The Council Covers It

Health insurance can sometimes feel like assembling IKEA furniture with no instructions and three leftover screws. In this episode of The Council Covers It, host Kate Morthland sits down with Morgan Winters, Director of Get Covered Illinois, to help consumers better understand what happens after enrolling in a Marketplace health plan.Whether you recently selected coverage through the Illinois Marketplace, switched plans during open enrollment, or are simply trying to decode terms like deductible, copay, and out-of-pocket maximum without your brain buffering, this episode walks through the practical basics of using your new health insurance with confidence.Morgan shares helpful guidance on: The first steps consumers should take once coverage begins  Understanding common insurance terminology  How to check what services your plan covers  Making sure doctors, specialists, and pharmacies are in-network  What to do if you receive an unexpected medical bill  Where consumers can turn for help when they have questions about their coverage This episode is packed with practical tips designed to help Illinois consumers avoid common mistakes, save money, and make the most of their health insurance coverage.Resources & LinksGet Covered IllinoisGet Covered Illinois Phone Number: 1-866-311-1119Illinois Life & Health Insurance Council (ILHIC)Subscribe & ListenBe sure to subscribe to The Council Covers It so you never miss an episode covering the latest conversations in life and health insurance across Illinois.🎧 New episodes drop regularly with industry experts, policy discussions, and consumer-focused conversations that make insurance easier to understand.We’ll catch you next time on another episode of The Council Covers It!

In this episode of The Council Covers It, we’re celebrating Life Insurance Awareness Month with a conversation designed to make life insurance simple, clear, and approachable. Host Kate Morthland sits down with Corbin McGhee from the Illinois Department of Insurance to break down what life insurance is, how to figure out how much coverage you need, and how to navigate your options as a consumer.Whether you’re shopping for a policy for the first time or just want to better understand how life insurance works, this episode is packed with practical tips, myth-busting, and insights from the state regulator working to protect Illinois consumers.Important Links:Home - IDOIContact Us

In this episode of The Council Covers It, we’re honored to welcome Senator Julie Morrison, Chairwoman of the Illinois Senate Insurance Committee and a powerhouse voice in public policy. From championing issues to navigating the complexities of insurance legislation, Senator Morrison brings clarity, compassion, and commitment to her role.Host Kate Morthland sits down with the Senator to explore:✅ Her legislative priorities this session✅ What it’s like to lead the Senate Insurance Committee✅ How she balances consumer protections with insurance innovation✅ The importance of bipartisanship and collaboration in policymaking✅ Her favorite ways to decompress after a long day in the CapitolWhether you're a policymaker, insurance professional, or simply curious about how real change happens in Springfield, this episode is full of insight, perspective, and a few personal gems (comfort food, anyone?).Connect with Senator Morrison: E-Mail the SenatorSenate Bill 2323 (SB 2323) is discussed in this episode. Be sure to check it out for more context on the policy topics covered.

Join host Kate Morthland for a powerful conversation with Joseph Matty, President of The HAP Foundation, as they spotlight Missing Pieces—a program providing grief support, education, and resources to families coping with the loss of a child.We’ll explore how the HAP Foundation and Missing Pieces is helping communities and what’s ahead for the program across Illinois.🔗 Connect with us:Visit www.ilhic.com for more infoVisit the HAP Foundation for more info

Illinois is making a major shift in its health insurance marketplace by transitioning to a State-Based Exchange (SBE)—but what does that mean for you? In this episode of The Council Covers It, host Kate Morthland sits down with Director Morgan Winters, the expert leading this transition, to break down everything you need to know.Morgan brings a wealth of experience in healthcare policy and exchange operations, having played a key role in Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace, MNsure. Together, we’ll explore the goals, timeline, and impact of this shift—and what it means for Illinois residents.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ What a State-Based Exchange is and why Illinois is making the switch ✅ Key milestones in the transition and what to expect moving forward ✅ Insights from Illinois’ first Open Enrollment as a state-based exchange on the federal platform ✅ Lessons learned from other state-based exchanges and what’s crucial for successKeep in Touch:📲 Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter (@IL_LHIC) for the latest updates on health and life insurance. 🎙️ Subscribe to The Council Covers It on your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode! 🌐 Visit www.ilhic.com for more resources and updates.Learn More About GetCovered:📌 Visit the Get Covered Illinois website for important information on health coverage. 📩 Sign up for State-Based Marketplace updates and meetings by clicking this link: HBEAC

