AICPA NEWS UPDATE

A periodic e-mail newsletter to help AICPA members stay up to date with the business issues, events and changes to the regulatory framework of the accounting profession.

Top Stories

1. AICPA Insurance Trust Unveils Enhanced Long Term Care Plan
   
2. Free Webcast on Center for Public Company Audit Firms Peer Review Program Requirements, April 22, 1-3 pm EST
   
3. Nominate a CPA or CPA firm for the AICPA Public Service Awards
   
4. Starwood Hotels Offers Best Retail Rates to AICPA Members
   

1. AICPA Insurance Trust Unveils Enhanced Long Term Care Plan
The AICPA Life Insurance/Disability Plans Committee has introduced a new Long Term Care (LTC) Plan for AICPA members and eligible family members. The new Plan, with coverage issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, provides higher benefit amounts and enhanced features as compared to previous AICPA plans, yet costs less for most ages. Current participants in an AICPA Long Term Care Plan will have the opportunity to upgrade to the new Plan, without the need to answer medical questions. Additionally, rates under the new LTC Plan will be based on age when the coverage was initially obtained, not the participant's current age. This is an important feature for members, since long term care insurance rates are generally lower at younger ages. Current LTC participants will receive an informational mailing in April with instructions on upgrading to the new Plan. AICPA members who are not yet covered under the Plan will receive an opportunity to apply early this summer. More information is available on the Insurance Trust's website, at www.cpai.com/ltc.

2. Free Webcast on Center for Public Company Audit Firms Peer Review Program Requirements, April 22, 1-3 pm EST
Participate in a live Webcast sponsored by the AICPA Center for Public Company Audit Firms Peer Review Committee on Thursday April 22, 2004 from 1:00-3:00 EST. Members of the Peer Review Committee will discuss the transition from the former SEC Practice Section Peer Review Program to the Center's current Peer Review Program requirements. Anyone required to undergo a peer review, involved in the peer review process or interested in the changes will find the webcast very informative. To register, please visit http://www.iian.ibeam.com/events/aicp001/042204a_cf.

3. Nominate a CPA or CPA firm for the AICPA Public Service Awards
To help recognize individual CPAs and firms who have distinguished themselves for community service, the AICPA will this year confer two Public Service Awards: an individual Public Service Award and a Public Service Award for Firms. This is the first year that the latter award will be presented. Eligible candidates for the Public Service Awards are submitted by individual members of the AICPA, state CPA societies, or associations of CPA firms. The Due date for all submissions is August 31, 2004. For more information regarding the AICPA's Public Service Awards, contact Jay Rothberg at 212/596-6005 or e-mail jrothberg@aicpa.org. You may download the Overview & Guidelines and the Nomination Form at /index.htm.

4. Starwood Hotels Offers Best Retail Rates to AICPA Members
Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced a new program for AICPA members that offers the best retail rates on the day you book your hotel stay. To take advantage of this program, which includes late checkout (4 p.m.) and free upgrade to a preferred room, call 1-888-625-5144 or visit www.starwoodhotels.com and book your hotel stay: Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W Hotels, St. Regis, and The Luxury Collection. Please provide your AICPA Corporate ID#69569 when making your reservation. For more information on the Starwood AICPA Program go to https://www.cpa2biz.com/Affinity/default.htm and click on Starwood Hotels.

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