BIP Summer 2025

Letter from the CEO

NABIP leads through change

As we enter the midpoint of the year and a time of transition for many of our chapters, I’m reflecting on how far we’ve come — and how critical it is that we keep racing ahead. With incoming chapter leaders taking the reins, our new president, Susan Rider, stepping into her national role, and significant shifts happening across the healthcare landscape, we are in a moment that demands both pace and purpose. Susan’s “Racing Ahead” theme couldn’t be more fitting. This is a time to align around momentum, inclusivity and forward thinking leadership. Whether it’s across demographics, geographies or markets, our members must feel seen and heard — and be equipped to lead. This issue of bip explores several powerful themes shaping our profession. From in-depth conversa tions on menopause in the workplace to our ongoing Broker Voices series spotlighting Ruby Ullola, these

stories reflect the evolving needs of our workforce and the expand ing scope of our advocacy. Half of NABIP’s membership are women, many navigating menopause in real time. By breaking stigmas and encouraging open dialogue, we position ourselves as champions of comprehensive, people-centered care. These are the kinds of conversa tions employers need us to lead. On the national stage, we’re also adapting to change. The Trump administration is focused on cost containment and efficiency and is considering proposals that could impact healthcare consumers. At the same time, we’re seeing private market proposals deprioritize broker tools, creating real access barriers for consumers. These actions remind us how essential brokers and agents are. Brokers facilitate more than 80% of marketplace enrollments. We are not a convenience — we are a necessity. As we work with policymakers and respond to the needs of our mem bers, we’re focused on solutions: driving healthcare literacy, advancing equity in access and championing tools that help members do more with less. Our response to Sen. Wyden’s (D-Ore.) proposed penalties on agents and brokers — over 5,200 comments strong — demonstrates the power of our grassroots advocacy. And our work with thought leaders, including experts in food-as-medicine and women’s health, reflects our readiness to embrace innovation that goes beyond the traditional. This is not just a time for staying the course. It’s a time to get clear, get intentional and get results. If we want to be the net that catches people when systems fail, we must stay ahead of the curve and keep each other lifted along the way.

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Step into this moment with purpose — engage your chapter, voices and champion solutions that move us forward. amplify diverse

We are not a convenience — we are a necessity.

”

Jessica Brooks-Woods CEO, NABIP

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