In this episode, we explore the Katie School of Risk Management and Insurance's latest report on the economic impact of Illinois' insurance industry. Our expert guests break down some eye-opening insights:💡 How does Illinois rank compared to other states in industry impact? 💡 Did you know $1 in every $13 of U.S. health premiums is written by an Illinois-based insurer? 💡 What contributes to the $10,190 annual healthcare expenditure in Illinois? 💡 Self-insured vs. Fully Insured vs. Medicaid/Medicare – what’s the difference?Join us as we unpack the latest data and discuss the future of insurance in Illinois. You won’t want to miss this! Read the full report by clicking HERE. 

Join us as we explore Artificial Intelligence, its rapid growth, ethical and societal impacts, and future applications across various industries. Dr. Winter highlights the importance of familiarizing oneself with AI and staying updated on its swift advancements. Embracing AI is inevitable.  Resistance if futile. For more insights, contact Dr. Winter at [email protected] and watch his blog cast on AI at the University of Nebraska Omaha here.  Live long and prosper.

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️ Join us in our latest episode as we tackle healthcare costs with Lou Sandoval, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber. With expenses soaring, employers are navigating challenges in providing top-notch coverage while managing costs. Tune in as we delve deep into this critical issue with one of the industry's leading experts! Illinois Chamber of Commerce (ilchamber.org)

In this episode, join Cindy Goff from the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) as she provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of excepted benefits. Cindy and Kate delve into the intricacies of these products, exploring how they are offered and the advantages they offer to employees, employers, and unions alike.Have questions? Email Cindy at [email protected] our ACLI at www.acli.com

Listen in as the Council discusses the incredible impact of the insurance industry in Illinois with Jim Jones, Executive Director of the Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management at Illinois State University, and Dr. Tice Sirmans, faculty member in the Finance, Insurance, and Law Department as an Assistant Professor of Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) in the College of Business at Illinois State University.  Jim Jones and Dr. Tice Sirmans discuss their recent publication describing the various ways the insurance industry fuels the Illinois economy.  Read the article by clicking HERE. Jim Jones and Dr. Tice Sirmans are also Co-Editors in Chief of the Journal of Insurance Issues.  To access the Journal, click HERE. Access the Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management by clicking HERE. 

Join the Council as we dive into the critical components of health equity with America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP's) Senior Vice President and Chief Health Equity Officer, LaShawn McIver, MD, MHP.Have questions?   Check the link below!AHIP Homepage - AHIP

New Episode Alert!Sarah Montgomery, Vice President for Paid Family and Medical Leave Implementation at ACLI, explains how the insurance industry provides cost savings, equity, and flexibility to states looking at implementing paid family leave programs.Have questions? Contact Sarah at [email protected].  

Join Kate with the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council as she discusses the negative impacts of establishing a Dental Loss Ratio with Cindy Goff, expert and Vice President of Supplemental Benefits and Group Insurance at the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI).  Cindy explains the complexities of different insurance products and the detrimental effects a loss ratio mandate would have on Illinois consumers with (or looking to obtain) dental coverage.  Don't grit your teeth and bear it.  Keep dental insurance affordable and accessible.  The American Council of Life Insurers | ACLI.com

Join the Council as Kate interviews Samantha Olds-Frey, Executive Director, and Chief Executive Officer at the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP).  Sam discusses the federal government’s redetermination pause during the public health emergency and the effects, hurdles, and opportunities that come with starting redeterminations once more this Spring.  Sam also discusses the innovative ways that Medicaid Health Plans are providing outreach to their members to ensure they receive continued care.   Check out the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans by using the link below:Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP) - Welcome Check out IAMHP’s Podcast “Same Says” by clicking the link below:Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP) | a podcast by iamhp (podbean.com) Illinois Resident looking for Medicaid Redetermination Information?  Check out the link below:https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/

Join the Council as Kate interviews Brandon Arnold, Director of the Colorado Association of Health Plans and Marc Reece, CVS Health Policy Expert, on moving toward a State-Based Exchange!  Marc and Brandon walk through how the implementation process worked in Colorado as well as the importance of continued stakeholder and state involvement to ensure a smooth and positive transition for issuers and consumers alike.  Links: Colorado's State Based Exchange Website: Connect for Health ColoradoColorado Association of Health Plans: Home - Colorado Association of Health Plans (colohealthplans.org)

