Insurance Service of Asheville, Inc.

The North Carolina Association of Health Underwriters (NCAHU) held their annual awards banquet on Saturday, July 16, 2011, at the Marriott Hotel in Winston Salem, NC. Teri Gutierre and Sharon Robbins were presented the “Member of the Year Award”. This award recognizes a member or members who make significant contributions, perform outstanding service, and go beyond what is required. The NCAHU board felt these two ladies were more than deserving of this prestigious award.

Teri Gutierrez is a managing partner at Integrated Benefit Solutions/White Bear Group. She has over 25 years of experience in group health, self-funding, disability, life, and voluntary benefits for mid-size businesses. She is a certified Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF). Teri is currently President Elect North Carolina Association of Health Underwriters, Past President of the Triangle Association of Health Underwriters and past President of the Raleigh Life Underwriters Association. She also serves on the Health Benefit Exchange& Insurance Oversight Workgroup for the state of North Carolina. Her professional achievements include two Marsh McLennan/Seabury & Smith Director’s Council National Awards and is a six times national Leading Producers Round Table (LPRT) recipient. She has bachelor degrees in Marketing and Business Administration from Barton College, NC.

A 23-year veteran of the insurance industry, Sharon Robbins is an agency principal and part owner of Insurance Service of Asheville, Inc. Sharon also serves on the board of directors for the Western North Carolina chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters (WNCAHU), having held the position of President for the 2010-2011 chapter year and Professional Development Chair for the past three chapter years and a five year member of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) Leading Producers Round Table, consistently earning NAHU’s highest recognition for professional excellence in the sale of health and disability income insurance.

The North Carolina Association of Health Underwriters (NCAHU) is an organization of insurance agents, brokers, and other professionals in the state of North Carolina.

The Western North Carolina Association of Health Underwriters (WNCAHU) honored Sharon Robbins, ISA Vice President of Life, Health & Employee Benefits, as 2011 Member of the Year at their annual awards and board installation picnic held at Lake Julian on July 21, 2011.  This award is given to a chapter member who has gone the extra mile to promote and work within the organization.  During the 2010-2011 chapter year which ran from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, Ms. Robbins held the position of Chapter President as well as Programs and Education Chair.  Among her accomplishments, she successfully launched a monthly newsletter for members, was integral in the redesign of the chapter’s website, planned monthly member meetings, and oversaw the development and execution of an annual continuing education seminar on ERISA and health care reform that was open to NC licensed life and health insurance agents as well as HR professionals and business owners.  Sharon will continue to work on the WNCAHU board of directors for the 2011-2012 chapter year as Immediate Past President.

Congratulations Sharon on a job well done!

Asheville, NC (June 28, 2011) — The Western North Carolina Association of Health Underwriters (WNCAHU) recently received the Pacesetter Award at the National Association of Health Underwriter’s (NAHU) Annual Convention San Antonia, TX. The Pacesetter Award honors local association chapters for outstanding achievements in service to their members, the industry and the public. WNCAHU was one of only fourteen chapters out of 168 nationwide to be awarded this recognition.

WNCAHU was recognized for this award for meeting criteria established by their national organization, NAHU, in eight categories: 1. Attendance at national and regional meetings; 2. Chapter Management; 3. Local meetings and events; 4. Communications; 5. Membership activities and growth; 6. Public service projects; 7. Media relations efforts; and 8. Education and Awards.

“The judges felt that WNCAHU exemplifies the dedication to providing the best opportunities for our members this award recognizes,” said Sharon Robbins, 2010-2011 WNCAHU Chapter President and Vice President of Life, Health & Employee Benefits for ISA – Insurance Service of Asheville, Inc. “This year, our chapter organized four community service events to benefit our local community, published several articles to educate the public on matters related to health care reform, launched a local newsletter and hosted monthly meetings to further our members’ educational efforts, and presented a one day seminar on health care reform that offered continuing education credits to licensed life and health agents and human resource professionals who are members of SHRM. These projects and many others have set a standard of excellence in the health insurance industry that we are proud to represent.”

As one of western North Carolina’s leading employee benefits and health insurance agencies, ISA is a strong supporter of WNCAHU with representation in the organization dating to the mid-1990’s. Currently, active chapter members include ISA vice president Sharon Robbins, account executives Pat Elliott and Carol Owens, and ISA account managers NaTosha Crooks and Debra Sale.

ISA Life, Health & Employee Benefits Team poses with WNCAHU Pacesetter Award
Left to Right: Pat Elliott, Carol Owens, Sharon Robbins, NaTosha Crooks and Deb Sale

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

The Relay for Life of Biltmore South was held at the Biltmore Baptist Church campus in Arden, NC from 6:00 pm on Friday, May 20th until 6:00 am on Saturday, May 21st.  The theme for the event was “Superheroes Fighting Against Cancer”, and each participating team was encouraged to choose a superhero theme for their fundraising booth at the event and to dress in costume.  ISA chose “Wonder Women of ISA” as their team name and theme, in honor of ISA staff, family and friends who are cancer survivors or who have lost their battle with cancer.  Rosie Kooles and Sharon Robbins donned Wonder Woman costumes for the event, as did Anthony Mitchell, who participated in the popular and fun Miss-ter Relay Contest.

