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Frequently Asked Questions |
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What is PGPA? Physicians Group Purchasing Association (PGPA) formed in 2003, is a risk purchasing group whose sole mission is to provide its member-physicians with affordable professional liability insurance. PGPA is comprised of multi-specialty physicians and physician groups within the state of Connecticut.  A legal entity formed in compliance with the Risk Retention Act of 1986 authorizing a group of unassociated insureds engaged in similar businesses or activities to purchase insurance coverage from a commercial insurer. Insurers much like health plans count on the lack of unification in the provider community. A Risk Purchasing Group allows you to take advantage of collective bargaining without losing the individual coverage you are used to. You maintain your individual coverage options and even the ability to negotiate for your practice but with the added strength of being part of a larger organization. Yes, Risk Purchasing Groups are legal entities permitted by federal regulation and have long been in use by other industries. No, a RPG is a pool of like businesses that buy insurance as a group from an insurance company. There is no additional risk assumed by the physician's insured (above what they might accept in their individual purchase of insurance). Further, it allows the members to utilize group purchasing to achieve the best product and price. There is no membership fee to join and you can cancel your membership at any time. You can choose to leave the RPG at any time without incurring a penalty, although, the insurance carrier may charge you a higher premium now that you no longer qualify for the lower rates negotiated by PGPA. You would in essence be in the same position had you never joined the RPG.
No additional liability is assumed because you are insured through the RPG. You have the same liability as you would if you insured directly with the insurance carrier. No, Full Prior Acts coverage will be offered to all PGPA members who qualify. When switching to Star Insurance Company from your current carrier, there will be no need to purchase an extended reporting endorsement (known as a "tail"). Star Insurance Company MUST obtain the insured's written consent to settle any and all claims on their behalf. Period. There is no hammer clause within the policy. From our perspective there are no downsides to participating in PGPA and purchasing your coverage through a Risk Purchasing Group. With no fees, no increased liability and without any barriers to leaving PGPA, we believe PGPA offers you substantial negotiating power and unique control over your medical malpractice expense.
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Enrollment There are no enrollment fees and no purchase commitment is required. Simply complete the brief online “Membership Information” form or contact a representative today at (866) 473-4962. Again, there is no obligation to purchase coverage and membership is free.  |
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