Listen in as the Council interviews Laura Pellikan, Executive Director of Get Covered, a division of the Illinois Department of Insurance. Pellikan’s team works to build awareness about quality, affordable health insurance coverage provided under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and encourage Illinoisans to purchase plans from the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace. Laura explains open enrollment and provides the record high enrollment number in Illinois for 2022.  You don’t want to miss this episode! Follow Get covered on Facebook and Twitter:https://www.facebook.com/CoveredIllinoishttps://twitter.com/CoveredIllinois Check out the Get Covered Website:Getcoveredillinois.gov 

Listen in as the Council interviews Skip Braziel, Vice President of Government Affairs, Central Region, for Prudential Financial.  Skip explains Disability Income Insurance, the importance of obtaining the product, the nuances between the different types of policies, and how affordability and policy direction create accessibility for consumers in Illinois.  You don’t want to miss it! Want to explore this product more?  Use the link below.Website: www.prudential.com/employers

Join ILHIC as we interview Chris Allen, Financial Advisor for Northwestern Mutual, on the importance of financial planning and how life insurance products may be used to secure the future for both you and your family.   Chris Brayfield Allen - Springfield, IL 62704 | Northwestern MutualHave questions for Chris?  Email him here-- [email protected]

Join ILHIC as we talk about the importance of “White Bagging.”  Americans have little to no knowledge of drug manufacturing, purchasing, and delivery of prescription drugs.  The drug purchasing chain has sparked interest with many policymakers looking to drive down the cost of drugs.  However, when crafting said policy changes, it’s critical to understand each of the entities and their roles.  Without a holistic knowledge of this space, policymaking may have unintended consequences of further harming patients already struggling to afford medication.  Listen in as ILHIC interviews Sergio Santiviago, Vice President of Drug Policy for America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), on patient safety and the positive financial impacts that white bagging provides consumers.   

Around 1.2 million small businesses operate in Illinois, which account for 99.6% of the total business in the State. Setting up a small business is a vision of the American Dream, but with that dream comes many challenges and obstacles.  Listen in as ILHIC interviews the Illinois State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Chris Davis, on the importance of affordable healthcare in Illinois. 

Poor mental health of one individual can spin a web that affects families, children, the workplace, physical health, communities, and much more.  The warning of a mental health public health emergency was not lost on Illinois’ Governor, who established the position titled “Chief Behavioral Health Officer."  The mission of this new role is to work with other subject matter experts to transform how Illinois supports, mental, emotional, and overall behavioral health wellness for Illinoisians of all ages. Listen in as ILHIC talks with David T. Jones on his new role and his plans to move Illinois forward regarding overall health wellness.  

Listen in as ILHIC interviews State Representative West of the 67th District!  Representative West shares how his background shaped his role in transforming mental health in Illinois as well as the holistic view lawmakers and stakeholders should assess when creating mental health policy.  Additionally, Representative West discusses the State’s successes in Mental Health Access as well as what still needs to be addressed.  ILHIC is honored to have Representative West on the latest episode of The Council Covers It discussing mental health in Illinois.   Representative West's Website:Maurice WEST | StateRepWEST | RockfordRepresentative West's Phone Number:815-987-7433Representative West's Email Address:[email protected]

Listen to the latest “The Council Covers It” as ILHIC interviews the Illinois Department of Insurance’s Director, Dana Popish- Severinghaus.  The Director discusses the Department’s role and mission and explains how Industry and the Department can work together.  Director Popish-Severinghaus also shares some fantastic advice for women in leadership.  You don’t want to miss this episode!The Illinois Department of Insurance Website  insurance.illinois.gov 

“There is incredible power in like-minded individuals acting together.”  Join Kate with the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council as she interviews Evan Manning, Director of Government Relations at the Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois.  Evan discusses policy issues affecting his membership as well as the value of associations and the legislative work that they do.   Are you interested in participating in Insurance Industry Legislative Day?  Check it out here: Insurance Industry | Springfield | Insurance Industry Legislative Day (insurancelegislativeday.org)

Want to learn about the only entity in the drug delivery chain dedicated to negotiating and driving down the cost of your drugs?  Listen in as Melodie Shrader, Vice President of State Affairs at the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, as she explains the fundamental roles of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), as well as their positive impact on the businesses, families, and individuals they serve in Illinois.  Important Links:Home (pcmanet.org) 

