2024 Forum Itinerary

Wednesday, September 4

11:00–11:50am – General Session

Marriott Ballroom

Voluntary Professionalism for Voluntary Benefits

Voluntary benefits products create unique (and interesting) opportunities for actuaries. They also create unique challenges – many of which are not often discussed. Join us in this session as we discuss these challenges with peers that work with these unique products. Let’s learn together so that we can all live up to the standards expected of us in this self-managed profession.

Speakers: Ashlee Mouton Borcan, Principal & Consulting Actuary, Milliman, Inc.
Jordan Marks, Actuary, Trustmark
Melanie Robbins, Actuarial Manager, Supplemental Health Pricing Team, Securian

12:30–1:00pm – NASBI Conference Welcome, Marriott Ballroom

1:00–2:00pm – General Session

Marriott Ballroom

Insights from Sales

In so many of our roles, our direct interaction with our clients – brokers and employers – may be limited. We rely on our sales teams – the “boots on the ground” – to give us our clients’ feedback, share their concerns, help us understand the challenges they are facing and advising us of what they find important. This panel discussion will allow us to pick the brains of our sales teams and get some insight into what they are hearing from our brokers and clients.

Speakers: Sal Campanile, VP, Worksite Sales & Operations, 5 Star Life
Shawn McDermott, Supplemental Health Practice Lead, Sun Life
Scott Rogers, Senior Account Executive, MetLife
Stephanie Turgeon, National Product Director, MetLife
Steve Wells, Regional Director, Voya Financial Employee Benefits

2:00–2:15pm – Break

2:15–3:00pm – Concurrent sessions

Marriott Ballroom

Death by meeting – it’s time to stop the madness!

In our post-Covid, hybrid, in-person, virtual, and everything-in-between world of work, many are feeling that we’ve lost our sense of what constitutes a productive and purposeful meeting. We have filled our calendars with nonstop video and call time, which leaves us drained and with very little time to focus on the work that comes out of these meetings. Has the convenience of virtual work created a monster of “always on” culture? How can we course-correct, and how do we find ways to work better together? In this panel discussion, you’ll hear from companies who have adopted different shifts in their culture, and learn what worked and what didn’t. Bring your own ideas and let’s start building a healthier, productive work culture together!

Speakers: Christin Kuretich, VP, Supplemental Products, Voya
Taylor McKinnon, Principal & Compliance Consultant, Milliman, Inc.
Suzanne Sitrin, Principal & Founder, Blue Birch Consulting

Avenue Ballroom

Seamless Integration: Mutual Adaptation of Insurance Product Design and Employee Benefit Platforms

Join us for a comprehensive session focusing on the critical interplay between insurance product design and seamless integration within employee benefit platforms. Explore how product design intricacies influence integration onto benefit administration systems and gain valuable strategies for enhancing adaptability to diverse platforms. Dive into the dialogue between insurance companies and benefit administration vendors, understanding pain points and limitations while fostering collaboration for system improvements.

Speakers: Lisa Lent, VP Benefit & Talent Solutions, ADP
Jake Sealey, Systems Consultant, Worksite, MassMutual
Stephanie Turgeon, National Product Director, MetLife

3:00–3:15pm – Break

3:15–4:00pm – General Session

Marriott Ballroom

Ferris Bueller’s Day in Claims Integration

Claims integration moves pretty fast. You don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. Claims integration, when done correctly, can improve the member’s claims experience and drive utilization of supplemental benefits. In this session, we will cover the various aspects of utilizing claims data (medical, disability, other) in the processing of supplemental benefits and the considerations that must be talked about. Topics covered will include terminology, key considerations of claims data integration and member HIPAA/privacy considerations.

Speakers: Julie Bartocci, Director, Health Practice, Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc.
Randy Finn, Executive Director, Voluntary, Aetna / CVS Health
Paul Hummell, VP Voluntary Benefits Practice Lead, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits
Bob Mayer, Lead Director, Voluntary, Aetna / CVS Health

4:00–4:15pm – Break

4:15–5:15pm – General Session

Marriott Ballroom

Hot Times for Supplemental Health Products

Late one night, when we were all in bed, Mrs. O’Leary lit a lantern in the shed. Her cow kicked it over, Then winked her eye and said, ” There’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight!”…Come to this session to hear about the hottest trends in Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance.

Speakers: Jen Howard, Principal & Consulting Actuary, Milliman, Inc.
Bryan McMeen, VP, Group Pricing, AFLAC
Mike Weilant, Principal & Consulting Actuary, Milliman, Inc.

5:30PM – Take Me Out to the Ballgame – a Milliman Hosted Event for All!

Thursday, September 5

7:30–8:45am – Breakfast, Halsted

9:00–9:45am – General Session

Marriott Ballroom

Magnificent Minds: Advancing Mental Wellness along the Chicago Magnificent Mile

In response to the growing emphasis on mental well-being in the workplace, major employers are heavily relying on their Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for tailored solutions, essentially monopolizing these platforms. This leaves many others wondering about their options.

