As the new 4-H year begins, it is an excellent time to consider purchasing health and accident coverage for members and leaders. These policies cost $1.00 for a year of coverage while individuals are participating in, traveling to, or returning from 4-H programs. The coverage is limited to a maximum of $3,000 for an accident or loss of life. These policies pay from the first dollar of expense; there is no deductible. This is often enough to relieve the family who may have a $500 or $1000 deductible on their family health and accident insurance. Most are very pleased to have even this limited coverage instead of having to pay a deductible, which they haven't budgeted, for an accident or illness incurred as the result of a 4-H program.

It would be possible for the state to purchase coverage for all classic club members and leaders if enough counties want that to happen. It would require an assessment to members and leaders for the premiums. For the current 4-H year it is a county option to purchase health and accident insurance. This is a very inexpensive way of managing the risk of an accident or illness resulting from a 4-H program. Once you have the opportunity of telling just one family that there is coverage, you will always want to have this kind of policy for your county's 4-H members and leaders. I recommend that you purchase annual coverage for all club members and leaders.

-- Gary Heusel

(taken from 4-H Alerts #984, October 15, 1999)