As Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists we face many challenges in our careers that seem insurmountable as individuals, but become manageable as a group. By becoming a member of MSHA, you are joining with your peers to address these issues and create effective solutions. It is through the collective power of our membership voice that we are able to fulfill our mission. MSHA is the only organization in the state that is dedicated to advocacy on your behalf. Even if you have not been a member in the past, we have been working for you. MSHA can only continue to grow, implement new services, and support our profession with YOUR help.

Rewards of Becoming a Member:

• Opportunities for Professional Development
• MSHA offers two continuing ed conferences each year
• MSHA has teamed with National CEU to offer permanent discounts for online seminars to MSHA members
• Discounts to MSHA continuing education events are offered upon becoming a member
• Access to the members only section of the MSHA website
• Keep up to date on what's going on in the state with the MSHA newsletter, The Voice
• Gain access to professional resources
• Network with fellow members on the discussion board
• Increase your visibility to potential clients with our provider search engine
• Search for new jobs or post available positions on our Job Board
• Become an advocate and stay up to date on hot legislative issues MSHA is addressing
• Search for fellow Speech Pathologists and Audiologists with the member directory
• Join anytime during the year for $60 and receive a full year of membership with our rolling enrollment program
• Join with three or more of your co-workers through our workplace discount and save $10 per person on membership fees

• Join on-line by clicking here for individual memberships
• Renew your membership here
• For group enrollments click here to print out an application

Health insurance for individuals and families is a hot topic nation-wide this year in the presidential-election campaign as well as in our own state. As of December 31, 2007, all Massachusetts residents are required to have health insurance. In addition, in a telephone conference call with MSHA private practice committee members, the question of health insurance for SLP private practitioners and their families was raised. Members expressed concerns of reluctance to start private practices as well as difficulties faced during transitional times of employment and the need to provide affordable health insurance for their families. In response to these concerns, MSHA is pleased to announce that we are now able to offer a variety of insurance products, exclusively to MSHA members, under the direction of health services administrators (HSA).

HSA is represented by Stephan Ward-Smith, who is in charge of administrating companies with fewer than 11 employees and self-employed individuals. He manages all facets of insurance electronically including applications from the members. There is no financial commitment by MSHA to provide this service. MSHA is only involved in linking members to the HSA site, and in verifying membership status. By using this service, you are able to purchase insurance products as part of a larger group, which makes it less expensive than purchasing insurance on your own.

Understanding that each member has a unique set of needs, HSA proposes to give you special “one-of-a-kind” treatment and conduct a far-reaching search for the insurance plan that best suits your particular workforce and budget. Here is a sampling of the plans HSA works with to satisfy your requirements; note that there may be multiple options available within each carrier.

1. Tufts Health Plan
2. Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare
3. Neighborhood Health Plan
4. Fallon Community Health Plan
5. Aetna Inc.
6. Health New England
7. United Health Care
8. Insurance Partnership Program (from the Commonwealth of Mass)
9. Delta Dental of Massachusetts (Premier)
10. Delta Dental of Massachusetts (Preferred One Plan)
11. Assurant Dental
12. Cafeteria Plan Section 125 IRS Code

HSA also offers plans for long-term care, long and short-term disability, and healthcare spending accounts. Plans are available for individuals, member plus one, and families.

Employers who wish to use the services of HSA must be MSHA members, as must all professional employees (slps or audiologists). Nonprofessional or clerical members do not need to be MSHA members at this time.

For rates and further detailed information, members may contact HSA directly, by calling toll free (877) 777-4414. You must identify yourself as a MSHA member. The linked form provides more information and a confidential quote & fax sheet for your convenience. The HSA website can be accessed at www.hsamembership.com. Please direct your inquiries to HSA; MSHA office staff will be unable to assist you with insurance questions or issues.

We are pleased to offer this valuable benefit to all MSHA members.