Rob, Jenny, Sarah, and the entire team, including the Board of Directors, Members, Brokers, Sponsors, and Clients to bring meaningful and relevant services to the people and organizations engaged in the sales and service of employee benefit plans.”

The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association®, is the nation’s largest industry specific association focused on Voluntary Benefits for employer and affinity groups.

As THE national influencers we serve as the central point of communication for the voluntary benefits industry, offering networking, education, certifications and latest updates on the trends, analytics, best practices, and innovations for:

• Insurance Brokers & Consultants
• Carrier Representatives
• C-Level and Human Resource Executives
• Voluntary Benefit Service Providers
• Third-Party Administrators
• Insure-Tech & Start-Up Entrepreneurs

The focus of the HVBA is improving processes and outcomes for our partners and their teams through the sharing of proven strategies and success stories of employee benefit solutions.

For more information, visit: https://vbassociation.com/.

Bill Bade of Sydney Consulting Most Recent HVBA Advisory Board Member

Mount Laurel, NJ – December 15th, 2022 – Today, the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® announces the appointment of Bill Bade, President of Sydney Consulting, to the Advisory Board of Directors of the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association®.

The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® (HVBA) held their 15th Annual Meeting on November 30th, 2022, at the new Hilton Garden Inn Camden Waterfront Philadelphia. During the board meeting, the Executive & Advisory Joint Board made several decisions relative to the direction of our 2023 strategy for our members. Given the climate of the U.S. increased cost of healthcare and the financial gaps employee face, our goals are in line with making disruptive industry change, educating brokers and employers alike to find ways to save money for both employers and their employees, close financial coverage gaps as well as help in retention of valuable human capital.

The Joint Board of the HVBA voted on several appointments to enhance the current Board of Directors with renowned VB industry professionals that will bring their expertise to our members. We are proud to announce the appointment of Bill Bade, to the HVBA Advisory Board. During his distinguished career, Bill has held positions in account management and product development as well as risk management. Bill is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) and founder of Sydney Consulting Group, whose actuaries, attorneys, and support staff serve over 50 insurance carriers, brokers, and technology firms in the Voluntary Benefits market.

“The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® is a well-respected advocate for our industry, and I am excited to join the rest of the advisory board in promoting the education, implementation, and enrollment strategies of voluntary benefits at the workplace. I look forward to supporting the growth of the association under Rob, Lee, and Krystie’s leadership.” Bill Bade, Founder, Sydney Consulting

“We are very excited to welcome Bill to the team. The voluntary benefits industry is evolving, and we know that there is a need for data analytics, quality resources for regulatory updates, and innovation around product and enrollment solutions. I am confident that with Bill on the team, we can provide the value and support that our members are looking for. It is an exciting time in the voluntary benefits industry. Bill brings the expertise and industry backing that will help propel the HVBA to the next level.” Krystie Dascoli, CVBS, National Practice Leader of Voluntary Benefits for MMA and President, of the HVBA Advisory Board.

“Appointing Bill, to our current distinguished members of the Board of Directors, will continue to elevate the intellectual property and experience the HVBA offers to our growing industry. His knowledge is world-class, and he will play an important role as we head into 2023 and beyond.” Rob Shestack, CVBS, CFF, Chairman & CEO of HVBA.

Please join me in congratulating Bill on this appointment and welcoming him to our organization. Bill will be integral for our members and association co-leading the CVBS Certifications program and the Legislative issues that affect our industry.

About the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association®

Founded in 2008, The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association (HVBA) is the nation’s largest, leading education and information non-profit association in voluntary benefits industry. As the foremost national influencers, we serve as the central point of communication for the industry, offering networking, education, and the latest updates on the trends, regulations, best practices, and innovations for: Insurance Brokers & Consultants, Carrier Representatives, Human Resource Executives and Voluntary Benefit Service Providers. We focus on improving growth of our partners and their teams through the sharing of proven strategies and success stories of voluntary employee benefit solutions.

