The Yoga Alliance has certainly seen its share of bad days. While many yoga teachers, new and experienced, have been left wondering and doubtful about its credibility and relevance as anything more than an outdated registry making money off of annual fees, some are willing to give the new YA 2.o a chance.
It’s true, over the past few years they’ve seen a lot of changes and upheaval at the old YA HQ, but with new CEO Richard Karpel, new promises to win back our trust and a new set of organized yoga balls (they stepped in to help the Encinitas yoga in school trial) they may be clamoring their way back to a renewed purpose.
Making good on their word, Yoga Alliance just announced their new health insurance initiative. They’ve officially endorsed Association Health Programs (AHP) which currently services over 250 national associations with a full range of insurancees (plural of insurance) and insurance-ese (insurance speak no one else understands except insurance agents) from life, to health, to dental, vision and business insurance, etc.
YA explains the decision process:
Yoga Alliance conducted a rigorous review process and selected AHP because it provided one of the best insurance programs Yoga Alliance had seen. The process began last November when an RFP was issued and sent to over 11 insurance companies and/or agents that specialize in serving large membership organizations with over 15 years of experience. Five companies were selected for an interview by YA staff, and it was determined that AHP is the company that provides the most comprehensive plan among them. AHP was then presented by YA staff to our member benefits committee, which consists of 16 Yoga Alliance members, and it was unanimously approved by this committee to be an exclusively endorsed partner of health and other insurance products.
They are ready for the 2014 Affordable Care Act, the YA press release assures, even if their website is stuck somewhere in 1999.
So…we don’t know, everyone rejoice?
Insurance has been tough and too expensive for yoga teachers (often independent contractors/freelancers) and yoga studios/small businesses alike. This could be huge and maybe even help make the case for YA’s sustainable legitimacy.
Here’s the full list of benefits offered – they’ll even insure your doga!
Health insurance programs
- Health, dental and vision insurance
- Complimentary alternative care – coming soon!
- Long term care
- Medicare supplements and Part D for seniors
- Short term health insurance
- Prescription drug card – coming soon to members at no cost!
Life, disability and long term insurance programs
- Term Life
- Universal Life
- Whole Life
- Estate Life
Other products
- ID theft
- Accident insurance
- International travel insurance – coming soon!
- Critical illness
- Pet insurance – coming soon!
Rates haven’t been announced, but you can login to your YA account and contact them about individual and group options. It might save you money and headaches in the long run, unless of course you’re all like ‘yoga is my health insurance!’
It will also, of course, make YA more money, as well. Tell us when they dig into better credentialing and give us the real perks like a free plane ticket to any yoga retreat of our choice every year. Then we’ll talk!
image via forbes.com chosen specifically because this is the first image that came up when googling ‘health insurance’ and exemplifies what it means for a lot of Americans.
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Earlier…
- Yoga Goes On Trial Today: Encinitas Case Pitting Parents Against School Yoga Classes and ‘Religious Indoctrination’
- Giving Yoga Alliance a Chance
- New Yoga Alliance CEO Aims to Win Back Trust with Professional Perks, Insurance and Actually Answering Phone Calls
- The Two Sides to the Mindboggling Encinitas Yoga Trial, Or When Yoga and Religion Meet in Court
It was also announced today that the NY State Program – Healthy NY will be discontinued for individuals and families at the end of the year to make way for the new health insurance exchange (http://www.healthbenefitexchange.ny.gov/). We will have to see how the rates and plans that can be got through YA compare to what will be available on the new “open” market.
Hi J. For what it’s worth, AHP tells us that NY is one of the states in which it is most difficult for them to get affordable rates. Looking forward to hearing feedback from NY state RYTs.
I’ve been wondering, is it necessary to have a registered YTT under your belt in order to teach? Or is it more of a title to get under your belt?
Suzanne, there is no law requiring you to get an RYT to teach yoga, but many employers require it.
I am looking forward to hearing more about this option. If affordable, this may be a way I can quit my day job(which I get insurance) and teach yoga more! I don’t hold my breath on the cost tho!
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