AMA membership insurance coverage benefits
Money Matters by Keith Sessions, Chief Financial Officer
keithksessions@hotmail.com
In my last report, I discussed the dues increase and rationale behind it. An email went out on July 1, 2015, to let you know that you can still lock in the old membership rate for up to two years if you do so by September 14. That date is quickly approaching. I know my column is the first thing everyone turns to the instant they receive the magazine, so hopefully you still have a couple of weeks.
The Life Member rate was not increased. This is still $1,500 and can be paid in installments. You will receive a nice bronze membership card with this.
As a side note, the vanity membership number fee of $50 was kept the same. Okay, I didn’t even know we had vanity membership numbers, and I have been a member for many years. So if you have ever wanted your card to read “RC AV8R” or some other interesting (and family-friendly) combination, check with the staff at AMA Headquarters to see if it is available.
Overall, the response to the dues increase has been positive. It is great to hear feedback about all the things people appreciate from the AMA. I knew the increase would not be well-received with a small percentage of members. I hope that these people have had some time to reflect on all of the benefits AMA offers and see the value in it. Many great things have already occurred and more are coming.
A few comments on the Internet and in email have been made regarding the insurance provided. I thought I would dedicate most of this month’s column to a review of the insurance coverage for the individual modeler and let you know where to get more information.
First, the AMA is not an insurance company. That is a very important distinction. Also, the insurance is in excess to any other applicable coverage such as homeowner’s or health plans, including Medicare. This is the only way we can offer it as a member benefit and not have the premium cost prohibitive. Also, before the insurance kicks in, the AMA has a sizeable deductible to meet.
Membership insurance covers three situations:
1) General liability: a $2,500,000 limit
2) Accident/medical coverage: $25,000 medical expenses/$10,000 dismemberment or death
3) Fire, vandalism, and theft coverage: $1,000
The insurance is only applicable while pursuing hobby interests and in accordance with the AMA Safety Code. More details about the program are available at www.modelaircraft.org/files/InsuranceSummaryMembers.pdf. Additional details about other insurance is available on the AMA website under Members & Clubs/AMA Documents/Safety & Member Benefits.
Some people consider the AMA to be not much more than insurance and a magazine. The organization is so much more than that. We are the voice of the modeler in Washington and have been effective in this role.
AMA’s Education department is light years ahead of where it was. We now have a full science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) program available for schools and other organizations.
Places to fly will always change as suburbia grows. The AMA is partnering with parks (yes, the same ones that banned drones) and the EPA to add new flying sites. As I have noted, a lot of great things are happening. Your support is appreciated.
