The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) has unveiled its 2018 Policy and Advocacy Priorities.

"PIA National consulted with PIA members across the country and reviewed current congressional priorities to develop our 2018 Policy and Advocacy Priorities," said PIA National Vice President of Government Relations Jon Gentile. "While these are our top priorities, PIA National is always working to promote and defend the interests of the independent agent, wherever those interests take us."

In its policy and advocacy document, PIA outlines its 2018 priorities in six areas:

1. Flood insurance

PIA National supports a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that also promotes the growth of the private flood insurance market and protects the interests of independent agents.

2. Protection of state insurance regulation

PIA National supports a modern, state-based insurance system and opposes any federal office or international standard that would threaten it. As such, PIA supports the repeal of the Federal Insurance Office.

3. Role & value of agents in healthcare reform

PIA National supports the critical role that independent agents play in the sale and servicing of health insurance. PIA National supports legislation and efforts to exempt agent compensation from the administrative component of the medical loss ratio (MLR) formula, which has pushed many agents out of the health insurance industry. In addition, PIA National supports the recent delay of the so-called "Cadillac tax" on employer-sponsored health plans and will continue to seek its full repeal.

4. Promotion of small businesses & tax reform

PIA National supports a clear implementation process for the individual and corporate income tax laws that were passed late last year. PIA National opposes tax provisions and regulations that impede small business growth.

5. Cybersecurity

PIA National supports protection of sensitive consumer data using a harm trigger and other methods that are flexible, risk-based, and practical for small businesses.