Join us for an engaging panel discussion that explores real-world experiences in implementing strategies to enhance mental well-being across organizations of varying sizes. This panel will provide practical insights and best practices that are both scalable and adaptable, ensuring that businesses of any size can establish a work environment that prioritizes the mental wellness of their employees.

Speakers: Alli Arndt, Director, Wellness, Marsh McLennan Agency
Dr. Kennette Thigpen Harris, LCSW, Chief Clinical Officer, Workplace Options
Leah Holzwarth, Associate Director, Global Well-Being, AbbVie

9:45–10:00am – Break

10:00–10:45AM – Concurrent Sessions

Marriott Ballroom

You’re The Inspiration (Supplemental Health)

It’s all about Supplemental Health…or is it? Although Supplemental Health products continue to be some of the most sought after products in the industry, they are still like Chicago in that they are the “second city”. Yet, as the products evolve, we are seeing adjacencies with the core products. Additionally, value-adds such as caregiving, cancer concierge, family planning/maternity and others pair nicely with our products. In this session we will share insight on recent trends, how these products can coexist and add value, and what you can expect on your next roadmap.

Speakers: David Martin, VP, Strategic Partnerships, PetPartners, an IPG Company
Ryan Schoenecker, Chief Commercial Officer, Vori Health
Robyn Sechler, VP of Partnerships, GoodTrust

Avenue Ballroom

Bulls and Bears of the Worksite Life Market

This session will discuss trends in the worksite life market including survey results and insights from industry experts. From underwriting (or lack there of), to risk management, to growth opportunities, and compliance considerations, panelists will share thoughts on the current market and where it is heading.

Speakers: Kristin Crossland, Senior Actuary, Transamerica
Bill Mehilos, Principal & Consulting Actuary, Milliman, Inc.
Austin Rombalski, Executive Director & Actuary, Trustmark

10:45–11:00am – Break

11:00–11:45AM – Concurrent Sessions

Marriott Ballroom

Thinking Beyond the “Friendly Confines” – Incorporating DE&I Into External Strategy

When the topic of DE&I comes up within the employee benefits industry, it is common to think of a carrier’s internal strategy – e.g. hiring and compensation practices; establishment of employee resource groups; and workforce planning and succession goals. But the reality is that carriers can’t only have an internal focus to DE&I. In today’s ever-changing and ultra-competitive landscape, carriers need to align their DE&I efforts with business strategy and customer needs. In this session, we’ll dive in to how carriers can keep DE&I at the forefront of their external-facing business by looking at such areas as product development, claims operations and the overall customer journey.

Speakers: Kevin Cranston, Head of Product, Reliance Matrix
Joanne Spruill, Chief Compliance Officer, Principal
Sarah Thacker, VP Enterprise Claims, Voya
Thea Valero, AVP Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Reliance Matrix

Avenue Ballroom

Chicago or Bust? The Race Against Fraud

Help Joliet Jake and Elwood avoid the roadblocks on the way back to Chicago as they’re being chased by Minnie the Moocher. We will be discussing recent examples of fraud in the industry and ways to help your company avoid the pitfalls along the way.

Speakers: Joe Hayre, Claims Director, Trustmark
Michael Nigohosian, VP Strategic Accounts, CoventBridge

11:45am–1:00pm – Lunch, Halsted

1:00–1:45pM

Marriott Ballroom

Navigating the Magnificent Mile: Rules Rule in Supplemental Health Insurance

Join us on a regulatory exploration down the Magnificent Mile of Supplemental Health Insurance, where “Rules Rule.” This dynamic session delves into the industry’s hottest regulatory topics, dissecting the ever-evolving landscape of Supplemental Health Insurance compliance. From emerging state regulatory trends to persistent challenges, we’ll navigate the complexities of an increasingly difficult regulatory environment.

Speakers: Stacy Koron, VP, First Consulting & Administration
Taylor McKinnon, Principal & Compliance Consultant, Milliman, Inc.

2:00–2:45pm – Concurrent Sessions

Marriott Ballroom

Mental Health, Disabilities, and the Evolution of Absence Management

We all know that mental health can impact physical health and disability outcomes, but how much of that knowledge is factored into absence management programs? In this session, we will discuss the mental health, impact on disability claim outcomes, and the necessary evolution of absence management programs in response.

Speakers: Kerri Picard, Head of Product & State Filing, Equitable
Daniel Zainulbhai, Chief Business Development Officer, Goodpath

Avenue Ballroom

Worksite LTC insurance: trends in hybrid and standalone LTCI

Carriers have swarmed to the worksite hybrid life and LTC insurance market. This session will explore the latest product designs and market strategies for those carriers. We will also hear from a traditional LTC insurer selling business in the worksite, and discuss the resurgence of LTCI in general.

