I'm not sure how many of you receive the CMA Today magazine, but I actually read them every time I get a new one in the mail. Recently I read that AAMA is raising the national dues, and I was curious how people felt about the rate increase. They have managed to keep our dues the same over the last 20 years, while the cost of everything else has gone up. If that's the case, why raise them now? I understand that the quality of member services and benefits has increased over the years, so the cost of those things would naturally increase as well. I just don't understand how or why, if they managed to keep our rates the same for that long, why they need to increase now, in this time of hardship for nearly everyone. Trying to get by with minimum funding to just pay for bills and food alone is difficult without raising the cost of a membership that is REQUIRED of students. How are we supposed to afford all of this?!

Your Professional Title/Credentials: CMA

Are You Still In School? Yes

Are You Working? No

I guess, in a nutshell, the phrase "business is business" applies. It is, after all, a business which needs to make a profit. If it wasn't for medical assistants getting certified and maintaining their credentials, they would go out of business. You are their "bread and butter", so to speak. Utilities, rent, phone, supplies, professional services (e.g. legal, author & print, web design, and CPA), internal cost, staff, wages... all needs to be paid. And since everything else has gone up and is likely to continue, so eventually are your AAMA membership fees.

Your Professional Title/Credentials: Website Owner/Forum Admin