About Us

    Alera Group, formerly Barnes Insurance & Financial Services is a performance based, proactive, benefit firm committed to our client's success. Founded January 1, 2005 as a LLC, BIAFS has offices located at 1582 Airport Boulevard, Pensacola, FL 32504. In August of 2018 we joined Alera Group giving us a vast amount of resources to better serve our clients.

    Our principal lines of business are Health, Dental, Life, Disability, Supplemental Policies, and Financial Services. United HealthCare, MetLife, UNUM, Guardian and ING are just a few of the carriers with whom we write business. BIAFS is a Blue Diamond agency with Florida Blue (highest agency status with Florida Blue). One of the most respected insurance agencies in the panhandle, Barnes Insurance & Financial Services has grown rapidly into a top ten agency with Florida Blue with over 15,000 lives insured.

    As a Florida Blue contracted general agency, we have the ability in certain circumstances to help employees transition their dependents to individual health policies. We are also available to counsel with employees and dependents that no longer meet eligibility requirements to review their specific options and possibly limit their cost and the employer’s COBRA exposure.

    With a combined working experience of over 100 years, BIAFS has 8 accomplished employees with a diverse insurance background that complements our clientele.

    Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. CST and all federally recognized holidays are observed.

     

    Securities offered by certain representatives through Osaic Wealth, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic.

    Meet Our Team

    David Nicolette

    Sales Executive
    David Nicolette

    (404) 345-3124

    Graduating from the University of Mississippi with degrees in Risk Management, Insurance, and Managerial Finance, David was inspired to pursue a profession in insurance because he believes this industry is a true difference-maker across all sectors. He appreciates having the ability to play a role in so many different clients’ success, not only in the present but also in the future.

    David is a hard-working, detail-oriented individual and brings a high level of energy to everything he does. Being a younger producer in the insurance industry, David has the luxury of being able to grow alongside clients for many years to come.

    David enjoys spending time with family and friends. He believes relationships are essential, and he takes full advantage of any opportunity he gets to be with those closest to him. David is also interested in health and spending time in the gym, playing tennis and golf.

    Lisa Knichel

    Small Group Service Assistant/ Administrator
    Lisa Knichel

    EXPERT EDUCATION

    Events and Webinars

    Latest Updates on the Maryland Paid Family and Medical Leave Act

    We invite you to join our interactive webinar to review the newly proposed Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) regulations.

    November 19, 2024 at 10:00 am ET | Virtual

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    Maryland Paid Family and Medical Leave

    Employee Benefits

    When Captive Insurance Makes Sense

    In this session, our experts will talk about how captives work, the advantages and disadvantages and what you need to know to determine whether they make sense for your organization.

    November 21, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

    Sign Up
    Webinar Graphic - Alera Engage

    Employee Benefits

    Q4 Compliance Update

    Alera Group's quarterly employee benefits compliance roundup will help you stay current on the latest national regulatory developments impacting employers.

    December 3, 2024 at 01:00 pm CT | Virtual

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    Webinar graphic - Alera Engage

    THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

    Insights

    Employee Benefits

    Are You Prepared to Comply With the New Mental Health Parity Final Rule in 2025?

    On September 9, 2024, the DOL, IRS and HHS released a final rule for the Requirements Related to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA Final Rule). The MHPAEA Final Rule is similar to the proposed rule released on July 25, 2023, with some marked differences. While the MHPAEA Final Rule is effective as of November 22, 2024, the requirements become enforceable at different times. Most apply to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, with other requirements becoming enforceable for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

    October 25, 2024

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    Employee Benefits

    Legal Alert: IRS Adjusts Health Flexible Spending Account and Other Benefit Limits for 2025

    On October 22, 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released Revenue Procedure 2024-40, which increases the health flexible spending account (FSA) salary reduction contribution limit to $3,300 for plan years beginning in 2025, an increase of $100 from 2024.

    October 23, 2024

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    Wealth Services

    Weekly Market Update

    Stocks posted modest gains last week, with quarterly earnings season in full swing and the election on the horizon.

    October 21, 2024

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    Wealth Services

    Avoiding Self-Sabotage in Investing

    Discover how emotions like fear, greed, and overconfidence can impact your investment decisions and learn ways to overcome them.

    October 17, 2024

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