Scott Sinder
Sinder is a regular contributor to Leader's Edge magazine, providing plain spoken legal analysis on issues relating to insurance brokers and the insurance industry. A partner of the Washington, D.C.-based law firm Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Sinder also serves as chief legal officer to The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers. He received his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, his M.P.P. from the University of Michigan Institute of Public Policy Studies and his A.B. from the University of Michigan.
P&C
To Pay or Not to Pay: Is That the Question?
Blanket ransomware payment prohibitions are counterproductive to improved cyber ...
September 30, 2021
Brokerage Ops
EO, EO, It’s Off to Work We Go
Here are three ways Biden’s “promoting competition” executive order would ...
August 31, 2021
Health+Benefits
Let’s Capitalize on Data Transparency
The No Surprises Act boosts transparency in data, which we can use to our advant...
July 13, 2021
Industry
Diversity, Equity, and Rebating
The NAIC and NCOIL meetings brought two noteworthy agenda items to the fore.
June 1, 2021
Brokerage Ops
Licensing Specter Haunts Europe
Let’s break down this emerging flashpoint in a post-Brexit world.
May 2, 2021
Health+Benefits
The Best Surprise Is…No Surprises
The long-awaited surprise medical billing fix is in.
March 31, 2021
Health+Benefits
New Benefit Plan Compensation Disclosure Requirements
Some things you need to know now.
February 28, 2021
Health+Benefits
The COVID-19 Vaccine Is Here. Can You Require It?
Here are key considerations for employers who are thinking about it.
January 6, 2021
Health+Benefits
Singing the Blues
Blue Cross Blue Shield carriers have agreed to settle a series of antitrust clas...
November 30, 2020
Health+Benefits
The Future of the ACA—Ironic Intent?
The 2017 elimination of the tax penalty and ensuing constitutional challenge cou...
October 30, 2020
Industry
COVID Chronicles: Bankruptcy Edition
As bankruptcies loom, it is critical to be proactive and vigilant in protecting ...
September 24, 2020
Industry
New York Cyber Regime Takes Action
The state’s Department of Financial Services files its first enforcement actio...
August 25, 2020
Brokerage Ops
Back to Work? Beware.
As businesses consider bringing employees back into the office, there are some b...
May 31, 2020
Industry
Where from Here?
We are uniquely situated to evaluate solutions to mitigate another pandemic.
April 27, 2020
Brokerage Ops
It Comes Down to Culture
Look beyond the standard legal due diligence checklist to ensure your target is ...
March 26, 2020
Brokerage Ops
Regulating Cannabis, Deregulating Everything Else
Amid the campaign activity and political posturing in 2020, the Trump administra...
February 24, 2020
Health+Benefits
2020 ReVision
Individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements may make the healthcare de...
January 14, 2020
P&C
If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It?
Congress has begun TRIA reauthorization discussions. Our best hope lies with a c...
November 21, 2019
Brokerage Ops
Labor Department Finalizes Overtime Pay Exemptions
It increases the threshold and clarifies commissions.
October 29, 2019
Industry
Rebating Reform: Free at Last?
The NAIC is (finally) turning its attention to potential reform of the anti-reba...
September 27, 2019
Health+Benefits
The Devil in the (Surprise Billing) Details
There’s consensus on Capitol Hill that something must be done. But what?
August 13, 2019
Health+Benefits
The Data Access Game
Personal information privacy standards are anything but standard at the moment.
July 11, 2019
Health+Benefits
The Surprise Billing Revelation
Legislators nationwide are seeking to reform fundamentally unfair billing struct...
May 23, 2019
P&C
The Apex of (Legal) Inanity?
Legislative pathways to FDA cannabis approval remain long and arduous.
April 24, 2019
P&C
Cyber Regulations Require More
Tips for complying with New York’s sweeping cyber-security regulation as you a...
March 27, 2019
Lifestyle
Doing Well by Doing Good
A construction demolition company is making it possible to reduce waste while ga...
March 1, 2019
P&C
It’s Not Easy Being Green, (It Is)
The new marijuana economy is, despite federal impediments, the fastest-growing s...
