Chamber Blue of Kansas, a collaboration between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and the Chamber of Commerce Executives, offers small businesses access to affordable and stable healthcare coverage through an association health plan. Eligible employers can band together to purchase insurance, leading to more options and potential cost savings. This initiative prioritizes small businesses by providing quality health insurance, helping them attract and retain valuable employees. Interested businesses can enroll by completing an online form, with coverage beginning in January 2024.
In 2022, Chamber Blue of Kansas emerged as a collaborative initiative between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) and the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas (CCEKS). Its primary objective is to address the pressing need for accessible and stable healthcare coverage among small business owners.
As Chamber Blue enters its second year of operation, interested small businesses are invited to participate in the program by responding before the deadline of August 18.
Functioning as an association health plan (AHP), Chamber Blue collaborates with chambers of commerce across Kansas to offer small businesses the advantage of health insurance savings typically associated with large group medical coverage.
Here’s how it works:
1. Employers unite to collectively purchase insurance, creating a larger pool of participants.
2. A larger pool translates to more options and potentially lower costs for all involved parties.
Chamber Blue extends this opportunity to employees who meet specific criteria: they should have an acceptable risk profile and maintain active membership in their local participating chamber. Additionally, businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible to join the plan.
This initiative is centered around prioritizing small businesses by granting them access to quality and reliable health insurance through a trusted name in Kansas, Blue Cross and Blue Shield. By doing so, it facilitates the attraction and retention of their most valuable assets: their employees.
Tami Cortez from Cortez Transportation attests to the significance of Chamber Blue’s health insurance plan: “As we expand our business and hire more staff, offering affordable health insurance helps us recruit and retain employees. Chamber Blue is a valuable benefit for us and small businesses across the state.”
For those interested in joining the Chamber Blue health plan, here’s what you need to know:
1. Visit bcbsks.com/chamber and fill out the form on the website.
2. A representative from Blue Cross will contact you to address any queries you may have. If you wish to proceed with coverage, they will direct you to an interest survey that needs to be completed.
Important Timeline:
– July 1 –August 18, 2023: Interest survey (Completion of the interest survey is mandatory for eligibility and determines rates.)
– Oct. 2023: Rates will be announced.
– Nov. 2023: Enrollment begins with the support of BCBSKS.
– Jan. 2024: Coverage commences.
Chamber Blue of Kansas stands ready to support small businesses in their pursuit of affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage, contributing to a healthier and more resilient business community across the state.