It’s Free!
As most of us know, Family RV Association (FRVA) dues recently increased to $99 per year. While not unexpected given recent inflation events, it was not an easy increase for some of us to swallow. When we looked at it like every other bill that went up, we compared the total cost to the benefits that we receive from being a member. Clearly, we hope to stay members for the long term, because the benefits are absolutely amazing!
Much more than receiving this magazine, we get access to the international conventions, area and chapter rallies, campground and resort discounts, Medical & Travel Assist insurance, discounts on service and parts, and FRVA Academy, making it worth the cost. And then, as many have discovered, it is free.
Wait, what? We said dues increased to $99 per year, so how is it free? Well, if you have a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage Plan (you know, the additional insurance folks over 65 probably already have), you may be able to have your plan pick up the membership dues. That is right; many plans already cover your FRVA dues, if you apply for it. For example, my friend has the AARP Medicare Supplement Plan with United Healthcare. They worked with Grouper and received their membership reimbursement.
The insurance carrier just needs to be notified, and then you will receive a monthly or quarterly email (depends on plan) to ensure you are still active. You pay your dues and send Grouper a receipt, and they will mail you a check to cover the costs. Well, that sounds like free to me.
Benefits vary by plans and states, and not all companies cover this, but many do. They want you to stay active socially with events and meetings, as this has been shown to make your living healthier. What a way to go! I plan to RV to the very end (for free).
JD Harris, F27591D
Waddell, Arizona
Editor’s note: Staying active through group activities has proven health benefits. So, many health plans cover such activities like they do gym memberships. Family RV Association’s partner Grouper will cover the cost of your annual membership dues if you have a participating Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan. You can get rewarded just for having fun! To learn more, visit fmca.com/grouper.
Help From Mobile RV Service — And Friends
It was a Monday morning in October, and we, members of the Freedom Rollers RV Club chapter, were to depart from a lovely rally at the beautiful Black Oak Casino RV Park, near Sonora, California. However, one slideout in our Allegro Bus would not retract totally; it was protruding about 2 feet. Before our neighbor and fellow member Ed Robinson left to return home, he gave us a spare small black box that runs the slideout, “just in case‚ we needed it.
My husband, along with several other Freedom Rollers members, worked on the slide trying to get it to go in. About an hour later, I left a message for Premier Mobile RV Service (premiermobilerv.com) in Sonora. Within about 30 minutes, Keith Loyd returned my phone call and said that he’d be at our space to repair our slide in 30 minutes.
Keith worked steadily for one hour. In a last effort, he installed the black box Ed had loaned us. Keith’s rates were very reasonable. The black box got our slideout completely in, and we were home that afternoon. I strongly recommend his services!
Also, we are grateful to Ed for loaning us the black box, and to all the Freedom Rollers for their support and prayers! Prayer works!
Steve & Jeanette Shade, F395353
Livermore, California
We want to hear from you! Family RVing welcomes comments about articles published in the magazine or topics of interest to RV owners. Email readerswrite@fmca.com; mail to Readers Write, FMCA, 8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244. Please include your name, city, and state/province. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.