NABIP Idaho - Newsletter

From the President’s Desk

Dear NABIP Idaho Family,

It is an honor to serve as President of NABIP Idaho this year. I'm excited for what's ahead and grateful to serve alongside an incredible board that has stepped up to lead our chapter this year. Great organizations are not built by one leader. They're built by people who are willing to serve, share ideas, and work together toward something bigger than themselves. I couldn't be more thankful for the dedicated board members serving alongside me, and I'm excited to see what we'll accomplish together.

Our theme this year is Rise Together. It's a simple reminder that when we support one another, strengthen our profession, and advocate for those we serve, we all rise.

At our recent strategic planning meeting, our board took an honest look at where we are and where we want to go. We completed a SWOT analysis, challenged ourselves to think bigger, and committed to putting our best foot forward for the members of our chapter. There is incredible energy within this leadership team, and I can't wait to see those ideas come to life.

One of our biggest priorities this year is increasing our visibility. NABIP does so much behind the scenes to advocate for brokers, protect our profession, educate members, and serve Idaho consumers. Those efforts matter, but often go unseen.

This year, we're going to get a little louder.

We're committed to sharing the stories, advocacy efforts, partnerships, and impact happening across our state, and we'd love your help.

If you haven't already, please follow our official Facebook page at facebook.com/nabipidaho and engage with our posts. Every like, comment, and share helps amplify the voice of Idaho's insurance professionals and showcases the difference brokers make every day.

Did you know, we are an award-winning chapter? This past year, NABIP Idaho earned the Blue Ribbon of Excellence, amongst other awards for chapters in our category: Highest Retention Rate, Highest Growth Rate, Most New Members & National Championship, HUPAC; recognition that places us among the strongest chapters in the nation. Those honors belong to every volunteer, member, sponsor, and leader who has invested their time, talents, and resources into this association. We couldn't have achieved them without you.

As we move forward this year, you'll probably see us trying some new things. Not every idea will be a home run, and that's okay. Growth requires a willingness to experiment, learn, and improve.

Finally, I'd like to ask for your continued support. By attending your local chapter events, inviting another broker or industry professional to join you, engaging with our social media or considering volunteering. Every new member strengthens our voice, expands our network, and makes our chapter even more valuable to the sponsors and partners who invest in our mission.

Thank you for being part of NABIP Idaho!

Malia Rogers
President, NABIP Idaho

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Legislative Watch

Stay informed on the latest policy and regulatory developments impacting healthcare.

Click on each link to view:

Our Lobbyists' Report
CMS guidance on Medicare coverage for GLP-1 medications, FAQs
CMS 2027 ACA Final Rule
NABIP Idaho PAC Contribution List

Idaho Legislature Forms Health Insurers Working Group

The Idaho Legislature has formed a new Health Insurers Working Group to examine issues affecting Idaho’s health insurance market. NABIP Idaho & our lobbyists at Cygnet will be following the group’s discussions and any potential recommendations that could impact consumers, employers and insurance professionals across the state.

Click Here to view this specific group

New Scope of Appointment Requirements for Contract Year 2027

CMS has finalized important updates to the Scope of Appointment (SOA) requirements for Contract Year 2027. The biggest change is the elimination of the mandatory 48-hour waiting period between completing an SOA and conducting a personal marketing appointment.

Beginning October 1, 2026, for CY 2027 marketing and communications, agents may conduct a personal marketing appointment on the same day the SOA is completed, as long as the SOA is agreed upon and recorded before the appointment begins.

What Agents Need to Know

Same-day appointments are permitted. The previous 48-hour waiting period is no longer required for CY 2027 marketing and communications.
An SOA is still required for each personal marketing appointment. Removing the waiting period does not eliminate the SOA requirement.
Electronic documentation is acceptable. Electronic signatures and records can satisfy the "in writing" requirement; a traditional wet signature is not required.
Non-in-person appointments may use electronic records. Audio, audio-video recordings, and other permitted electronic records may be used to document the SOA as applicable.
The 12-month rule applies to beneficiary contact within the agreed-upon scope. An SOA, Business Reply Card (BRC), or request for additional information may support beneficiary contact regarding the agreed-upon product scope for up to 12 months. However, a new SOA is still required for each personal marketing appointment.
Stay within the agreed-upon scope. Before marketing additional health-related lines of business outside the original scope, the appropriate new SOA documentation must be obtained.

Key Reminder

The new rule provides agents and beneficiaries with greater scheduling flexibility, but the fundamental consumer protection remains: document the Scope of Appointment before beginning the personal marketing appointment.

These changes apply to CY 2027 marketing and communications beginning October 1, 2026.

Reference: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare Program; Contract Year 2027 and Certain Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, and Medicare Cost Plan Program, 91 Fed. Reg. 17384 (Apr. 6, 2026), including 42 CFR §§ 422.2264(c)(3) and 423.2264(c)(3). See also CMS, Frequently Asked Questions Related to New Scope of Appointment Rules, May 26, 2026.

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LPRT

NABIP Idaho is proud to recognize the 16 outstanding Idaho insurance professionals who qualified for the 2026 Leading Producers Round Table (LPRT).

LPRT recognizes NABIP members who demonstrate exceptional professional success and leadership within our industry. Qualifying is a significant accomplishment that reflects hard work, dedication, and an ongoing commitment to serving Idaho individuals, families, employers, and communities.

