Blog

Breathing New Life into Healthcare: What If Mindfulness Transformed Healthcare Policy? My CapCon 2026 Journey ~

Yes, it’s been a month since the NABIP Capitol Conference  (#CapCon2026) in Washington, D.C., and the energy from those advocacy days is still very much alive. This year has been a mix of emotions, as part of our volunteering involves serving others, which sometimes means having difficult conversations that require heartfelt discussions. Blending mindfulness, especially LOVE, with practical solutions has always been at the heart of my team’s and my work. This event was a powerful platform for speaking up on behalf of insurance agents, brokers, employers, HR professionals, individuals, and Medicare recipients, especially in a landscape where premiums are rising rapidly, and the gig economy is expanding. It’s about creating changes that help people not just get by but truly flourish, inspiring hope and confidence in the future of healthcare.

Opening the conference with the Morning Meditation session and dance in the Regency Ballroom, sponsored by the wonderful NueSynergy team, was a highlight. As a dedicated yogi, I have experienced long enough how we can move attendees through breathwork and centering practices, connecting from our hearts and helping everyone start the conference grounded and focused, including myself. This has been beyond passion and is helping lower our cost of care, but mainly, we are feeling happier and remember these moments of us joining together – this extra breath! One little extra breath can change it all! – In an industry where burnout is a real challenge, as recent reports highlight, making mindfulness a standard at events builds resilience and sharpens our approach to tough issues.

The opening day was back-to-back with speakers and representatives, but introducing FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary was another special moment. A true leader in our healthcare industry, he offered insights into navigating systemic costs, prescription drug regulatory priorities, and patient access that resonated deeply. Kids’ allergies, women’s health, medications that can save lives, and 360-degree care and health are clearly his unbreakable mission! I had the privilege of sharing a few minutes behind the stage with him. It was so special for me to have the opportunity to remind him how the conversation about incorporating meditation and Ayurvedic practices—focusing on prevention to cut chronic illness expenses—can be particularly relevant…he totally agreed, as – again, just a reminder to us all – ‘FOOD IS MEDICINE’. Exploring how these life-changing practices can influence policy and reduce costs helps you see their practical impact on healthcare reform and advocacy efforts. Marty is making a radical difference in U.S. care, medicine, and health!

Each year, the conference anchors itself on Capitol Hill, where influential representatives such as Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Brian Fitzpatrick, Adrian Smith, Sean Casten, Dusty Johnson, and Jimmy Gomez discuss vital issues. Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03) articulates strong bipartisan policy solutions to stabilize Medicare and the ACA marketplaces. These discussions are crucial because they shape the future of healthcare policy and directly impact our ability to advocate for meaningful reforms. Understanding how these conversations influence legislation can motivate you to stay engaged and support ongoing advocacy efforts.

During a high-impact breakfast gathering, key representatives engaged in frank discussions surrounding commission safeguards and pricing transparency. Topics such as stabilizing the ACA and enhancing Medicare protections are at the forefront, particularly for the over 57 million self-employed individuals and gig workers facing rising premiums.

We are driving change with innovative solutions, including personalized plans, expanded HSA options, telehealth, and Ayurvedic preventive strategies. We’re committed to improving access, as evidenced by initiatives such as the Small Business Resiliency Act and ICHRAs.

Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03) contributed perspectives on bipartisan policy solutions, emphasizing stability in Medicare and ACA marketplaces. John Brooks, Deputy Administrator and Chief Policy Officer at CMS, and Peter Nelson, Deputy Administrator and Director of CCIIO, represented federal oversight and focused on regulatory frameworks that enhance affordability and compliance for employers and individuals. Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro highlighted state-level innovations in consumer protection and market stability. At the same time, NABIP underscored the vital role of licensed agents and brokers in advocating for equitable, consumer-centered healthcare systems.

Complementing these sessions, a memorable breakfast gathering with key government representatives—including Rep. Ro Khanna (advocate for tech-driven healthcare equity), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (champion of consumer protections against price gouging), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (proponent of bipartisan mental health and wellness initiatives), Rep. Adrian Smith (supporter of rural healthcare access and tax incentives), Rep. Sean Casten (focused on climate-resilient health policies and innovation), Rep. Dusty Johnson (backer of small business benefits and affordability), and Rep. Jimmy Gomez (defender of expanded coverage for underserved communities)—fostered candid dialogues on pressing issues like commission safeguards and pricing transparency, reinforcing the conference’s commitment to collaborative progress- phew – we were BUSY!

This year, Bills in discussions:

-S 2355 Patient Price Transparency Act, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for hospitals and ensure price transparency.

-HR 5582: Patients deserve a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to require hospital and insurer price transparency.

-HR 5463 choice arrangement, a bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the treatment of employer-provided health and reimbursement arrangements that are integrated with individual market coverage and for other purposes.

-HR2082 dash wish act well-being insurance for seniors to be at home act, a bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide for long-term care insurance benefits and for other purposes.

-HR2744 Medicare enrollment protection act of 2025, a bill to amend Part B of title XVII, the Secure Act, to provide for a special enrollment period under Medicare for individuals enrolled in COBRA continuation coverage, and for other purposes

As we navigate and seek solutions together, let’s embrace positivity, especially in a world where we cannot control the outcome. Remember, our energy can make a difference, and we have the power to act and advocate for the future of the healthcare industry, which is NOW!

