Healthcare Reform: What Advisors Need to Know

Preview of New Chartered Healthcare Consultant™ Designation

BRYN MAWR, Pa., Nov. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The passage of healthcare reform will fundamentally change how advisors and companies approach health insurance and the broader array of employee benefits.  To help benefits specialists, healthcare consultants, and financial advisors better understand how the changes will affect their practices and their clients, The American College -- the nation's premier financial services educator -- is today announcing the creation of extensive new educational resources.

First, The College will offer a free 55-minute webcast on December 14, 2010, at 11 a.m. ET outlining what advisors need to know about healthcare reform before the end of the year.  Participants need to pre-register at TheAmericanCollege.edu/Healthcare for this free event and are encouraged to submit questions to the panel in advance.

"Advisors have questions about Healthcare Reform.  We'll answer them," said Larry Barton, President and Chief Executive Officer of The American College.  "This webcast will provide participants with the practical information they need right now."

Members of The American College's world-class faculty leading the webcast, Healthcare Reform: What You Need to Know, include:

• Allen C. McLellan, CASL®, ChFC®, CLU®, LUTCF, CFP®, Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Insurance.
• Arthur B. Tacchino, J.D., Assistant Professor of Health Insurance
• Larry Barton, Ph.D., O. Alfred Granum Chair in Management and Professor of Management.

Second, a new course in the popular 10-week webinar format, The Essentials of Healthcare Reform, launches January 25, 2011.  As one of the six rigorous courses required for the new Chartered Healthcare Consultant™ (ChHC™) designation, The Essentials of Healthcare Reform is suited to advisors who call on either individuals or businesses.  Both need the advice of qualified professionals who understand the implications of this new legislation and can help recommend appropriate plans that will meet the needs of employers and employees without "breaking the bank."   Professionals taking this comprehensive course will study:

• Healthcare Reform
• Mandated changes and timelines
• Exemptions and government programs
• Tools and roles for advisors
• Grandfathered plans
• What employers need to know
• State exchanges and "navigator" roles
• Medical loss ratios
• Review and compliance processes
• Early Retirement Reinsurance Programs (ERRPs)
• COBRA/HIPAA/ERISA/CLASS impacts

"The Chartered Healthcare Consultant™ credential will be the most credible designation for healthcare consultants," continued Barton.  "We're structuring this program to reflect real-time knowledge and include ongoing updates so students can stay current as implementation of the new law changes."  

Those interested are encouraged to act quickly, as space for the January class is limited.  Students may sign up for the free webcast and learn more about the new designation's first course, The Essentials of Healthcare Reform, by visiting TheAmericanCollege.edu/Healthcare.

The American College is the nation's largest non-profit educational institution devoted to financial services.  Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has served as a valued business partner to banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and others for over 83 years.  The American College's faculty represents some of the financial services industry's foremost thought leaders.  For more information, visit TheAmericanCollege.edu

SOURCE The American College