Treasure Valley Chapter

Bruce Altig — Soaring Eagle
Stacie Anthony — Soaring Eagle
Marcia Benton — Soaring Eagle
Stephanie Hartruft — Platinum Eagle
CarrieAnne Kowalczyk-Gonzalez — Soaring Eagle
Scott A. Leavitt — Lifetime Emeritus
Robert J. Tierney — Lifetime Emeritus
Derek Wilson — Eagle

Southern Chapter

Rhonda Bartholomew — Lifetime & Qualifying, Soaring Eagle
Ryan Heider — Platinum Eagle
Candace Ireland — Lifetime & Qualifying, Soaring Eagle
Guy Stubbs — Golden Eagle, Agency
David V. Wilcox — Lifetime & Qualifying, Soaring Eagle

North Chapter

Bradley V. Miles — Lifetime & Qualifying, Soaring Eagle
Carey A. Spears — Soaring Eagle

Eastern Chapter

Lance B. Kolbet — Lifetime & Qualifying, Soaring Eagle

Congratulations to each of our qualifiers! Your achievements reflect the professionalism, leadership, and commitment to excellence found throughout NABIP Idaho.

Interested in qualifying for LPRT next year? Applications are due annually by May 31. I’m happy to answer questions, explain the qualification levels, and help you navigate the application process. Let’s continue growing Idaho’s representation within LPRT!

Stacie Anthony
LPRT Chair, NABIP Idaho

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Local Leadership Updates

Treasure Valley Chapter Spotlight
By Marcia Benton, Past President, NABIP Treasure Valley Chapter

As I step down from President to Past President of NABIP Treasure Valley, I wanted to share a look back at the last two years with all of you across NABIP Idaho. It's been a good stretch of growth for our chapter, and I'm grateful for the chance to reflect on it with our statewide NABIP community.

Certification and Community Impact
This year, Treasure Valley earned Platinum Chapter Certification, an upgrade from Gold, reflecting steady work from our members over time. We also raised more than $35,000 for local causes in a single year, including Rays for Rare, the Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline, and City Light Home for Women.

A Growing Event Lineup — Open to the Whole State
Two years ago, we launched our inaugural Medicare Summit. This year marks our 2nd annual Medicare Summit, now joined by a new Group Summit with a deeper focus on community outreach and education. Both are open to members across NABIP Idaho, not just Treasure Valley, since education and outreach work best when we build them together as a state.

Growth That Lifted the Whole State
Treasure Valley's growth was recognized nationally this year, and Idaho as a whole was also recognized at the state level for growth and membership. When our chapter grows, everyone benefits, and it's our goal to keep supporting the state as we move forward.

Thank you to my chapter, and to our NABIP Idaho community, for the support along the way. I'm looking forward to what's ahead, including our upcoming Fall Forum, Rise of the Heroes.

Marcia Benton
Past President, NABIP Treasure Valley Chapter

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Celebrating Excellence

We’re proud to celebrate an incredible year for the NABIP Idaho State Chapter! Our chapter was recognized at the national level with several awards highlighting the growth, engagement, and dedication of our members.

For 2025–2026, NABIP Idaho received recognition for Highest Growth Rate, Highest Retention Rate, Most New Members, National Champion, Blue Ribbon of Excellence Certification, and outstanding NABIP PAC participation.

These awards are a reflection of the members, leaders, and volunteers who continue to strengthen our chapter and support the health insurance and employee benefits industry across Idaho. Thank you to everyone who contributed to another successful year for NABIP Idaho—we’re excited to keep the momentum going!

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Making an Impact

TIME TO TEE OFF FOR A GREAT CAUSE!

Registration is officially open for the annual TV NABIP Golf Tournament! Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just master of the mini golf green, it’s time to dust off those clubs and join us for a day of sun swings and stellar networking. ?

Date: August 21st, 2026

Time: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: Falcon Crest Golf Course

Address: 11102 S Cloverdale Rd, Kuna, ID, 83634

Register Here

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Mark Your Calendar

More Than a Conference. More Than CE Credits.

This year's NABIP Fall Forum is also about giving back to our community.

Here's how you can join us.

-Both Days: Help us support City Light Home for Women and Children by bringing snack foods and personal care items for our Agents vs. Carriers Charity Challenge.

-Wednesday Evening: Stay for our FREE Community Education Event as we help local residents better understand their health insurance and Medicare options.

-Thursday Morning: Grab breakfast at the United Way Flapjack Breakfast just outside the venue before Fall Forum begins. Your breakfast supports a great cause, and NABIP Treasure Valley will also make a donation based on member participation.

When healthcare professionals come together, we don't just educate—we strengthen our community.

Join us for two incredible days of education (tons of CE), networking, and giving back to the Treasure Valley. We'd love to have you with us.

Register Here

Pacific Northwest Chapter Events:

Friday August 21st 11am-3pm

Annual Social- BBQ at Landings Park

Please RSVP: [email protected]

Thursday, September 17th 11am - 1:30pm

Chapter Meet up with Guest Speaker Dylan Howard, presenting "Medicare Coverage for Diabetes Supplies" FREE to attend, but must register: https://bit.ly/pacNWSept26

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