Communities: Brokers, Advisors & Consultants
Stonegate Advisors and National Association of Health Underwriters Sign Agreement
Chicago & Washington, D.C. — Feb. 28, 2012 - Stonegate Advisors, a health care research and strategy firm, and the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) announced an extended agreement to invite NAHU members to become expert network members for research projects commissioned by health and wellness leaders.
The research uses a proprietary, on-demand primary research tool developed by Stonegate called SightLinx, the industry's first collaborative tool for public and private research projects.
The research uses a proprietary, on-demand primary research tool developed by Stonegate called SightLinx, the industry's first collaborative tool for public and private research projects.
Registered members of NAHU who are eligible for SightLinx panel membership include more than 100,000 licensed health insurance agents, brokers, consultants, and benefit professionals through more than 200 chapters across America. Other thought leaders such as employer benefit managers, health plan executives, academics, legislators, and industry association leaders also benefit by sharing insights that help shape the industry.
"SightLinx is the first research and strategy tool of its kind for our industry," said Mel Schlesinger, RHU, REBC, president of NAHU. "By participating in research projects using it, NAHU members are contributing to industry shifts and helping to shape future outcomes and to influence public policy. This opportunity is especially important as health reform continues. The employee benefit marketplace has become much more complex."
SightLinx allows for real-time information exchange through polling, discussion threads, and blogs. SightLinx also facilitates other types of primary research including: online surveys, telephone quantitative surveys, polls, traditional and online focus groups and face-to-face interviews. Stonegate has conducted hundreds of studies for health insurance plans on trends ranging from the implications of health reform, evolving employer needs such as increasing health care costs, payer-provider convergence and collaboration, and health, wellness and productivity management benefits integration.
"SightLinx is made up of an extensive network of experts and professionals that provides a reliable, consistent avenue for industry leaders to explore customer, market, regulatory perspectives and trends within the health and wellness industry," said Marc Pierce, founder and CEO, Stonegate Advisors, whose firm works with most of the large, midsize and regional health plans in the U.S.
In today's market, health plans require actionable insights from real-time, fact-based research. The most relevant research today addresses reform tracking initiatives ranging from the evolutionary health needs of specific market groups to decisions by employers on adequate plan offerings, coverage and whether to be fully insured or self-insured.
"Rapidly gathering insightful information in today's marketplace can be a challenge. Having a platform like SightLinx accelerates the ability to make fact-based decisions about important trends. With it, providers can better understand the immediate interests of members and how those members feel about things such as the changing role of health brokers," says Paul Boulis, past president of BlueCross Blue Shield of Illinois.
SightLinx projects are typically scheduled at the panel member's convenience and often on-demand. By sharing knowledge and opinions, members receive one of several incentives, including cash, non-cash items such as research summaries and white papers, and the chance to make a charitable contribution in their name.
SightLinx membership is free. To become an approved SightLinx industry expert, visit www.sightlinx.com and register. Membership provides access to proprietary health and wellness research summaries and unique opportunities to participate in industry specific studies. To learn more about conducting a study using SightLinx, visit www.stonegateadvisors.com or call Dave Cox at 312-397-1111.
About Stonegate Advisors
Founded in 2005, Chicago-based Stonegate Advisors provides research and analytics, strategic counsel and business advisory services to companies in the health and wellness industry, including most of the large, midsize and regional health plans in the U.S., as well as life, dental, and disability insurers; wellness, disease and care management companies; pharmacy benefit managers; and pharmaceutical companies. See www.StonegateAdvisors.com.
More Broker / Advisor / Consultant Articles
Annual NAHU Conference Comes to Atlanta
The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) is hosting their 2013 Annual Convention and Exhibition June 23-26 at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Ga. and will feature speakers such as Congressman Tom Price and former White House press secretary Dana Perino.
Don’t Be Penny Wise and Pound Foolish: Top 6 Benefits Services You Shouldn’t Overlook
Small and mid-size employers, in particular, often use the services of a broker to get them the lowest rates on group health care.
Skinny Plans: A Viable Option for Some Large Employers?
As the implications of health care reform become more and more apparent, large employers are increasingly grappling with coverage options in order to avoid the penalties.
The Tomato Paradox Part 2: What’s Left on the Vine
The majority of recent conversation related to the legislation (i.e. PPACA, aka health care reform) that was confirmed as law last summer has related to the concept of “Play or Pay” with employers.
Requests for permissions to reuse content contact Copyright Clearance Center at info@copyright.com
