Letters

Legislative and regulatory advocacy has been at the core of NAIFA’s mission since its founding 117 years ago. That focus will continue because our members tell us this is what they want from their professional association: representation at the state and federal government levels to protect their business and what they do for their clients. The principles behind the strategic plan were not built on false premises but on focus groups and surveys of members, former members and prospective members conducted by Ketchum Inc., one of the world’s best research firms.

While an important part of NAIFA in the 21st century, advocacy is by no means the only focus of the strategic plan. In fact, the many member volunteers and staff involved in the planning process are excited about the programs being developed to meet our members’ needs in the areas of education, sales training and networking. The education and training component, in particular, envisions an industry-first Career Services and Resource Center comprised of people, products and technology to develop and/or deliver unique “on-demand” member benefits for agents and advisors in any stage of their careers. This, again, is what our members say they want: value delivered in a way that gives them ease and convenience of access.

Such programs will drive new members to NAIFA. Certainly, a focus on advocacy is important, as Jack asserts, but we’re under no illusions that our advocacy programs would be enough to sell a young insurance agent or financial advisor on NAIFA membership. In fact, our research tells us the more veteran member tends to appreciate our advocacy work more. We will “sell” membership by telling agents and advisors about our new emphasis on meeting their needs in a 21st century world, then delivering on that promise.

We hope that Jack will come to see the tremendous opportunity NAIFA’s strategic plan holds and embrace the fundamental change this association needs to meet the needs of its members and thrive in the 21st century.

John A. Davidson, LUTCF, FSS

President

NAIFA

Conseco: We Care

To The Editor:

In response to your April 2 column, please know that we at the Conseco insurance companies take our Core Values of Integrity and Customer Focus seriously. We are committed to the highest standards for ethics, fairness and accountability, and we pay all claims in accordance with policy contracts. We review all complaints, and we are continuously focused on enhancing service and resolving problems as they occur.

Conseco’s insurance companies have more than 600,000 long term care policies in force, and last year we paid nearly $650 million in long term care claims. The recent article in The New York Times was based on just 10 cases where policyholders disputed our claims handling, and 8 of these cases had been settled long before the article was published.

Jim Rosensteele

Conseco Corporate Communications