For further information or questions, please contact:

Jenny Jenkins
Managing Director
Mobile: 561-398-1060
Direct: 856-326-5247
Email: jjenkins@vbassociation.com Website: www.VBassociation.com

Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® Celebrates Success After Regional Roadshow Event Series Kicks Off with Broker Event

On November 30th, 2022, at the Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey, the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® held its Inaugural Regional Broker Roadshow. It was a who’s who of NE regional professionals representing some of the most recognized brokerage firms, carriers, and service providers in the US.

The event began with a cocktail party and networking reception along with some special guests. “Chilly Willy” the Penguin and “Mortimer” the Owl were front and center to meet our VIPs while delicious appetizers were passed among the attendees.

The dinner program commenced with a welcome from the Chairman & CEO, Rob Shestack, followed by presentations on Cyber Security from CJ Brunet, President & CEO of ACS, and an LTC regulatory update from Denise Gott, President & CEO of ACSIA Partners. We also had Conference Chair Dan Robinson and HVBA Executive Board President Lee Stokes, offering background information on the HVBA. Surrounded by a 550,000-gallon Shark Tank, presentations were relative to today’s insurance professionals, and attendees were astonished by some of the data and statistics shared by Denise and CJ. With many changes coming from our federal and state governments, we learned how these solutions could save employers and their employees financial hardship solutions. The festivities continued while our guests enjoyed coffee and dessert under the Octopus & Jelly Fish Realm Exhibit.

Another great aspect of the event was having Temple University’s Fox School of Business Risk Management & Insurance student guests. The Chairman introduced the 2022 case competition 1st and 2nd place winners, who represent the next generation of Consultants, Actuaries & Risk Managers for our industry. More importantly, these students, who have passed several of their actuarial and CEBS certification exams, were able to network with potential employers about internships and job opportunities.

I’d like to thank the entire HVBA team, as well as our Executive and Advisory Board members, who contribute their valuable time and intellectual property for the Association and the VB Industry. I also want to thank our generous sponsors who helped us complete an entire day of meetings and presentations, followed by a reception with over 100 of the Philadelphia region’s most influential insurance professionals.

Our sponsors included: 5Star Life, ACSIA Advanced Cyber Security, Aflac, American Public Life, ClickEnroll, Coherent, Fidelity Enrollment Services, Galileo Healthcare, healthCar, Juice Financial, PerksPlan, SuppRx, and Synolo USA.

We had an unheard-of 96% Attendance Rate for our Inaugural Broker Roadshow. Attendees walked away with knowledge relative to new legislation affecting their clients and ways to protect their clients both financially and physically through new health innovations. They garnered immediate solutions and were able to have relevant conversations during the networking and beyond, to determine how to roll out some of these strategies for their employer clients! Brokers are trusted advisors for employers, and these Road Shows provide continuing education and insight to further enable them to offer their clients the most up-to-date information and cost-saving solutions.

Upon departure, guests were given special gifts and a delicious dessert treat (sponsored by Cookies Bombs & Bites) to take home and enjoy later. There is nothing like receiving gifts on arrival and a gift on departure. We had so much fun welcoming all the attendees, seeing old friends, making new friends, and sharing information to advance the VB industry!

Once again, thank you to all attendees, and special thanks to our Executive Board, Advisory Board, and the Sponsors who helped us prepare for this star-studded event. For information on how the HVBA can host a Roadshow in your city, please contact our Managing Director, Jenny Jenkins, at jjenkins@vbassociation.com or call 561-398-1060. In early 2023, we will announce our upcoming roadshows to a city near you. We wish you and your families a Healthy, Safe, and Happy Holiday Season.

All the Best,

Robert S. Shestack, WBC, CVBS, CFF Chairman & CEO
Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® (HVBA)

WESTBURY, N.Y., March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Paylogix and the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® (HVBA) announced a partnership today to provide the Certified Voluntary Benefits Specialist® (CVBS) training to Paylogix employees. Over 30 employees will participate in the CVBS® training with the goal of earning the certification this year.

