So, you’ve been a superintendent now for over 30 years and if you’re like me, you are probably trying to figure out what life after golf will look like. Hopefully, you have had a plan in place for some time and have accumulated a nice nest egg with which to draw. Either way, making wise financial decisions will play a big part in how far those funds will go. 

By now, you have probably already heard that GCSAA is now offering a health insurance benefit through Association Health Programs (AHP), an insurance broker who specializes in unique and cost-effective association insurance solutions. In addition to health insurance, members have access to other related types of insurance, including dental and vision, disability, life, accident, long-term care, and Medicare supplements.

With the exception to “Friends” members, all other GCSAA member categories qualify for this opportunity. That includes both retirement classifications. Whether you’re a Class AA or a Class ART, you can take advantage of this program which could save you quite a bit of money each month. Those who have enrolled in the program so far are reporting a 50 percent monthly savings. That’s a lot of money when you’re on a fixed income! 

To qualify for Life membership (Class AA), one must have retired as a golf course superintendent or assistant golf course superintendent and have been a golf course superintendent or assistant golf course superintendent member of GCSAA for 25 years of which a minimum of 20 years has been as a golf course superintendent. Class AA is free. To qualify for Class A-Retired status, one must not be currently employed as a golf course superintendent and have a minimum of five years of service as a Class A golf course superintendent member. The years of service as a GCSAA member when combined with the member's age must equal or exceed 75 years. Class ART is $70 annually. Even if you are paying $70 a year, the continued health care savings will more than cover that membership fee.

Let’s say your retirement plans were foiled and you were prematurely let go by your employer. Many times, the best option is to work for an allied company. If that is the case, I would recommend that you continue to keep your membership current so you will qualify for the insurance benefit once retirement is upon you. The other option is to go to work for yourself while still serving the golf industry. As a small business, health insurance really becomes the big obstacle. Simply keep your membership current and pick up a policy through AHP and you could still save considerably. 

AHP is now available in 38 states.  Excluded states include Alaska, Washington, California, Hawaii Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Once you decide that you are going to retire, AHP recommends you inquire one month prior to when you wish to enroll. This way you will avoid a lapse in coverage. In many cases, you will need to experience a qualifying life event such as birth of a child, divorce, or new employment to enroll. Rest assured; retirement also qualifies as a life event.

For any questions, please call GCSAA at 800-472-7878 or visit the GCSAA health page where you will also find a link to enroll.