I’d like to give a shout out to the editors of the leading benefits publications: Denis Storey at Benefits Selling, NAHU’s Martin Carr and John Ortmann, editor of Employee Benefit Adviser. These gentlemen have more material to write about than maybe they ever dreamed of having. Who knew that health care would be front and center for the entire administration of President Obama? Things are changing on a daily basis – for better or for worse.

 These publications and their electronic platforms are providing loads of information, opinions and in one case lobbying on behalf of all employee benefits brokers. The job of clearly reporting what is taking place in Washington and asking the right questions about what will happen in the future is not easy. But it’s absolutely important – and vital to our livelihood. All of these editors have had the phone attached to their ear with every move that the administration has made. They are making phone calls, writing emails, responding to our questions and concerns, soliciting opinions, blogging with updates and challenging us to get involved. And that’s what we need to do – get and stay involved in the process. Tell your elected officials what you think – and keep coming back to Framework Health Plan for updates on the landscape of what’s happening with the limited medical industry.

 Thanks to all of you.

 In closing, I would also like to remember Robert Whiddon, the former editor of Employee Benefit Adviser. It would have been fun to have him around right now as well for so many reasons. Robert, we miss your passion and friendship.