HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS AVAILABLE FOR TPI MEMBERS—BEGINNING FEBRUARY 2022 By Casey Reynolds, PhD Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) is always searching for ways to increase benefits to our members and have been exploring the possibility of health insurance programs since 2019. We are excited to announce that beginning in February of 2022 TPI members, their employees, and their families will be able to access health insurance through Association Health Programs (AHP), an insurance broker specializing in association management benefit plans. This new relationship is a direct result of collaboration with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), and we are excited about this new partnership. AHP partners with A+ rated insurance carriers to offer Preferred Provider Plans (PPO), which allow the freedom and flexibility to choose physicians, hospitals, etc. A few examples are United Healthcare PPO, Aetna PPO, and Cigna PPO. Product options, carrier availability, and rates vary by state and individual circumstances. Coverage for out-of-network care is also included with many policies. Options for health insurance coverage is available in 38 U.S. states but is
TPI Turf News January/February 2022
not available internationally or in 12 states (Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington) due to state legal restrictions. Insurance coverage will be available to TPI producers, suppliers, and their employees. Be on the lookout for more information about this exciting new member benefit in the upcoming months. Casey Reynolds, PhD, is executive director of Turfgrass Producers International.
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