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Albany Update: State of the State Address, Favorable Amendments on Insurance Disclosure Bill, Modernization Bills Signed

​On Wednesday, Governor Hochul kicked off the official start of the 2022 legislative session with her first State of the State address. Speaking from the Assembly Chamber, Hochul outlined her agenda for the coming year. The wide ranging address outlined initiatives for economic recovery, strengthening the healthcare economy, investing in infrastructure and renewable energy, and restoring trust in government. Notably, she proposed constitutional amendment to impose a two-term limit for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and Comptroller.Key Takeaways from State of the State:Non-Compete/No-Poach Ban Proposed: Governor Hochul indicated she would propose legislation to eliminate non-compete agreements for workers making below the median wage in New…

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Updated Interim Isolation & Quarantine Guidance (NYS Dept. of Health, January 4, 2022)

You and other independent insurance agents across the country are doing commendable work taking care of your clients, staff, family, friends, and communities during the pandemic. While we were all hopeful that 2022 would be the start of the final chapter in the COVID-19 story, that does not seem to be the case. We want to be sure you are aware of the January​ 4, 2022 guidance provided by the New York Department of Health regarding Interim Updated Isolation & Quarantine Recommendations.   A host of resources are available on our Coronavirus Resource page. To support our mission of  helping our members be successful, we have assembled experts and tools to assist you with…

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Health Insurance Compensation Disclosure Guidance, Sample Form Available

​Guidance to help agents and brokers comply with a new federal law requiring disclosure of health insurance compensation is now available from the Big "I" and the federal government. The requirement took effect late last month.Section 202 of the December 2020 omnibus government funding legislation signed into law by former President Donald Trump included new compensation disclosure requirements for health insurance agents and brokers. The requirements took effect on Dec. 27, 2021.After the requirements took effect last week, the Department of Labor (DOL) released Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2021-03, which provides further guidance and announces the DOL's temporary enforcement policy for group health plan service…

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