BIP Spring 2025

“ Being a member of NABIP, I have learned so much about how our industry works and how to affect change from people who have been mentors and friends along the way.

all across the country. And all of the beneficiaries they help,” she says. Brewton’s role as an advocate has been a natural extension of her work. “The reason why I work on advocacy efforts in our industry so much is that I listen. I’m known for listening very closely about what’s happening in the agent community and fostering change.” Over nearly 20 years as a member of NABIP and through two stints on the Medicare Advisory Group, where she is still a member, Brewton’s worked directly with policymakers to address industry concerns. “Through the power of my big mouth, I’m not the end all be all, but I’m using my voice for good to be able to shine a bright light on how to combat a stereotype of bad actors in the Medicare space,” says Brewton. “It is also important to me to set an example of the standards that insurance agents follow.” Two of her most impactful campaigns illustrate her dedication to beneficiary education. “In 2022, I rolled out a national campaign to educate beneficiaries on what I referred to as ‘Stop the Madness,’ which is the incessant, unsolicited phone calls plaguing beneficiaries,” says Brewton. “I taught the agents to go into their communities and educate them about getting on the do-not-call list and also to file complaints with the FCC.” Another campaign focused on changes under the Inflation Reduction Act. “That rollout was educating the agent to go out into their communities and conduct meetings to explain the $2,000 out-of-pocket max and other changes,” Brewton says. Educating and training brokers Brewton believes that successful brokers need to combine technical knowledge with empathy and communication skills. “The biggest thing about training brokers is having them actively listen. You’re listening for what the beneficiary is saying, as well as trying to identify unmet needs that they have. They also need to be able to speak in plain language,” she says. Brewton’s national conferences, Ms. Medicare in Cleveland and Medicare & Margaritas in Orange Beach, Alabama, have become vital platforms for networking and learning. “Both

conferences are important because they allow agents to network with other agents, hear best practices and learn from other successful agents,” she says. “There are a lot of social events tied in with all of the learning so that it doesn’t have to be boring. That way, I find that there’s much higher retention and action taken after the conference.” Her advice for new brokers is straightforward. “The one piece of advice that I would give an agent just starting out is to breathe and ask questions,” says Brewton. “Put your ego to

the side, and don’t be afraid to ask the questions. You’re better off asking a question and getting the right answer than trying to be a know-it-all and then having to go back and fix something because you gave the wrong information.” Looking ahead, Brewton’s vision for the Medicare industry includes reshaping public perceptions of brokers and expanding access to resources for beneficiaries. “I want to change the stereotype of what a good insurance agent or broker is,” she says. “Right now, the beneficiaries don’t have enough help around to answer the questions they have concerning their healthcare needs. The way to do that is to have that help and that education come through the insurance broker.” Brewton’s passion for her work is fueled by the change she’s been able to foster within the industry. “The only way to foster change is to do the heavy lifting. Some days, that’s really, really hard to do,” she says. “But when new regulation or change happens, I can help agents see the light at the end of the tunnel: Get in the game, and let me show you how to do it.”

WHAT IS BROKER VOICES? This series is dedicated to sharing the stories of individual brokers who play a vital role in providing millions of Americans with affordable access to quality healthcare. Discover the compelling personal accounts highlighting the critical work brokers do to protect their clients’ financial security and well-being every day.

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