January 18, 2019
Health+Benefits
Who Owns the Data?
The emerging view is that individuals do and can direct who uses it.
November 29, 2018
Industry
NAIC 2018: State Ahead
The NAIC’s newest strategic plan is all about technology and innovation.
October 30, 2018
Industry
Navigating the Channel
As the Brexit deadline looms, insurance agents and brokers face complicated choi...
September 27, 2018
Health+Benefits
The Big Data Revolution—Is It Our Turn?
The information is out there. What are you doing with it?
August 31, 2018
Health+Benefits
The (Continued) Politicization of Employment?
There are recent developments in labor relations—good and not so good—that e...
July 16, 2018
Industry
Overseas Oversight
New EU personal data protection rules may slam U.S. brokers.
May 22, 2018
Brokerage Ops
Affairs of Estate
Tax reform may make you rethink your perpetuation plan.
April 30, 2018
Health+Benefits
Medicare for All?
This train is gaining steam, especially if the Democrats take back Congress.
March 27, 2018
Health+Benefits
The Magic Bullet?
Feds expand use of association health plans in hopes of combating rising costs.
February 27, 2018
Health+Benefits
Beware IRS Letter 226J
Clients face stiff fines if they don’t respond within 30 days.
January 23, 2018
Industry
Let’s Stop the Silliness
It’s long past time for agent appointments to go.
November 30, 2017
Industry
It’s High Time We Deal with Pot
But conflicting federal and state law create unclear implications.
October 30, 2017
Industry
Fiduciary Rule Roulette
With the June deadline past and the January one approaching, has anything change...
July 18, 2017
Industry
A Tech Moment
The NAIC explores technology and insurtech to educate states and serve as a thou...
May 25, 2017
Industry
Are You Ready?
New York’s cyber-security rule is far-reaching and tech heavy.
April 26, 2017
Industry
Borderline Behavior
Beware your data when crossing the border. Is this the best argument for cloud c...
March 30, 2017
Industry
The Good, the Bad and…the Potentially Ugly?
And we’re still trying to figure out exactly what it is.
February 27, 2017
Health+Benefits
TRyancare
Can access and affordability triumph in repeal and replace?
January 30, 2017
Brokerage Ops
Crossing the Pond
Non-U.S. brokers need a U.S. license to solicit business in the U.S.
October 24, 2016
Health+Benefits
Magic or Snake Oil?
Preventive-care-only plans make bold promises that leave me wondering.
October 6, 2016
Industry
Government Love Letters
If your clients are receiving marketplace employee subsidy eligibility letters, ...
August 28, 2016
Industry
Groundhog Day
The NAIC has a history of moving with all due sluggishness. But when it comes to...
July 27, 2016
P&C
Lots of Questions
What’s the board’s role in cyber security? Asking the right questions before...
July 26, 2016
Health+Benefits
The Fix
Whoever our next president is, the ACA will be up for reform. What do we want? H...
May 2, 2016
Health+Benefits
Telemed Tradeoff
Telemedicine is a great healthcare tool. But it can eliminate HSA eligibility.
March 29, 2016
Brokerage Ops
Thinking Outside the Box
When should you ask someone if they have a criminal history?
February 23, 2016
Brokerage Ops
Program or Policy?
It will make a big difference to the Justice Department.
February 1, 2016
Health+Benefits
Hard Rock: Twist and Shout
Every time we make progress on the Affordable Care Act, the government tosses in...
November 24, 2015
Brokerage Ops
Unseen Danger
New definition of “swaps” could put brokers and their clients in peril.
October 30, 2015
Brokerage Ops
Are You Special?
Before you answer, think about how special you want to be.
September 23, 2015
Brokerage Ops
Don’t Ignore That Noise Under the Hood
ACA focuses new attention on the full-time employee vs. contractor debate.
August 27, 2015
Industry
Zenefits: Disrupting. So What’s New?
It’s one in a long line of firms commoditizing products. Your expertise is not...
June 1, 2015
Health+Benefits
Hog Heaven or Makin’ Bacon?
