HUPAC Training for our Regional, State & Local HUPAC Chairs

What is HUPAC? The Health Underwriters Political Action Committee (HUPAC) is NAHU’s nonpartisan political action committee. It was created by NAHU in The purpose of the PAC is to solicit funds from NAHU members for disbursal to campaign committees who are accessible and willing to consider NAHU’s views. Directed by Board of Trustees (HUPAC/BOT). Each state is designed to have a state HUPAC chair, and each chapter is to have a local HUPAC chair. This ensures that HUPAC’s message is being heard, and keeps the lines of communication open between HUPAC and the membership.

HUPAC/ BOT State HUPAC Chairs Local HUPAC Chairs HUPAC Pyramid

State of the “HUnion” The 2008 Presidential Candidates and upcoming elections have turned the tide for our organization’s political future With a new President and new members of Congress come fresh opportunities to build relationships and inform decision-makers about the issues that effect our industry Strong, consistent contributions to key legislators will finance a more powerful position in Washington that commands the attention of lawmakers. This presence will further establish NAHU as one of the leading trade associations in the industry HUPAC opens those doors!!

How We Can Get There … Monthly Contributions The largest source of HUPAC funds we have Simple, online transactions enroll members and automate their donations If every member gave just $5/month, HUPAC would achieve our $1 million goal

How We Can Get There … Annual Contributions Some members may feel more comfortable giving annually rather than monthly Staff is sending out Annual Contribution invoices. You could establish a “reminder” system on a local level! This is a great option for those who don’t seem interested in monthly commitment Helpful to promote this at times of the year close to elections or other legislative activity Remember: monthly contributors are welcome to do additional annual donations!

How We Can Get There … Know the Contribution Levels Supporter -- $10/month (or $150 annual) 365 Club -- $30/month (or $365 annual) 730 Club -- $60/month (or $730 annual) CAPITOL CLUB Gold $85/month (or $1,000 annual) Diamond $170/month (or $2,000 annual) Double Diamond $250/month (or $3,000 annual) Triple Diamond $410/month (or $5,000 annual) Remember: high-level contributors enjoy special benefits at Capitol Conference & annual Convention!

How We Can Get There … Up-Sell, Up-Sell, Up-Sell! For members who claim “I can’t afford enough to make a difference”, encourage them to sign up for just $5/month. Use the example from earlier ($100,000/month) Challenge members who already donate to raise their contribution by one level Always try to encourage the “Bank Draft” method of contribution. Credit cards charge a 4% fee to use! Remember: 4% of $1 million would add up to $40,000 in lost contributions!

How We Can Get There … ASK FOR THE MONEY!! Utilize the Michael Dunn DVD Have regular HUPAC updates at meetings Hold local fundraisers for HUPAC Contact staff for suggestions Use your resources! HUPAC Tri-Fold Brochure HUPAC Contribution Form Benefits to high-level contributors

Knowing the Rules Federal Election Commission Knowing the tools you have available is only half the process. YOU MUST FOLLOW THE RULES!!! FEC Violations do more than cost us in fines & penalty fees. They DAMAGE our credibility as an organization and lessen our impact with legislators! Remember: legislators look to our reputation and our message to determine our industry’s future!

Knowing the Rules Solicitation Requirements ONLY members of NAHU are allowed to be solicited. You MUST direct non-members to leave the room, perhaps to meet with a membership enrollment team This “members-only” policy applies to ALL forms of solicitation: newsletters, flyers, s, websites, etc. Before you collect money from anyone, you must ensure their membership is active! Remember: the F.E.C. takes violations of this requirement VERY seriously!

Knowing the Rules Contribution Requirements The only people allowed to contribute to HUPAC are: NAHU members, their spouses, and NAHU staff Individuals are limited to contributing $5,000 per year, with couples limited to $10,000 Corporate donations ARE NOT ALLOWED All contributions must come from PERSONAL bank accounts or credit cards. No company cards or checks are accepted, even if the contributor is a “sole proprietor” with merged personal & business accounts. (In this case, cash must be used as the form of payment)

Knowing the Rules Deposit Requirements Once collected, all contributions should immediately be sent to: HUPAC, c/o P.O. Box Indianapolis, IN If a contribution is $49 or less, HUPAC has THIRTY DAYS to DEPOSIT (not receive) the funds If a contribution is $50 or more, HUPAC has TEN DAYS to DEPOSIT (not receive) the funds

Know the Answers!! Common Reasons not to Contribute 1.“I can’t afford a large enough contribution to make a difference.” If every member gave $5/month, we’d meet our goal of $1 million. Every dollar counts. 2.“How much good is $5 really going to do?” Honestly, very little. But $5 or $10 from 20,000 members could do a lot of good for millions of Americans! 3.“I’m more interested in contributing on a local level. My back yard is what matters most to me.” HUPAC has adopted a new state-sharing program, which can allow state PACs to get money back for HUPAC contributions.* *Terms and conditions apply. Contact HUPAC for details.

Know the Answers!!, cont. Common Reasons not to Contribute 4. “Why should I pay money to some politician in Washington?” Every year, legislative mandates and regulations threaten the health insurance industry. Without a strong presence in Washington to inform legislators about the impact of their decisions, our careers are jeopardized. HUPAC affords us that presence. 5. “But I’m not affiliated with the _____ Party!” Neither is HUPAC! We are a non-partisan group that supports any legislative candidate illustrating support for our industry. Committing to HUPAC is committing to your future, not a political party.

What are the benefits of contributing? Government has a huge impact on our profession, our business and our clients. If we don’t have a seat at the table, our industry is at risk! Contributions to HUPAC allow us to combine our resources and strength to ensure our VOICE is heard! Americans have a CHOICE in Private- Sector Health Care!

Tools of the Trade New Tools to help “Grow the PAC” Michael Dunn DVD –This is a DVD lasting less than 15 minutes, including a powerful promotional message from PAC Consultant Michael Dunn. It also includes a testimonial from a former NAHU Legislative Council & HUPAC Chair, and a closing comment from NAHU EVP & CEO Janet Trautwein. Chapter Tools Order Form –This order form, available on the HUPAC website, allows local and state chapters to order promotional HUPAC materials to display at their meetings. You can order everything from HUPAC banners to badge ribbons!

Tools of the Trade New Tools to help “Grow the PAC” Credit Card Expiration Notification –Each month, numerous credit cards being used for HUPAC contributions reach their expiration date. If no response is received by NAHU staff, the member information is forwarded on to regional HUPAC chairs. Coordinate with one another on how to contact those members and get them reinstated. A local touch can make the difference! Monthly “Fall Off” Reports –NAHU staff is distributing a monthly report to regional HUPAC Chairs of members (by state) who have contributed in the past, but are no longer active. Again, a local touch might be all that member needs to get reinstated!

Now What? HUPAC Programming –Work with your local and state boards to establish some dedicated “HUPAC time” at every meeting –Make sure there is a strong, consistent message going out to members about HUPAC –Invite the HUPAC chair or staff to meetings Regional Meetings –Work with your regional HUPAC chair and your RVP to ensure that the HUPAC message is being presented and driven home at the regional meeting. All leaders should emphasize HUPAC!

And, most importantly… ASK FOR THE MONEY! No matter how good the training, no matter how effective the tools, nothing will grow our PAC LIKE ASKING FOR THE MONEY!

Questions or Comments: National Association of Health Underwriters Attention: HUPAC Administrator P.O. Box Indianapolis, IN fax