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Agents Celebrate American Heart Month and Disease Prevention Funding in Stimulus | News Releases | NAIFA
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Agents Celebrate American Heart Month and Disease Prevention Funding in Stimulus

AHIA

FALLS CHURCH, VA (February 12, 2009) — AHIA – NAIFA Health & Employee Benefits joins the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in celebrating American Heart Month and are pleased the Stimulus Conference has preserved some funding for wellness and prevention.  

Contact:

Lee Allen, Vice President of Communications and Marketing, NAIFA
(703) 770-8112 (office)
(703) 336-2462 (mobile)

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. According to the CDC, the chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk.

“It seemed ironic that the Senate would cut funding in its Stimulus package when the government clearly knows that disease prevention can reduce the illness that is the leading cause of death in the U.S.,” states AHIA President Robelynn H. Abadie, LUTCF, CSA, RFC. “We are pleased the conference committee has included funding for disease prevention and wellness.” 

AHIA believes education programs on disease prevention, proper diet and exercise will encourage healthier lifestyles, thus reducing the financial burden on the healthcare delivery system.

Additionally, AHIA supports the Conference’s provision 60% subsidy for COBRA premiums for up to 9 months to help people who lose their jobs. AHIA was pleased the House provision, that would expand COBRA eligibility for employees 55 years old or older until they were legible for Medicare or found a new job, was not included. Implementation of that provision would have been costly and difficult to administer.

AHIA looks forward to working with Congress to improve the health care delivery system.

About AHIA: AHIA is the NAIFA Health and Employee Benefits advocate protecting the role of the advisor in offering affordable choices in a competitive marketplace. AHIA members are NAIFA Federation members actively involved in the sale of group and individual health related products including disability, long-term care, critical illness, Medicare supplement insurance and work site products.

About NAIFA: Founded in 1890 as the National Association of Life Underwriters, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors comprises nearly 800 state and local associations representing the business interests of 60,000 members nationwide. Members focus their practices on one or more of the following: life insurance and annuities, health insurance and employee benefits, multiline, and financial advising and investments. NAIFA’s mission is to advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conduct of its members. Visit NAIFA’s website at www.naifa.org.