The # 1 request we have received from all of our Local Member Chambers of Commerce - year after year - has been for us to come up with an “Option” for them in regards to how they provide Health Insurance for their Employees. After a 2 year Due Diligence process, we feel we have developed a solution that will benefit some of our individual Employer Members. Please be advised that this is not an end all solution; i.e. it is not a “cookie cutter” approach to providing employee benefits. Each of our Chamber Options Programs is designed to possibly meet the specific needs of your company.

• Employees receive a defined health care benefit at an uncertain cost (doctor visits, hospitalizations, pharmacy, and so on)
• Average yearly cost for premiums in 2008: $14,000/family, $4,500/individual
• 15%+ annual rate increases limit your ability to grow
• Few incentives to reward healthy choices or wise spending
• Limited or no protection if you quit, are fired or retire before age 65

• You can purchase your own individual/family health insurance policy and receive a monthly tax-free allowance to cover medical and wellness expenses - OR - elect to continue to be covered under your current group plan…no loss no gain!
• You choose the best coverage for your family - coverage you can keep it until age 65 even after you leave employment
• Average yearly premium cost in 2008: $6,492/family, $2,076/individual
• Individual plans offer after 80%-90% of employee’s better, safer coverage for 1/3 to 1/2 the price of typical employer plans
• State-guaranteed coverage now available for unhealthy employees
• Premiums on individual/family plans cannot be increased due to future illness or claims. Premium will rise with age and general medical inflation
• By purchasing an HSA you can earn interest on unused dollars which can accumulate year after year and be available for retirement
• Consumer Incentives reward healthy choices and wise medical spending
• Ex-employees keep coverage for as long as they choose to pay the premiums