“This comprehensive training program and certification will give Paylogix employees the knowledge and skillset that they need to adapt to the rapidly changing workforce in the face of a global pandemic,” stated Rob Shestack CCSS, CVBS, CFF Chairman & CEO of the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association.

The CVBS consists of over 30 hours of study in voluntary benefits topics including ERISA, Section 125, The Cares Act, product selection, and broker strategies. Since starting the CVBS program in 2012, the HVBA has provided training to over 2000 professionals. Paylogix will be the first company to provide the CVBS program to all employees. The goal is for staff at all levels of the organization to understand the voluntary benefits arena and better serve Paylogix clients.  After the training program is complete, each Paylogix employee will have the opportunity to become certified through a proctored 100 question online exam.

Paylogix recently celebrated their 25-year anniversary of providing innovative benefits enrollment and billing solutions to meet the needs of both brokers and carriers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies faced new HR challenges to communicate with their employees. New and existing clients looked to Paylogix for help with remote enrollment, billing and benefits administration. With this new certification, employees will widen their perspective of the voluntary benefits industry and improve their skillset.

“As a company, we already enjoy the reputation of having some of the most educated and experienced staff in the industry. Providing this additional experience will be valuable to our employees and our customers. We look forward to announcing that Paylogix will be the first company to certify every employee with the CVBS designation,” said Lisa Ehli, Director of Marketing for Paylogix.

Contact:
Lisa Ehli
Lisae@paylogix.com
516-307-0144

Health & Voluntary Benefits Association’s Brand Refresh Affirms Commitment to Employee Benefits Community

(Mount Laurel, NJ) The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association (HVBA), the non-profit trade organization in the Voluntary and Workplace Benefits industry, today announced an update of its official branding guidelines and assets. The branding refresh will communicate the vision of the HVBA to promote well-rounded employee benefit programs.

Since 2008, The HVBA has promoted best practices and inspired transformative change in the Voluntary and Workplace Benefits industry. To represent this progress, the brand refresh will present a new logo, brand narrative, expansion of member offerings and benefits, and new certification programs with regulatory and pandemic-related topics.

A historical first for the HVBA, the refresh comes after 15-years of serving benefits professionals with training and resources to promote Voluntary Benefits. The refresh brings renewed energy, affirming a commitment to the HVBA’s mission: To promote the education, implementation, legal perspectives and enrollment of voluntary benefits in the workplace. Part of the organization’s strategy to evolve its business is to create a foundation for new opportunities, reconnect with employee benefits professionals, industry affinity groups, and influencers.

The world of Voluntary Benefits looks very different from 2008, when the HVBA first launched. Over the years, the HVBA has cemented its status as the reliable industry voice, resource, educator, and epicenter for all things Voluntary Benefits. With an abundance of initiatives– national conference, monthly digital magazine, webinars, research library and several professional designation programs, such as its Certified Voluntary Benefits Specialist (CVBS)– the HVBA’s contribution has been monumental to the growth and diversification of product offerings in the voluntary benefits industry.

Voluntary Benefit sales have grown at a compounded annual growth rate of +/- 6% year over year. Among the factors fueling the growth and increased adoption: changing workforce demographics, new products and services, talent recruitment, and retention challenges amid an increasingly competitive labor market.

Voluntary Benefits remain an attractive option for companies to enhance their employee benefit offerings at little or no cost to the employer. A Voluntary Benefits program is also a cost-effective way to boost worker satisfaction, presenteeism and productivity.

“Voluntary Benefits are Employers’ secret weapons against COVID-19,” says Rob Shestack, the HVBA’s Chairman & CEO. “Smart employers understand now is the time to invest in how your organization can leverage voluntary benefits to provide employees the opportunity to protect their families and build a safety net. Employers need a way to do this with minimal costs. This is the most pivotal time since the HVBA’s inception and it is our responsibility to ensure that employers and benefits professionals know the HVBA is here supporting them, helping them be the best employers that they can be and recruit and retain the talent they want.”