CHICAGO, IL – April 21, 2014 – The Big “I” Executive Committee announced this month that Mike Wojcik, Senior Vice President of The Horton Group and Chairman of the Big “I” Healthcare Task Force was presented the Sidney O. Smith Award, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) highest individual government affairs honor.
The Sidney O. Smith Award is bestowed annually by IIABA upon an individual agent or broker for outstanding service to his or her peers and the national association in the field of government affairs. It is named in honor of an IIABA past president and Georgia agent who was instrumental in focusing the Association and its members on legislative advocacy.
“As chairman of the Big ‘I’ Health Care Task Force, Mike Wojcik’s work has been particularly important as agents and brokers grapple with the upheaval in the marketplace caused by the Affordable Care Act,” said Jon Jensen, Big “I” government affairs committee chairman. “Although the law has created a challenging environment for producers, he has remained positive and sees the opening for well-informed health benefits advisors—and he has seized that mantle with conviction. His work ethic, along with his business and political acumen, are a huge asset to the Big ‘I’ and our entire industry.”
“This is a well-deserved honor for Mike, and a reflection of his strong leadership and passion for our industry; Mike’s unwavering commitment to his clients and our industry are an example for all to follow,” said Glenn Horton, CEO of The Horton Group.
Mike also co-chairs the Independent Agents of Illinois’ Healthcare Reform Working Group and as a result, has testified several times to Legislative Committees; written and co-authored several white papers on healthcare reform and works extensively with the Department of Insurance and the Director of Outreach as an Ambassador for “Get Covered Illinois” Health Insurance Marketplace advocating for affordable and accessible Healthcare.
“Healthcare benefit costs are significant. Employers understand the connection between strong benefit packages and attracting and retaining top talent. They look to their trusted advisors to bring insight, strategy, and solutions on how to best leverage their benefit dollars, and keep them sustainable.” said Wojcik. “Serving on this committee provided me the opportunity to represent a wide array of interests including: employers, providers, community members, brokers and agents that I work with daily. I’m proud of what we accomplished, but have more work to do.”
Wojcik regularly speaks to business and public groups on the Affordable Care Act regarding its impacts and opportunities. He has served on several insurance producer advisory committees, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. In related industries Mike serves on the Governing Council of Advocate South Suburban Hospital, the Illinois Chamber Healthcare Council and the Board of Directors of United Way South-Southwest Suburban.
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