Join IHIC as we interview the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Director, Dr. Ngozi Ezike.  Dr. Ezike leads the charge in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in Illinois.  Listen in as Dr. Ezike explains the effectiveness of vaccinations, boosters, and monoclonal antibodies, the role of public health, as well as the importance of public/private partnerships.  You don’t want to miss this incredible episode! Important Links:Illinois Department of Public Health Website:  DPH.illinois.gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website:  CDC.gov

Financial literacy and insurance literacy go hand in hand with some of the most important chapters of your life.  For something so important, don’t you think it would be a good idea to take some time and understand the ins and outs of your finances and insurance?  Join us as ILHIC speaks with Chasse Rehwinkel, Acting Director of Banking for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and Nikki Giancola-Shanks, Director of External Affairs and Student Loan Policy for the Division of Banking at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as they explain how valuing financial and insurance literacy can create freedom and empowerment.  Important Links:‎Making Cents of Money on Apple PodcastsState of Illinois | Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (idfpr.com)Get $avvy - Grow Your Green $tuff - YouTubeMichael W. Frerichs - Illinois State Treasurer: Financial Literacy Resources (illinoistreasurer.gov)IDFPR Call Center: 1-888-473-4858

For this episode, ILHIC is hopping in the DeLorean to discuss Insurtech with expert, J.P. Wieske. Insurtech is the movement of technology-driven disruption across the global insurance ecosystem that seeks to transform the traditional concepts of risk sharing and management.   Industry is constantly adapting and innovating to enhance capacity, improve efficiency, and improve the customer experience.  Listen in as J.P. Wieske takes listeners to the future of insurance!

Open Enrollment begins on November 1, 2021!  It’s getting cooler outside, sweaters are coming out of retirement, and the leaves are changing into deep reds and burnt oranges. While this time may signal pumpkin-spiced everything, it’s also the beginning of the annual Affordable Care Act’s Open Enrollment Period! Join in the conversation as Open Enrollment Experts, Carol West and Paula Campbell, explain the fundamentals of Open Enrollment, including how to get coverage, where you can go for assistance, and basic insurance terminology to make the process easier. Important Links:Getcoveredillinois.govHeathcare.gov  Get Covered Connector (English)Get Covered Connector (Spanish)

Join the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council as they speak with Janis Potter, Executive Director of the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association.  Janis explains the creation of the Association, its infrastructure, and the specific protections it gives to this State’s consumers.  The Illinois Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association is another critical player in the insurance infrastructure in Illinois and helps  insurance policyholders when they need it most.  Listen in!Check out the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association by visiting  Illinois Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association - Welcome (ilhiga.org).  

Join the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council as they discuss diversity and inclusion in the insurance industry with Dr. Leroy Nunery II, founder of PlūsUltré LLC, a strategic advisory firm that focuses on turnarounds, transformations, growth and innovation planning, resource development, talent development, governance training, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies. In 2017, Dr. Nunery was commissioned by Marsh Companies to author a groundbreaking demographic and psychographic study called “The Journey of African American Insurance Professionals: Past and Present”, which analyzed the industry’s DEI dynamics and the historic accomplishments of African American practitioners, professionals, and insurance companies. Since publication, Dr. Nunery’s research has been presented in multiple forums and platforms, receiving national acclaim from audiences at all levels across the industry. Dr. Nunery is actively engaged as a strategic consultant industry-leading carriers, reinsurance companies, independent agencies, and trade associations to effectuate organizational cultural change by transforming their capacities to identify, select, and retain diverse talent. Dr. Nunery is also advising major insurance industry organizations on the development and implementation of DEI initiatives.Listen in as we cover a historical look into the African American experience in the Insurance Industry as well as the future of diversity and inclusion work.Follow Dr. Leroy Nunery II on LinkedIn.  

Join ILHIC as they discuss the process of accelerated underwriting with Nils Gyllenhammer, Vice President of Product Strategy for the Individual Life Division of The Prudential Insurance Company of America.  Listen in as they discuss what accelerated underwriting is, its accomplishments and hurdles, and how COVID-19 changed the industry landscape for this process.  

Welcome to the first episode of The Council Covers It.  In this episode, Kate and Laura will introduce themselves and the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council.  The episode briefly explains the critical role that life and health insurance plays in our everyday lives and the importance of strong policies and processes that direct insurance infrastructure.  Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @IL_LHIC.