The entire ISA staff stepped up to the plate for the event, providing homemade baked goods, refreshments and gift baskets for a fundraising birthday party honoring survivors at the Relay to celebrate the American Cancer Society as the “Official Sponsor of Birthdays”.  Pat Elliott and Karen Pressley joined Anthony, Sharon and Rosie at the event, taking turns hosting the birthday party and walking relay laps.  As cancer survivors, Sharon and Rosie were honored to carry the Survivor Banner of Hope for the survivor and caregiver laps that opened the event.

The Wonder Women of ISA team raised over $4,800 in the fight against cancer, earning third place Bronze recognition.  Sharon Robbins is the top individual fundraiser for the Relay, having raised almost $2,875.

Our sincere thanks are extended to our clients, business associates, friends and families for your contributions.  You have made a difference in the lives of those fighting cancer with your generosity!

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By Sharon Robbins

Proponents of the new health care law claim to have seen the future of American health care – and they say it’s a lot like air travel.

According to some, come January 2014 choosing a health insurance plan in the new exchanges will be as easy as shopping on Orbitz for an airline ticket. By cutting insurance agents from the transaction and forcing consumers and employers to buy policies direct, advocates claim the exchanges will trim costs.

Of course, selecting a health insurance policy is more complicated than buying a plane ticket. Many consumers rely on agents and brokers to help make informed insurance choices and cost saving opportunities.

Most online products consumers buy are simple commodities. Buying a plane ticket through a web portal, a traveler only needs to know where he’s from, going, and when he’s leaving. The amount of legroom, the quality of the food, and the reputation of the airline may factor into his decision, but most people are just looking for the lowest possible fare.

MORE THAN PRICE

When it comes to health insurance, consumers are looking for more than the lowest price – they’re also searching for the best value. Finding the best value means researching, comparing and understanding the product details. Some folks may buy the cheapest plan. But many people have more specific, complex needs. Today, many health insurance consumers require assistance navigating the health insurance system, want help when problems arise, and want to be kept informed of new products and changes that may impact them.

The consequences for purchasing the wrong plane ticket are pretty minor – loss of money and time. Buying the wrong health insurance can jeopardize a person’s health and financial security.

That’s where licensed, expert professional agents and brokers come in, ensuring individuals and businesses find the plans best suited for their needs. They can assist with claims resolution, appeals and correct administrative errors.

The health reform law claims to offer some help to confused consumers by establishing so-called “navigators” to conduct public education activities, distribute information and premium credits, and provide enrollment assistance.

Unfortunately, the law does not specify what training or certification navigators must receive. Professional insurance agents are state-licensed and held accountable by each state’s Department of Insurance.

By empowering consumers with useful information, brokers make the health care marketplace more efficient.

Insurance is about security and reducing uncertainty over the outcome of certain events. The stakes (yours) are usually high. Most people need professional help identifying exposures and finding the right coverage at the lowest possible cost.

Buyers traditionally get coverage in one of two ways. One is directly through an insurance company, dealing with a salesperson or customer service representative employed by the carrier. Another way is to buy through an independent broker who deals with various carriers on your behalf.

Some advantages of retaining the services of an independent broker are listed below. ISA is a longstanding locally owned independent broker, adding value in shopping for and maintaining the right insurance.

Brokerage

We conduct the competitive process, getting various carriers to compete for your business. We gather relevant information, interpret specifications and quotes, sort it all out and make recommendations to you. We have access to many markets and relationships in finding the right plan for you.

Consultation

You can’t be expected to know all the ins and outs of coverages and terms in our complex industry. We have the experience and expertise to bring the best information, analysis and advice to you for decision-making.

Leverage

A broker helps “keep the carriers honest.” A given carrier knows that the broker represents other suppliers and has the ability to move the business to another company if not satisfied with pricing or terms. By having ready access to alternative markets, a broker saves you time and trouble in finding another carrier. This “sentinel effect” on the carrier motivates them to remain competitive or respond favorably to competitive pressure.

Advocacy

We work for you. We are not employed by any insurance company. We have a vested interest in your long term satisfaction. When problems arise – with a claim or perhaps a coverage or cost issue – we’re there to help make your case and negotiate the best outcomes possible. With our customer base and credibility with the carriers, our influence can make a critical difference.

Fiduciary Responsibility

We are professionals authorized to act on your behalf. In this relationship, a high degree of trust and standard of care is required to fulfill our duties to you. A broker is also a fiduciary and has certain legal obligations, enhancing our accountability to you.

Continuity

ISA has been a growing family owned brokerage firm since 1958. Our reputation and viability depend on being accessible and consistently reliable in meeting the coverage and service needs of our customers. For many types of insurance it can be important to count on the broker who first sold you a policy being available down the road, years later. We’ve been here a long time and plan to be here for you a lot longer.