AAHA Seal of Acceptance

The Board of Directors has made increasing the visibility of AAHA to the public a priority. In addition, the Board also has a goal of increasing pet owner education about meeting the cost of veterinary care for their pets. In an effort to address both goals, the Board has approved the AAHA Seal of Acceptance.

The concern regarding educating pet owners about meeting their financial responsibilities for the care of their pets was driven by recognition that the cost of care is increasing quite rapidly. Part of this is due to increases in technology and specialty care and part is due to fee increases that better reflect the cost and value of the services provided to pets. The AAHA position statement on financial responsibility addresses options for paying for care, including savings, credit cards, medical payment cards, and pet insurance.

While the association has never had an official position on pet insurance, we have long held strong beliefs, which we have regularly communicated to the pet insurance industry. For example, we believe that the insurance that the majority of pet owners should consider is high deductible ($500 or higher), or “catastrophic” coverage. The reason for that is that a significant body of pet owner research indicates that the majority of pet owners would and could meet veterinary costs of $500 to $1,000. Beyond these higher numbers, larger numbers of pet owners begin to have concerns about paying for care.

We believe that as veterinary bills in excess of $500 to $1,000 become more commonplace there will be a greater need for financial assistance, such as pet health insurance. The lower costs of high-deductible policies could result in large numbers of pets being covered.

The AAHA Board approved the “Seal of Acceptance” program in order to:

• Increase pet owner education and awareness of the need to prepare to meet financial responsibility
• Encourage pet insurance company behavior that we believe is in the best interest of pets
• Increase visibility for AAHA Accredited Practices

The AAHA Seal of Acceptance for high deductible pet insurance policies is not about promoting pet insurance. It is all about educating the consumer about financial responsibility. Companies that are awarded the Seal must use the association’s approved message. The message to the public is to visit www.healthypet.com, where they will find additional information about their options for paying for veterinary care. The web site will educate consumers about what to look for when purchasing pet insurance.

It is important to note that it is the high deductible policies of the companies that will receive acceptance, not the companies themselves. Further, before the Seal will be licensed for use the company must meet specific criteria regarding appropriate licensing of the policies and solid underwriting support.

Most important, the policies must allow for freedom of choice of the care provider. The Seal of Acceptance will not be awarded to companies that require pet owners to use the services of only practices that are included in a network or similar grouping. Further, the policies must provide for direct reimbursement to the pet owner. That is, the pet owner must pay for the services and then apply to the insurance company for reimbursement, thereby avoiding the onerous paperwork burden for the practice.

The Board has expressed interest in expanding the “Seal of Acceptance” to other areas in which we wish to educate pet owners, reinforce existing policies and positions, and increase visibility.