Shown below are the questions most commonly asked of our customer service representatives. Please call one of our representatives toll-free at 1 888 424-2308 if you still have questions after reviewing the information shown below.

1. How do the rates work on the Group insurance plans?

Premium for both the member and spouse are usually based on the member's age and increase as the member grows older. Premiums may be periodically increased on Plans to reflect plan utilization and help ensure their financial stability.

2. Can my spouse obtain separate coverage?

No, not under normal circumstances. A surviving spouse can, however, maintain coverage under most of the plans.

3. How long does the application process take? When will my coverage become effective?

For some plans, coverage becomes effective within a few days of receiving your application. For others, the process is longer because of required medical underwriting procedures. The "underwriting process" depends on many factors: the number of persons to be insured, their ages, the amount of coverage for which you apply, your medical history and that of your family members (if requesting dependent coverage), and the type of coverage requested.

4. Do I have to take a medical exam, blood test, etc.?

Again, this depends on the plan you are requesting, your age, the amount of coverage for which you apply, and your individual medical history.

5. Can coverage continue if I am out of the country?

Call the Administrator for more details as coverage varies depending on the plan.

6. Will pre-existing conditions be covered?

It depends on the exact nature of the condition and the coverage you select. As long as known medical history is documented on the application, the insurance underwriters can evaluate the condition while assessing the overall insurability of you or the family member for whom you're requesting coverage. Coverage could be issued as applied for (no restrictions), with certain conditions excluded, or the coverage could be denied. We discourage you from discontinuing existing insurance coverage until you have received and reviewed the Certificate(s) of Insurance issued through the Program.

7. Who are the current insurance carriers and what are their ratings?

This varies according to each plan. The Group Insurance Administrator tries to get the best deal for our members, so the plans are underwritten by different insurance companies. All of the companies enjoy very high ratings by A.M. Best Company, which annually measures the financial strength of insurance companies. See the section About the Companies for more information on this topic.

8. Who is Marsh Affinity Group Services, the Administrator of the Program?

Marsh Affinity Group Services is the company contracted to manage the Group Insurance Program. Marsh Affinity Group Services is not affiliated with the insurance companies that underwrite each plan. See the section About the Administrator... for more information on this topic.

9. Who recommends/approves benefit changes or premium changes?

The insurance companies reserve the right to change rates. They usually report "plan experience" (or the number and size of claims made) twice a year and, if applicable, rate action recommendations. Using this information, the program Administrator works with The Academy to evaluate the recommendations and decide what, if any, action (i.e. a rate action, a change in benefits, or even a change in insurance companies) is appropriate to maintain each plan's financial stability and competitive status. The Academy ultimately approves any such action, and insured members are advised of their decision, prior to implementation.

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