Who is eligible to participate in RepCare? RepCare is a member service, available only to member firms in the trade associations which are its managing sponsors or affiliated sponsors. Affiliated sponsorship is available to member associations of the Alliance of Manufacturers' Representatives Associations, AMRA. Eligibility for particular group insurance programs may vary from state to state, and from time to time. In general, RepCare group insurance plans cover all employees of member firms who work more than 30 hours per week. Family coverage extends to spouses, children under 19, and full time students up to 23. Is my insurance portable if I leave my present firm? The portability of medical insurance is guaranteed by the federal HIPAA law of 1997. This law applies to all employers with 2 to 50 full-time employees. This guarantees access to the group medical insurance plan of a subsequent employer if the person or family has been covered by the prior employer's plan and there has not been a break in coverage of more than 63 days. Most states have corresponding laws governing this issue, as well. In some situation, portability to an individual (non-group) health plan is also guaranteed. How do pre-existing conditions affect my getting medical insurance? The issue is not so much getting coverage as what you are going to have to pay for it. Even those states which have the most stringent requirements for carriers to accept all cases give them flexibility to charge rates related to the risk. Because RepCare exists to serve members, not to sell insurance, we may in some instances advise you that you will be better off if you 'stay put.' Until what age can I cover my children and those of my employees? Family coverage generally extends to children under 19, and full time students up to 23. Your RepCare consultant can advise you on 'gap' programs (not part of RepCare) to protect children between the time they leave school and start getting coverage at work, or are no longer under age 19. What if my spouse is covered on health insurance by another employer? An employee of a member firm can waive coverage in favor of being part of a spouse's coverage at another employer. However, the application must nonetheless list all payroll employees, and the names on your census must coincide with the names on your quarterly State Wage and Tax Contribution Report. How long does it take to get coverage? The process of getting group insurance coverage currently is taking anywhere from four to six weeks, after you have submitted all the requested information. RepCare advises that you start the enrollment process at least two months before you expect to change carriers. If I can get a better deal locally, why should I use RepCare? The most valuable 'product' offered by RepCare is not group insurance, but concerned and caring, professional advice to member companies about this key component of any employee benefit program. Since RepCare is specifically managed for reps, you have the comfort of knowing that you're dealing with people who understand the business you're in, and who care about you as a friend and colleague, not as a customer. Although RepCare rates tend to be competitive, it's not about rates! How can I be sure my claim will be paid? A major strength of the RepCare program lies in the relationships that have been built up over decades with major insurance carriers in the respective specialty fields. Accident, Group Life, and Long Term Disability programs are offered through Reliance Standard and its subsidiaries; and Dental through UniCare. Since UniCare, the long-time RepCare Medical carrier, no longer offers medical insurance nationwide, RepCare shops the medical insurance market to get members the most appropriate group medical policies available where they live and work. Who owns and operates RepCare? RepCare Insurance is the 'brand identity' offered as a successor to the ERA Insurance Trust. The program is administered for AMRA member associations by the Electronics Representatives Association, and has been guided for many years by two expert insurance consultants, John Doyle and Patrick Brown. What about other employee benefits, besides insurance? Group insurance, especially group medical insurance, is the common denominator that unites all rep firms, regardless of size, industry and location. It is the basic benefit that prospective employees ask about even before your vacation policy! Because there is less consistency and need for across the board help with other benefit programs, such benefit programs as pension plans, legal counsel, tax advice, etc., are offered individually by the affiliated sponsors of RepCare.