The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced a new health insurance trust plan for members. The plan will provide access to a number of different health plans. ASA surveys show approximately 75 percent of ASA members offer health insurance coverage as part of their employee benefits package.

Called the Automotive Industry Health Insurance Trust (A-HIT), this important new benefit will be launched in early 2007 and will include a regional rollout to offer the program nationwide by the end of 2007.

"Association trusts enjoy several advantages in the small group marketplace, including the potential to lower the cost of health insurance by group pooling and experience-based underwriting," said John Scully, ASA executive vice president. "Participation in an association trust positions small employers to be able to address health care reform and changes as they develop."

A-HIT will feature several group benefits, including medical and dental plans, a premium-only plan (POP), flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). An individual short-term medical product will also be available.

"We are pleased to offer ASA members a group benefit program and look forward to phasing in the program throughout the year," said B.J. Johnson, ASA’s director of membership development and affiliate relations. "Repair facilities that are currently members of ASA will be notified by letter when the A-HIT health coverage program will be available in their state. Further announcements will also be made in various ASA publications. Prospective members of ASA may call the membership department for additional details."

To learn more about ASA’s new health insurance trust, call the ASA membership department at (800) 272-7467, ext. 295.

For additional information about ASA, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.