March 20, 2008

Increasing the Value of Membership

Times are tight for all our members. In a recessionary economy with decreasing reimbursement and increasing costs, every dime counts. This is why recently AAHSA has changed its Group Purchasing program to give members access to discounts on many more products. Now, we are offering amazing changes in our affinity insurance program that can provide additional value.

Insurance is one of the largest expenses providers have. That's why for many years AAHSA has sponsored an insurance program through Aon Association Services along with CNA. We've been pleased with this program, as are the many AAHSA members who have benefited from it. However, bold times call for bold action and now this program has been enhanced to levels beyond what is accessible anywhere in our field. This is an unprecedented member benefit.

It now has the ability to serve even more AAHSA members and capitalize on the reduction of claims and combined value AAHSA members provide. What's also exciting is that many more AAHSA members will be able to access these attractive rates. Aon has enhanced the program so even small organizations can participate. Housing and home and community-based services (HCBS) providers can now apply for coverage in the program.

The program is designed with the potential for a dividend payment to participating members this year. Aon and CNA intend to make a dividend component available to Housing and HCBS operations in the future. Our brokers, Aon and CNA, can provide you with all those details. Yes, this is unique for this kind of program, but Aon and CNA are willing to make this happen for AAHSA members because of the long history of reduced claims and attention to risk management exposures.

Keep in mind, these dividends are in addition to the existing benefits of this shared services program. The Aon Quality Institute isn't just a tactic to lower your premiums, it's a comprehensive educational program for your entire team that increases quality and helps you deliver better care and services to those you serve. It is a win-win scenario.

Members who pass the course will receive an additional 10 percent discount on their organizations' General Liability/Professional Liability portion of their insurance premiums. Taking part in this course has saved hundreds of your peers the cost of their dues many times over. And you can't put a price tag on the lessons these members have learned about effective risk management. This makes sense for our insurance brokers, and makes it sense for us. Education can bring reduced claims, and that means you are less risky to insure. You should be rewarded for that, and everyone benefits.

Soon, you'll receive an AAHSA Access Card from Aon. Since this program is exclusively for AAHSA members, you'll need to know how to take advantage of it. This card is personalized to you with your AAHSA member identification number. Use it to find out more about this program and how it will benefit your organization. Have your broker contact Aon Association Services for additional information, or call them yourself at (800) 865-7307.

I'm often asked what keeps me up at night. My answer is always the same. Each day, are we doing everything we can to help you help those you serve. Thanks to Aon and CNA and you….I'll be sleeping soundly tonight.

We have a two-fold mission at AAHSA. Creating the future of aging services and increasing the value of membership. Increasing value in the services your association provides is essential during these turbulent times. We know every penny we can save can go back into fulfilling your mission and the people you serve. This is why we work tirelessly to uncover opportunities to get you more for less, tapping the power of our combined value whenever we can. Isn't that what the power of community is all about?


William L. Minnix, Jr.
AAHSA President & CEO


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