Chapter 8 : 1990s
The 1990s has often been remembered as a decade of relative peace and prosperity : The Soviet Union fell , ending the decades-long Cold War , and the rise of the Internet ushered in a radical new era of communication , business and entertainment .
• The 70th Annual Convention was held at the Airport Hilton in Wichita , October 17-19 , 1990 . The theme was “ Back to the Future ”. There were over 400 in attendance . The golf tournament was held at Reflection Ridge . Speakers included : Kenneth J . Duffy , President of Commercial Union , William Bailey , Insurance Information Institute , R . C . Riley , President-Elect of IIAA . Special guests included Kansans : Robert Stephen , Attorney General , Fletcher Bell , Insurance Commissioner and , Congressman Dan Glickman .
• The board of directors announced that the CIC and CISR education programs were to be offered through the association .
• In 1995 , Kathleen Sebelius was elected as Insurance Commissioner over incumbent Ron Todd . She was the first woman to hold this office as well as the first Democrat . She was a member of the Kansas House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995 .
• President Bill Clinton enacted the Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act on April 4 , 1996 . It was commonly known as the Farm Bill .
• July 1 , 1997 , the Health Insurance Portability Act of 1997 ( HIPPA ) went into effect . It was also known as the Kassebaum / Kennedy Health Reform bill . It was considered the broadest sweeping change in health care in more than twenty years .
• In 1997 , IIAA was listed in Money Magazine as one of the “ Sixteen Great Resources to Get Your Business Growing .” It stated in the article that the trade association would refer you to an agent in your area who will shop-for-free to find you health , disability , or business insurance policy that meets your needs .
• At the request to the Kansas Insurance Department , the Kansas Chamber , KAIA , and Thomas McGee & Sons launched the KCCI Workers ’ Compensation Pool in September 1994 . Operations ended December 31 , 1997 . The Kansas Chamber requested that KAIA continue the administrative duties until the pool could be closed . All claims had to be settled before that could happen .
• KAPAC changed its name in 1988 to KIAPAC . The “ I ” stands for insurance .
• “ Are you ready for the Year 2000 ?” An article appeared in the March / April 1999 KIA & B magazine . It was written by Steven Anderson and titled “ What Have You Done to Prepare for the Year 2000 ?” It stated that there were less than 650 days left until , as Newsweek magazine called it , “ The Day the World Shuts Down .” The Independent Insurance Agents of America and more than 25 independent company agencies embarked on making all independent agents aware of the specific steps to overcome the Year 2000 dilemma . A rescue package called “ Countdown 2000 ” was prepared and sent to all independent agents .
The national association also produced a consumer guide called “ Countdown 2000 ”. It was available to members on its website . It had been proclaimed that the Y2K problems could cost property and casualty companies up to $ 2 trillion .
• During the 1999 Legislative Session , two important bills were passed , the Agents Licensing Bill and the Deregulation Bill .
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