AAS Membership Benefit Changes for APSIT Insurance

AAS members receive a number of direct and indirect benefits. I want to let you know about some changes to one of the direct benefits, which provides access to insurance at attractive group rates through the AAS's membership in the American Institute of Physics (AIP).

All AIP member societies can participate in the American Physical Society Insurance Trust (APSIT). APSIT was founded by the APS and several partner organizations with the goal of providing portable, affordable insurance of various kinds to members of the AIP member societies. APSIT is overseen by a board, which I currently chair, composed of representatives from other societies and plan participants. The trust contracts with an administrator to manage the various programs. The insurance plans are provided by selected third-party insurance companies.

APSIT was administered since its founding by Herbert V. Friedman, Inc., which also served as the primary communicator with members participating in the insurance plans. A change in the business focus of Friedman has necessitated a change in this arrangement, which the board worked to complete during the past several months.

Pearl Insurance, of Peoria Heights, Illinois, has been selected as the new, exclusive program administrator for APSIT life and health insurance offerings. With 60 years of industry experience, Pearl Insurance is a nationally recognized third-party insurance administrator and will be responsible for the brokerage, administration, and marketing associated with the APSIT group insurance programs.

No changes to the insurance plans will take place because of this change, and plan participants will receive more details via postal mail soon.

This new partnership will lead to additional coverage options for those currently participating and enhanced services and benefits offerings in the near future. Pearl Insurance’s team is available at (800) 272-1637 Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm CST to answer any questions you have concerning APSIT insurance programs. You may also visit the APSIT website for more information.