Where In The World Is NAHU

Blog / By / / 5 minutes of reading

Last summer, America’s Benefit Specialist Magazine published my article on my trip to India right before the pandemic lockdown. In the year since that trip, I have reflected often on how the discipline and introspection I practiced during my weeklong stay at an Ayurvedic retreat in Goa helped me cope with my personal health, social distancing, and isolation we have all been experiencing this past year. 

I share the full article below, and invite you to reflect on what disciplines have you created during the ‘new now’ to protect and guide your mental, physical and spiritual health?

Where In The World Is NAHU Read More »

5 strategies that help employers reduce health-related risks and costs

Blog / By / / 4 minutes of reading

Many companies aren’t aware of the full impact that health-related risks can have on their bottom line. When an employee is diagnosed with a serious and complex illness, the associated costs can become a burden on a company. When you factor in misdiagnoses, unnecessary procedures, annual healthcare spending waste, productivity loss and absenteeism, nearly $300 billion is wasted spend by employers.

That’s why companies need to help employees understand their health risks and apply appropriate, proactive health management strategies. Doing so will help workers better able to navigate the complex healthcare system to formulate plans for mitigating their risk and improving their health and financial wellbeing.

Employers should consider these five underused strategies for effective health risk management.

Strategy 1: Screening and preventive care

The foundation of a health risk management strategy should include assessing and monitoring family history and lifestyle-based risk factors, administering and updating immunizations, biometric screening for high blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, BMI and waist circumference, as well as personalized screening for breast, colon and other cancers.

5 strategies that help employers reduce health-related risks and costs Read More »

Eat Healthy – Stay Healthy

Blog / By / / 3 minutes of reading

10 Easy (Eating)Tips to Live By

Eating healthily is all about balance. Every now and then it’s perfectly OK to have pie for dinner or a nice slice of cake at teatime – treats are a part of life – but it’s also important to recognize when we’re pushing things too far. Indulgent food should be enjoyed and savored, but only occasionally – it’s important to remember that the majority of our diet should be made up of balanced, nutritious everyday foods. Make healthy food a priority in your life and allow it to bring your family and friends together. Learn to love how it makes you feel, how delicious it is and remember that a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise are the keys to a healthy lifestyle.

1. COOK FROM SCRATCH

This is one of the most important life skills you can learn. It allows you to have complete control of what goes into your food.

2. EAT A BALANCED DIET

Aim to eat a balanced diet that contains each of the food groups in the correct proportions.

3. VARIETY IS KEY – EAT THE RAINBOW

Fill your diet with a wide range of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs, pulses, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and naturally low fat dairy foods. When it comes to fruit and veg, different colours provide your body with the different nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy – it’s not just greens that are good for you!

Eat Healthy – Stay Healthy Read More »

Health and Wellness inspired by ‘Pokémon Go’

Blog / By / / 5 minutes of reading

You could say I’ve worked on wellness my entire life: for myself, for my family, and for the world at large mainly for my clients and colleagues that I love. I went into the Healthcare Industry with the whole-hearted intention of helping others stay well and teaching life practices to facilitate this.

Working on wellness is truly a lifelong pursuit. I personally know how difficult it is to get people to change comfortable habits that they have perfected for many years. But while people don’t generally want to change, sometimes it is necessary. In some cases, the decision to choose wellness and throw out old habits can literally make the difference between life and death.

We now think of technology and devices as things that promote health and wellness in our lives. But it was still a surprise for me to encounter the new Pokémon app and to observe how it instantaneously changed people’s exercise habits worldwide. I was amazed to discover how the Pokémon app pushed people out of their comfort zones and forced them to develop new habits of walking and being outside, all while being fun and engaging. I was startled to see how many people play this new game called ~ Pokémon.

Around the time that the Pokémon app emerged, I found myself on a beautiful beach playing the game with my 21-year old son. It was right before he was going off to college.

My kids and I were together on a final, end-of-summer getaway in sparkling La Jolla, CA. With our busy schedule we only had three days of vacation together and were looking forward to wrapping up summer and going back to our new realities.  For me, of course, the end of summer meant that the 4th Open Enrollment for the ACA/Obama Care was right around the corner.

My kids had spent most of their summer immersed in nature at Camp, where my son worked as an advisor and my daughter as a camp counselor. They love that camp and consider it a second home, in spite of being completely cut off from technology while there. This actually caused them to really stay active, enjoy nature. They always look, taller, happier, and healthie when they return from camp. Sometimes, I barely recognize them.   

We decided on La Jolla for our three-day jaunt because the Insurance License Board Test was being offered there at that time. We could spend quality time together as a family and also get the licensing exam under their belts. Yes, my kids are both are getting certified ~

Health and Wellness inspired by ‘Pokémon Go’ Read More »

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On Health Reform for Small Businesses

Blog / By / / 4 minutes of reading

This cheat sheet provides a quick reference for small businesses on health reform (aka the Affordable Care Act or ObamaCare).

Small businesses (with fewer than 50 employees) are largely unaffected by health reform. Yet, many small business owners and HR managers feel confused about their requirements under health reform.

The purpose of this article is to provide a quick reference guide for small businesses about how health reform impacts your business and your employees – and how to take advantage of health reform changes to offer more affordable health benefits.

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On Health Reform for Small Businesses Read More »

QUOTE
QUOTE

Start typing and press enter to search

Scroll to Top