NAPHIA is pleased to announce its participation in The Pet Health Consortium, a new group forming to educate Congress and the public on the importance and benefits of pet health insurance. Aside from educating the public, among the Consortium's primary goals is to include pet health insurance as an optional pre-tax benefit provided to employees through Section 125 cafeteria plans. Cafeteria plans commonly include a number of options such as cash/credits, health insurance, medical and flexible spending accounts, adoption and childcare assistance, life insurance, automobile insurance, business travel accident insurance, and 401(k) contributions, etc.
In addition to lending their name to the cause, Pet Health Consortium member organizations pledge to inform their members about the benefits of pet health insurance and the initiative to include the benefit in Section 125. The Consortium will provide opportunities for its members to become engaged in an advocacy campaign, and opportunities to meet with lawmakers and their staffs.
The Pet Health Consortium believes adding pet insurance to cafeteria plans will appeal to the public, and that pet owners would avail themselves of pet insurance if it were offered as part of a cafeteria plan. Many pets are beloved by their owners and care is of great concern. Their owners want what's best for their animals, including access to high quality and affordable veterinary care. Cafeteria plans that include pet insurance will enjoy support among employers who will likely view it as a value-added benefit for their employees. The Pet Health Consortium believes that this issue will gain traction in Congress as a viable addition to Section 125 as the health care reform debate advances. In addition, there are physiological benefits of pet ownership that positively influence human health including reduced blood pressure, decreased stress hormones and enhanced weight loss for those who walk a dog.
The Pet Health Consortium hopes to represent a diverse, broad range of strategic partners who are interested in improving pet health and providing affordable options for pet owners.
For more information about the Pet Health Consortium, please contact Gina Luke at AVMA Governmental Relations Division, 202-289-3204, gluke@avma.org.
