[games_access] IGDA Health Insurance

[D. Michelle Hinn]

Definitely! Especially for me with my current health insurance  
situation...eeeee...

Michelle

On Nov 17, 2009, at 5:42 PM, sheryl Flynn wrote:

> Thanks Michelle,
> this is GREAT news!!!
>
> ~Sheryl Flynn PT, PhD
>
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> From: D. Michelle Hinn <hinn at uiuc.edu>
> To: IGDA Games Accessibility SIG Mailing List <games_access at igda.org>
> Sent: Tue, November 17, 2009 3:33:49 PM
> Subject: [games_access] IGDA Health Insurance
>
> Hi all,
>
> For IGDA members in the US, I wanted to forward a new healthcare  
> option that is going to be available to paying members. Here's the  
> press release - Michelle
>
> The IGDA has long served game developers as a source of  
> professional growth and industry advocacy. We are probably best  
> known for providing a framework for networking and knowledge  
> sharing through local chapter events and industry events like the  
> IGDA Leadership Forum. However, as a professional association, it’s  
> also incumbent upon us to support the community in direct,  
> practical ways too, especially as we all work through this economic  
> downturn.
>
> One of the biggest challenges facing independent and consulting  
> developers particularly in the US is the skyrocketing cost of  
> health insurance. Large corporations have the benefit of collective  
> bargaining to help lower rates for employees, and so we are  
> applying the same principles to deliver to you the benefits of  
> group insurance, solely on the basis of your IGDA membership.
>
> Largely through the tireless and cheerful efforts of our dynamic  
> new Executive Director Joshua Caulfield, we are incredibly proud to  
> announce the IGDA Healthcare Program. The IGDA HP grants you access  
> to the IGDA group account with Association Health Programs, a  
> national US brokerage that negotiates and presents the best  
> available insurance offerings from leading health insurance  
> companies. Starting in January 2010, you will be able to connect  
> directly with an account executive who will generate a set of group- 
> negotiated healthcare options, for you to choose from. As January  
> gets closer we will work to have more details and specifics about  
> this program. In the meantime here is a starter FAQ we can share  
> with you:
>
> Who can join the IGDA HP?
>
> Any IGDA Member in good standing is eligible for the IGDA HP.  
> Regular membership dues are $48 per year, and hardship membership  
> dues are $25 per year.
>
> Is the IGDA going to be my health insurance carrier?
>
> Not directly. The IGDA is working with Association Health Programs,  
> a broker for many different insurance carriers across the US. By  
> being an IGDA member you will gain access to group rate plans  
> provided by national “A” rated carriers. Your health insurance will  
> be through one of those carriers, and the IGDA HP should give you  
> access to a lower rate than you would have if you were to obtain  
> health insurance on your own.
>
> What will my health insurance cost?
>
> Since this will vary for each case, there isn’t an answer to that  
> question yet. It will depend on a wide variety of factors and you  
> will have to wait until the plan is running before you can see what  
> the final cost is to you. You will have access to a group rate, so  
> your cost should be lower than what you could obtain individually.
>
> Will I be excluded for pre-existing conditions?
>
> As with any group health insurance policy you should not be  
> excluded for pre-existing conditions.
>
> I am an International member, when can I get health insurance?
>
> This plan is currently available for US members only. Most of our  
> non-US members live in countries with nationalized health care  
> systems so there is less need, or value in making this available to  
> members in those countries. Following a successful launch of the  
> program in the US, we would be interested in looking into this for  
> other countries. If you would like to help with that process please  
> let us know.
>
> Will dues increase as a result of the IGDA HP?
>
> No, the membership rate will remain the same. The IGDA HP is an  
> optional benefit that US members can choose to take advantage of.  
> Members will be fully responsible for paying their own health  
> insurance premiums. The IGDA HP simply gives all members access to  
> group rate plans.
>
> If you have any other questions please let us know or post them in  
> the comments below and we’ll try to respond to them or get answers  
> as we can.
>
> Finally, we thank you for your patience with us, while we’ve worked  
> through some unexpected organizational issues.  However, our main  
> focus has been, and will continue to be, on empowering and  
> improving the professional advancement of you, the game  
> developer.   We expect that the IGDA HP will be an effective  
> example of this core goal, and we look forward to sharing a toast  
> when we see you at the next IGDA event.
>
> To your health,
>
> IGDA Board of Directors
>
>
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