Introducing Our New Program on Native Self-Determination
Leaning into our ongoing commitment to the strength and well-being of
Indigenous communities, we are introducing a new program on Native
self-determination.
“Indigenous Peoples and their rights, land, and culture are part of the
fabric of communities across our country and our world. And yet their
perspectives and the issues that impact their daily lives are often
overlooked," John Palfrey said.
Palfrey reflected on the Foundation's desire to approach this work with
humility, respect, and accountability: “True and lasting impact
requires more than just financial support; it demands deep, meaningful
engagement with Native leaders and communities.”
As we shape the program and build the team we will continue to work
with Native leaders and others with expertise on issues that impact
Indigenous communities.
AI OVERVIEW: UnitedHealth Group is
reportedly cutting broker commissions on certain Medicare Advantage
plans, according to Bloomberg News, citing internal documents.This
move is seen as a way for the insurer to manage rising costs and
potentially discourage agents from selling those specific plans.The
cuts are part of a broader trend where insurance companies are
adjusting their compensation structures for Medicare Advantage plans,
potentially impacting agent networks and senior access to personalized
guidance.
Key Details:
Commission Cuts:
UnitedHealth is reducing commissions paid to brokers who sell certain Medicare Advantage plans.
Cost Management:
This action is largely a response to rising medical costs and the need to manage expenses within the Medicare Advantage program.
Impact on Agents:
The
cuts may discourage agents from selling these specific plans and could
affect their income, particularly for smaller brokers who rely heavily
on Medicare Advantage commissions.
Broader Trend:
This
is not an isolated incident, as other major insurers like Aetna and
Cigna have also made similar adjustments to their Medicare Advantage
commission structures.
Impact on Seniors:
Concerns
exist that these changes may limit access to personalized guidance for
seniors as some agents may reduce their services or leave the Medicare
Advantage market altogether, according to the National Association of
Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP).
Potential Shifts:
Some
seniors may be forced to switch back to traditional Medicare due to
dissatisfaction with access to care or other issues within the Medicare
Advantage plans.
RELATED
UnitedHealth shares crash after surprise earnings miss, cuts to forecast
, opens new tabsurprised investors with what its CEO said was an "unusual and
unacceptable" quarterly earnings miss, and it lowered its outlook for
the full year due to higher-than-expected medical costs, sparking a more
than 20% selloff in shares that reverberated across the sector.
The
company's first earnings miss since 2008 and accompanying bleak
forecast sent investors to the exits, as they were hoping the U.S.
insurer would maintain its profit outlook on expectations that demand
for medical services would be similar to 2024.
UnitedHealth has
historically provided a conservative forecast, at least two investors
said.
