Dwane McFerrin has spent decades navigating the complexities of Medicare policy and product development and he understands just how disruptive regulatory changes can be for the professionals who support seniors every day. That’s one reason he became a founding member of NAIFA’s Medicare Collective, a new initiative created to empower professionals working in Medicare and healthcare solutions through advocacy, education, and community.

As a seasoned executive in the Medicare space, McFerrin believes advocacy is essential to safeguarding the industry and ensuring agents and advisors can continue serving clients effectively. We need influence in regulatory and legislative issues, he says. NAIFA brings the bipartisan credibility, strategy, and staying power to advocate where it matters at both the state and federal levels.

McFerrin joined NAIFA in 2024, drawn by its strong government relations infrastructure and leadership team, including Senior Vice President of Government Relations Diane Boyle. I admire Diane-she’s a pro, he says.

Through the Medicare Collective, McFerrin collaborates with other industry leaders to confront pressing challenges such as the Birthday Rule’s impact on Medicare Supplement plans, IRA-driven policy changes affecting Part D, and concerns around the long-term stability of Medicare Advantage.

Currently Senior Vice President of Med Solutions at Senior Market Sales, LLC (SMS), McFerrin leads the strategic direction of the company’s Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medicare Supplement offerings. Under his leadership, SMS has become a national leader, processing more than 725,000 Medicare-related new business applications annually.

Looking ahead, McFerrin remains optimistic about the future of the profession. The demographics alone make this a growth market, he says. Be brilliant and honest to make an impact.

Through his involvement with NAIFA and the Medicare Collective, McFerrin is helping ensure that the voices of agents and the clients they serve are represented and respected at every level of policymaking.