The American Veterinary Medical Association’s insurance arm starting in July will again offer health coverage for AVMA members and practices employing from two to 50 people.
AVMA LIFE health insurance policies ended in 2013 because of regulatory changes, but the federal government last year cleared the way for the re-emergence of association-provided health plans.
The return will be gradual, starting in 10 states, AVMA reported.
“This is a big win for our members,” said AVMA Life chairman Joe Kinnarney, DVM, MS. “As the program gradually rolls out, more and more AVMA members will be able to provide competitive benefits to their employees.”
AVMA President John de Jong called the plans’ 2013 elimination “a major blow.”
“Now, after years of hard work and advocacy, the AVMA will be able to roll out an association health plan that will benefit many of our members, and we couldn’t be more pleased to once again provide this valuable member resource,” he said.
In other news, the AVMA announced the appointment of Tracey Gray-Walker as CEO of AVMA Trusts, which provides professional liability insurance, life insurance and other coverage through AVMA PLIT and AVMA LIFE.