Opponents of Obamacare subsidies may have pushed the court to rule in their oppo...
April 30, 2015
P&C
Cuban Trade Living on Island Time
Insurance potential is close but no cigar if congressional Cuba hawks have their...
February 23, 2015
Health+Benefits
Down Payment
If subsidies disappear, Obamacare could turn your clients against each other.
January 22, 2015
Health+Benefits
ACA Catch-22
Obamacare regulators have made parts of the act unworkable. Only compromise will...
December 1, 2014
Industry
The Council’s Portal Eases Compliance
It makes a cumbersome process for brokers and carriers inexpensive, efficient an...
October 27, 2014
Brokerage Ops
Good Form?
Federal rules emerge for dealing with new overseas premium payment issues.
September 30, 2014
Health+Benefits
Soap Opera Moment
Opposing ACA court rulings create a mess. A lot is happening, but is anything ch...
August 28, 2014
Brokerage Ops
At the End of the Beginning
As cyber threats emerge, there is plenty to do to help your clients.
July 17, 2014
Brokerage Ops
Alice’s Restaurant Syndrome
Is your à la carte ID making you the go-to firm for everything your client want...
May 29, 2014
Brokerage Ops
The Privacy Police
Handling private healthcare information becomes more complicated.
April 24, 2014
Health+Benefits
Are We There Yet?
Obamacare is a party you wish would become a big bore.
April 1, 2014
Industry
Browns Fan Optimism
We are ready to tackle a wide range of moves as part of our 2014 game plan.
January 28, 2014
Health+Benefits
No Subsidies, No Employer Mandate
Upcoming court decision could mean President Obama may have to again delay the i...
November 25, 2013
Health+Benefits
The Skinny Plan Starvation Diet
Do new HRA guidelines signal the end of the skinny plan/indemnity policy wrapper...
October 30, 2013
Brokerage Ops
Contractors Bagged
Classify your workers wrong for health benefits and you will pay.
September 30, 2013
Brokerage Ops
Marital Issues
The Supreme Court’s gay marriage decision may expose employers to benefits dis...
September 1, 2013
Health+Benefits
Delayed Confusion
Notifications to employees on health insurance exchanges are due soon, but emplo...
July 15, 2013
Brokerage Ops
Offshore Assets
IRS uses a big stick going after citizens hiding assets overseas.
March 11, 2013
Health+Benefits
What’s Cooking
The IRS has cooked up a lot of new rules for employers.
February 27, 2013
Industry
Captive Audience
Who is asking to be exempt from Nonadmitted & Reinsurance Reform Act?
January 29, 2013
Health+Benefits
Defining Time
When do benefits kick in for workers under healthcare reform?
December 11, 2012
Industry
Numerology
This is the future of the healthcare debate, no matter who wins the White House ...
November 12, 2012
Industry
Form and Substance
New ERISA compensation rules require full disclosure regardless of the form of c...
September 11, 2012
Brokerage Ops
Time Delay
Failure to properly classify your employees as non-exempt from overtime pay coul...
June 11, 2012
Health+Benefits
Stormy Affair
The states and the federal government are at odds over health insurance exchange...
May 11, 2012
Health+Benefits
Fee Fi Fo Fum!
New initiatives could have giant carriers collecting broker fees, but beware the...
April 11, 2012
P&C
Brave Small World
As technology continues to shrink, insurance concerns grow exponentially.
March 11, 2012
Industry
Competing Interests
Be sure your firm doesn’t lose its balance in the New York two-step.
January 11, 2012
Industry
Known Knowns
There are known knowns in healthcare reform and known unknowns. As we approach r...
November 24, 2011
Industry
Bungled Effort
Only state regulators could complicate an effort to simplify the regulation of s...
October 1, 2011
Health+Benefits
Strange New World
Association health plans will still have a life after reform, but in what form?
September 1, 2011
Industry
Carrier Living Wills
So you think they are too big to fail? New rules should make you think again.
June 1, 2011
Industry
New Rules for Highly Paid Workers
Healthcare reform expands impact of old tax regs.
May 1, 2010
