CVMA insurance broker to offer health coverage

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. — The California Veterinary Medical Association's (CVMA) Veterinary Insurance Service Co. (VISC) plans to roll out individual and small-group health-care coverage by April.

It's the latest offering from VISC, which opened for business Jan. 1, and is marketed as a "for-veterinarians, by veterinarians" alternative to CVMA's former broker, ABD Insurance and Financial Services. Despite losing the CVMA's sponsorship, ABD still offers insurance services.

During the first month of operation, VISC co-Chief Executive Officer Dr. Dick Schumacher reports 40 percent of CVMA's insured members joined, and he expects up to 60 percent in coming months.

CVMA's resolution last year to move away from ABD reportedly came with the company's failure to broker personal lines of health insurance and its move to drop earthquake, construction and equine coverage.

ABD responded by suing CVMA, alleging the group used the company's confidential documents to start its business. VISC representatives deny the allegations. The two brokers planned to mediate the legal complaint at press time.