Speakers: Robert Eaton, Principal & Consulting Actuary, Milliman, Inc.
Mike Hawksworth, VP & Actuary, Trustmark
Zach Oates, Chief Operating Officer, J. Manning & Associates

2:45–3:30pm – Networking Break, Halsted

3:30–4:15pm – Concurrent Sessions

Marriott Ballroom

Consumer Education – Friend or Foe?

One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is ensuring consumers understand the value of supplemental benefits. Why are they different from health insurance? How does this benefit me? Take a look at what is being done differently to help consumers truly understand the products’ benefits and value.

Speaker: Ryan Drebing, Director of Sales, B3 Solutions

Avenue Ballroom

Shop Talk: Deep Dish

Calling all trivia nerds! Bring your competitive spirit to our breakout session. Following a panel discussion with insights into how each of the shops work and communication channels across underwriting, pricing, product and compliance, we’ll have game show fun and test our knowledge of the market landscape. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team!

Speakers: Sally Sommerville, Supplemental Health Underwriting Manager, Voya
Caroline Stephens, Product Development and Management, AFLAC
Kristin Tiffenbach, Senior Underwriting Consultant & Voluntary Benefits Product Lead, MetLife
Joe Zezza, Senior Underwriting Manager, Aetna

4:15–4:30pm – Break

4:30–5:15pm

Marriott Ballroom

Optimizing Business Operations: Navigating the Magnificent Mile of Success

We all face operational challenges that disrupt our current processes and ways of working. If you scramble to find ways to fit in unplanned changes and stay ahead of adopting market trends, this session is for you. Our panelists will share their insights and best practices as we discuss a variety of topics..

Speakers: Bryan Burke, AVP, Voluntary Benefits, Sun Life
Manish Mandelia, Principal & Managing Director, Milliman Connect
Jillian Mondaca, CVP, Head of Life Product & Strategy, New York Life
Bukky Robertson, Director, Claims Strategy & Administration, Sun Life

5:30–6:30pm – NASBI Conference reception, Halsted

Friday, September 6

7:30–8:45am – Breakfast

9:00–9:45am – General Session

Marriott Ballroom

Razzle Dazzle or Real Results: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Machine Learning in Claims Automation

In the ever-evolving landscape of insurance claims, the balance between innovation and practical outcomes is crucial. Join us for an engaging session that delves into the intersection of technology and real-world impact. Whether you’re a claims professional or simply curious about the future of claims management, this session promises insights that will leave you pondering: Is it all about razzle dazzle, or can we truly achieve tangible results?

Speakers: Stephen Sofoul, SVP, Data & Decision Science Services, Multiplan
Kendie Stroede, Supplemental Health Integration Operations Lead, Cigna
Brad Yoder, 2nd VP, Life and Supplemental Claims, The Standard

9:45–10:00am – Break

10:00–10:45am – General Session

Marriott Ballroom

Winds of Change in the Windy City: The Tri-Agency Rule and its Impact

The Tri-Agency published the final rule changing the approach to short-term limited durational insurance, hospital or other fixed indemnity coverage, specified disease insurance and taxation of fixed indemnity benefits. Join us for a deep-dive into the new rule, potential impacts, and different approaches to complying with the new regulatory landscape.

Speaker: Beth Casey, Compliance Analyst, Milliman, Inc.
Cindy Goff, VP of Supplemental Benefits & Group Insurance, ACLI
Caroline Stephens, Product Development and Management, AFLAC

10:45–11:00am – Break

11:00–11:45am – General Session

Marriott Ballroom

Broker Buzz: Top Brokers Discuss the State of the Industry

Carriers rely heavily on brokers, but direct discussions with them are often funneled through our sales organizations. To bridge this gap, we are convening a panel of esteemed industry leaders. Please join us as we engage in a comprehensive dialogue about the current state and future trajectory of supplemental insurance.

Speakers: Lindsay Evans, Director, Supplemental Accounts Underwriting, The Standard
Rich Fahn, Senior VP, NFP
Emily Hoselton, Principal, Voluntary Benefits Sales Leader, Mercer
Michelle Jones, VP, Voluntary Benefits Producer, Alliant

11:45am–12:00pm – Closing Remarks, Halsted

12:00–12:50pm

Marriott Ballroom

Extra Innings – Actuarial Roundtable

Who doesn’t love a game going into extra innings? Well, here is your chance to get a little extra CE and join your fellow actuaries as we try to put away the other team and discuss solutions to the challenges facing our companies and industry. You just never know who’s going to come out of the bullpen to save the day!

Speakers: Matt Fleischman, Executive Director & Actuary, Trustmark
Bill Mehilos, Principal & Consulting Actuary, Milliman, Inc.