APCA News May 2001 Resource Article

Resource - Member Medical Benefits

I grew up in a country where you paid your medical premiums to the government, got medical care when you needed it, and you never saw
the cost of treatment. And when we got to the U.S., concepts such
as deductibles and copays were totally alien. But we learned fast.

When my 8-year-old caught a virus that landed him in the Children's Hospital, his four days of tests and observation totalled a $7000.00 statement (the amount the insurance company paid over and above my copay).

Now keep in mind this was for tests, hospital time, antibiotics and the like. They didn't remove or replace an organ, or treat him for cancer or any of the dozens of other high-cost or heroic medical treatments that are done every day. The thought of the price tag on that kind of care, and potentially paying it out of my own pocket, is just too scary to consider.

While some members of the APCA have a "benefits" job on the side that allows them to work a minimal number of hours to get access to medical benefits in some form, and others have benefits from a spouse's employer, there are those who previously had no access to this kind of group coverage at all.

Well, no more. Your association has gone to bat and secured a national program through TRG Marketing, offering a program giving APCA members the ability to get medical benefits through six national plans, access to more than 175,000 physicians and 50,ooo facilities and hospitals in all 50 states.

There are two levels of copay and three levels of deductible to choose from, as well as specific pricing levels for individuals, single-parent families and dual-parent families. Got more than 3 kids? The plan can accommodate that too. Costs vary depending on the coverage required.

In addition to being flexible enough to meet individual needs, TRG totally handles the administrative end of things, enabling the APCA to avoid incurring higher membership costs to pay for a dedicated benefits administrator.

If you want more information about the plan, your best bet is to contact
Robert Petralia of TRG Marketing at 619-647-3333, or toll-free at 1-888- 880-7314. Also, visit the members resources forum and visit the links listed on March 20.

Until next time, stay well. But have a plan just in case.