President’s Message

Message from the President

Dear Colleague:

At the local level it is Silicon Valley Association of Health Underwriters mission to provide ethical leadership and education in the community regarding health and benefit issues and act as consumer advocates with legislative leaders at both the Federal and State Level.

This historic year our theme is Twenty Years Strong: the Road Ahead. Historic in two regards as we commemorate our chapters twentieth year and this year more than ever before, our industry is under attack by politicians, the press and the public. The future of health care is uncertain. Without AHU’s combined voice in Washington and Sacramento, our livelihoods would be in jeopardy even though we play a critical role in the health and financial needs of our clients. Health care spending now represents over a trillion dollars annually, a staggering figure that is rapidly approaching 20% of the gross domestic product. Bringing the financing mechanism to the U.S. health care delivery system is one of our nation’s most important issues.

Health insurance professionals that join SVAHU play an active role in forging a unified voice, interacting with top decision makers in the field and staying on top of the latest developments from both an industry and legislative standpoint. I hope you will continue to take pride in our our organization and in our noble profession, which is more important than ever to millions of Americans.

Respectfully,

Jeff Bader
SVAHU President

Happy Holidays From SVAHU!

I wanted to extend a thank you to all of the members and non-members that attended our SVAHU Mixer on November 19th. It was enjoyed by all and it’s always great to mingle with fellow SVAHU members!

Please mark your calendars for Friday, December 12th for the Annual SVAHU Holiday Party. Highlights will include:

• Presentation of the Thomas Kaufman Award


• Our drive for the Sherriff’s Toys for Tots gift program


• Presentation of SVAHU’s checks to Charities

We’ve moved the Holiday Party to the Sonoma Chicken Coop in Campbell this year and festivities begin at 4:30pm. Claremont, Word & Brown & AFLAC will be providing drink tickets and appetizers. We can’t wait to see you there!

I wanted to thank our current board members for all of their hard work… You would be amazed at all that is going on in the background – They are fantastic volunteers and always working to bring more value to our members!

Thank you for your continued support and participation in our classes and events. Always feel free to contact us with any ideas you may have to make 2009 the best year yet for SVAHU. YOU ARE APPRECIATED!

Happy Holidays from SVAHU wishing you a prosperous start to the New Year!

Abraham Phillips
SVAHU President

April 11th Panel Discussion

Hi all! It's Panel Discussion Time again! We'll be discussing the state of healthcare and the delivery system in our state and across the nation.

This is always one of our most anticipated and well received events, so don't miss it. Put it on your calendar right now, and RSVP online.

We have a great panel lined up - Sam Smith, the President of LAAHU and Vice Chair of Public Relations for CAHU, is our moderator. Panelists include: Richard Figueroa, health insurance advisor to Governor Schwartezenegger, Mitchell Zack, provider contract negotiator for John Muir Hospital, Dave Bauer, SVAHU Legislation Chair, Tom Epstein, VP of Consumer Affairs for Blue Shield of California, and Phil Lebherz, CEO of LISI Insurance Services and creator of the Health Insurance Maxtrix. We also have key Sacramento legislators as possible panelists.

This promises to be a very informative and lively discussion. As an industry professional, you need to be a part of this.

Don't miss this opportunity! Sign up today and join us on April 11th at the Wyndham Hotel in San Jose.

Marilyn Leonard, RHU, REBC
SVAHU President, 2007-08