Lawmakers Need Better Understanding of Advisor–Client Relationships

Congress is considering a number of concerning health reform options including replacing the professional service of a licensed professional with a government-run 800 number, developing standardized marketing requirements modeled after Medicare Advantage and establishing rate schedules for broker commissions. The misperception that the advisor simply does a sales job on constituents is beyond alarming.

NAIFA has alerted its membership that lawmakers need a better understanding of the advisor-client relationship that is built upon years of trust. Agents and their clients are being called upon to help the President and Members of Congress comprehend the critical role of the advisor.

Thousand of agents, clients and concerned citizens are writing, calling and setting up meetings during the May 25-29 Congressional Recess to share the one-on-one service that advisors provide and consumers depend upon.

Help debunk the myth by responding to and forwarding the GovAlert to your colleagues. Also, begin educating your colleagues, clients and business associates and ask them to share their concerns. Professional licensed advisors are held accountable for providing quality assistance to consumers. Exchanging relationships that have been built over years for some nameless, faceless “call center” to obtain information and service is not an improvement.

NAIFA Staff Contact: Diane Boyle, AHIA Executive Vice President, at (703) 770-8252.