GCSAA unveils health insurance access for members

New member benefit will launch April 1

Lawrence, Kan. – The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has partnered with Association Health Programs (AHP), an insurance broker, to offer health insurance access as a membership benefit. The program will be available to GCSAA members beginning April 1.

“We know, based on feedback from the membership, that having access to affordable health insurance plans has been a key concern for many of them,” Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO said. “We are pleased to be able to offer them access to offerings from major insurance carriers with the buying power of a group plan.”

The program will be available to dues-paying GCSAA members (other than the recently introduced Friend of the Golf Course Superintendent classification) and their immediate family members.  The program has options for members in 38 states. Due to state legal restrictions, the program is not available in 12 states: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

While product availability and rates will vary by state and individual circumstances, companies that AHP partners with to provide coverage as part of Preferred Provider Plans (PPO) include United Healthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Cigna. GCSAA members will be responsible for the premiums and will make payments directly to the insurance providers.

“For nine decades, GCSAA has been serving its members and advancing their profession,” Evans said. “With this latest member benefit, we are giving them the opportunity for some peace of mind off the course as well.”

For more information about GCSAA and its membership, visit www.gcsaa.org.

About GCSAA and the EIFG

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 19,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.

The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Marketing and Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org

Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org