By Jerry Yeatts, F390000
FMCA Executive Director
August 2012
Medical insurance statements almost always contain a sheet of paper with the words “Explanation of Benefits” on the page. Most folks simply refer to this as an EOB.
This month’s column is devoted to a few updates or reminders about some of FMCA’s member benefits — an EOB for FMCA members, if you will. FMCA continues to look for ways to enhance your member benefits, while taking into consideration the future of this great association. Sometimes new offers come from our trusted partners, and at times completely new benefits arise.
FMCA and U.S. Bank have teamed up to provide you with the FMCA Visa Signature® Card. For a limited time, receive two great offers when you sign up for and use the FMCA Visa:
- Get a $100 statement credit with first purchase¹ when you sign up for a card by September 30, 2012.
- Earn double points on all fuel purchases from August to December 2012. Make sure to register your card at yourcardoffer.com to receive your double points.² Members who already have the FMCA Visa also will receive double fuel points after registering.
Go to www.fmca.com/join-family-motor-coach-association/member-benefits/3571 or call 888-327-2265 ext. 94224 to learn more about the FMCA Visa Signature Card or to apply.
Over the years I have received numerous mailings regarding emergency roadside assistance programs. Up until recently, I had dismissed the idea of enrolling in a program specifically geared toward RVers. However, my wife and I are beginning to travel more and explore more distant locations in our Type C motorhome — which we’ve named Stella, by the way — so we wanted the peace of mind provided by a roadside assistance program with knowledgeable representatives, excellent customer service, and a successful track record of serving motorhome owners. Coach-Net RV Technical & Roadside Assistance program can provide this, with added value such as concierge and trip-planning services to make your life easier and your travel experience the best it can be. And Coach-Net offers special pricing for FMCA members. Learn more about Coach-Net by visiting www.nmcoffers.com/FMCA or by calling (888) 681-2892.
Everyone needs those little sticky note pads, computer ink cartridges, copier paper, envelopes, and other office essentials. Office Depot is offering FMCA members up to 80 percent off preferred products, including 3,000 of the most commonly used items; 15 percent off retail Web pricing; and 93,000 products discounted below retail. One of the best perks is next-day delivery with free shipping on orders over $50. This is a free national discount program for FMCA members, not a “daily deal” offer. Please see the ad on page 9 of this issue of the magazine, or go to www.FMCA.com/OfficeDepot for more information.
Before planning our latest adventure in Stella, my wife and I discussed the fact that we needed new tires. The original-equipment tires were still on our 2005 motorhome. They didn’t have many miles on them, but they were showing signs of dry rot. I read some articles about the condition of tires and the potential hazards of driving on aging tires. I researched many different brands and ultimately decided to stay with Michelin tires. Multiple tire dealers informed me that Michelin tires may be a tad more expensive but are well worth the money. Although FMCA’s Tire Connection program, Michelin Advantage, does not currently offer discounts for light truck tires like those we acquired for Stella, nearly 2,000 FMCA members have taken advantage of the program since its inception last year, saving hundreds of dollars on their tire purchases. For more information about FMCA’s participation in the Michelin Advantage program, visit FMCA.com and click on the Michelin Advantage program link on the home page. For Michelin RV tire questions, go to www.michelinrvtires.com; call Michelin Consumer Care at (800) 847-3435; or visit an authorized RV tire dealer.
FMCA members have enjoyed the benefit of a medical evacuation plan for several years. The medical evacuation plan, known as FMCAssist, provides FMCA members with transportation to medical facilities, return of the motorhome, and repatriation of remains, while traveling in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FMCA and the company providing this benefit have realized that this particular program may not be the best “fit” for FMCA members. Therefore, the current FMCAssist program will end on September 30, 2012. A recommendation for a replacement program will be made to FMCA’s Governing Board at their meeting on August 27 before the Family Reunion & Motorhome Showcase in Indianapolis. The Governing Board action on this program will occur after the deadline for the September issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine, so it will be included in the October issue. Members with current e-mail addresses in the FMCA database will receive e-mail communication about this action as well. (Please make sure FMCA has your current e-mail address in our database. Update your member records online at FMCA.com or call the Member Services Department at 513-474-3622 or 800- 543-3622.)
If you are on a vacation for an extended period of time, or even on “stay-cation” at a campground or favorite spot, FMCA’s Mail Forwarding service is one of the best deals that you will find. FMCA’s mail forwarding staff has a combined 85 years of experience, so you can be assured that the utmost care is being taken to forward your mail in a professional manner. And it costs only $8 per month, plus postage. That’s a great deal!
FMCA’s mail forwarding service is available to all members simply by completing a few forms and establishing a $50 deposit for postage and the monthly service fee. There are no enrollment or cancellation fees. The $8 monthly fee will be charged the first time mail is sent. Mail will be sorted to your specifications, and mail can be sent to Canada, Mexico, or any international destination. An automated e-mail will be forwarded to you on the day your mail is sent, along with the postage cost and the current balance in your postage account.
For more information about this great service, call (800) 448-1212 or send an e-mail to mailforward@fmca.com.
Remember, you will likely save money by taking advantage of the many FMCA benefits, but the true benefit is the friendships you may develop with thousands of like-minded families.
¹Accounts must be open and in good standing (not past due) to earn statement credit.
²You must opt-in to the promotion to receive bonus points. Please allow 4-6 weeks after the promotion ends for bonus points to be credited to your account. Your account number must remain open, have available credit, and be current (no minimum past due) to qualify.
The creditor and issuer of the FMCA Visa Card is U.S. Bank National Association ND, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.
-
- Get a $100 statement credit with first purchase¹ when you sign up for a card by September 30, 2012.
- Earn double points on all fuel purchases from August to December 2012. Make sure to register your card at yourcardoffer.com to receive your double points.² Members who already have the FMCA Visa also will receive double fuel points after registering.
Go to www.usbank.com/FMCA_magazine or call 888-327-2265 ext. 94224 to learn more about the FMCA Visa Signature Card or to apply.