Mike Smith entered the insurance industry in 1993 as a marketing and agent service representative at The Brokerage Inc. and later became president of the company. The Brokerage is licensed in all 50 states and specializes in life, health, financial and senior insurance products, along with marketing services for insurance professionals. Smith oversees the company’s marketing strategy, operations, sales support, business development, website development and public relations efforts.
Topics
Appearances (2)
2026-08-04
Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Health Insurance: Challenges and Options Beyond the ACAIn the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast, host Bryan Hyde discusses the evolving landscape of health insurance with Mike Smith, President Emeritus of The Brokerage, Inc. They explore the challenges of affordability in health insurance, particularly following changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. Smith outlines alternative options for consumers, including short-term health plans, healthcare sharing ministries, and group health insurance plans, while emphasizing the need for individuals to take responsibility for their health to mitigate rising costs.
2026-05-12
Mike Smith: Is Obamacare the ‘Unaffordable Care Act?’In the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast, host Brian Hyde interviews Mike Smith, President Emeritus at The Brokerage, Inc., about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its implications for health insurance in the United States. Smith discusses the ACA's initial promises, the challenges it has faced, including rising premiums and the impact of enhanced premium tax credits, as well as the potential future of health care policy in America. He emphasizes the need for innovative solutions and possible government partnerships to address ongoing issues in the health insurance market.
Notable quotes
“When the Affordable Care Act was promoted back in 2008, it was promoted in such a way that it'll be more affordable.”
“We almost have to call that the Unaffordable Care Act, because now all of a sudden we're seeing significant premium hikes.”
“If we can't come up with some form of a reasonable, affordable, suitable solution, that we may be staring down the pipe of a national healthcare plan.”
“There were a lot of winners, but that did come with a price tag.”
“It's important to distinguish the difference between healthcare and health insurance.”
“At some point, I do think we'll have to acquiesce and admit that there's just not really a reasonable private market solution.”
“Most people spend way more time planning a vacation, sometimes one that they can't afford, versus trying to manage their health insurance and healthcare benefits.”
“The cost of the healthcare is reflected in the health insurance premiums, and therein lies the problem.”
“We've seen companies that have come into the market and been burned by big claims, things like organ transplants that were unexpected.”
“At some point, we have to throw our hands up and say we've done everything that we can.”
“The challenge is always going to be affordability, and that's where we struggle as an industry.”
“If you just pick up the phone and call and say, hey, I've got a few questions, what are my options? There's no cost in doing that.”
