ASSOCIATION HEALTH COVERAGE:

One of the key directives we have been given by our membership is to try and find an acceptable level of medical and other insurance which can be offered as a benefit of membership. We have worked very closely with our trusted insurance advisors and have discovered that as of today MAJOR MEDICAL CARRIERS WILL NOT ISSUE A GROUP POLICY TO AN ASSOCIATION. As you are aware, this is a hotly debated issue at the Federal Government level and many different iterations of bills focusing on Association Health Plans have either been defeated or are still on the floor of one of the houses. With the new legislature having just started, things might change quickly and we promise to keep a pulse on any activity.

However, during this search we have uncovered what we believe is an acceptable alternative until we can incorporate a true group plan. That alternative is Patriot Health. Patriot Health is a member of the Cost Containment Group of companies, headquartered on Long Island NY. Established in 1993, Cost Containment Group services millions of families nationwide through various healthcare related programs and networks.

The program we have selected for our membership is the Patriot Health Turnkey medical platform. Currently here are your choices:

  • Individual Major Medical policy from national carriers
  • A Limited medical plan which provides first dollar coverage

Here is a breakdown of information to help you in your choice.

Major Medical Limited Medical
  • Not guaranteed Issue
  • Individual underwriting
  • Pre-existing conditions not covered for 12 months
  • Rates based on age/sex/zip code
  • Guarantee Issue
  • No underwriting
  • Pre-existing conditions not covered for 12 months
  • Rates same for all

The process is rather simple. Here are the steps:

  1. Call Patriot Health at the 800 number provided
  2. A brief 7 question interview is conducted
  3. Following the interview advice is given regarding whether the Major Med or Limited Med is the best option for you.
  4. Upon your approval an application is taken or enrollment is started

Limited Benefit plans, while not providing the full security of a major medical plan do provide reimbursement for Doctor Visits, Hospital Stays, Surgeries, Dental and RX.. The cost of these programs is affordable when comparing to group insurance and you have several plan designs to choose from. In the future we are committed to expanding our menu of membership benefits. These include: Dental insurance, Life insurance, Disability coverage, Catastrophic and Critical Illness coverage.

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