AUGUSTA, ME – Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, was looking for a way to help member businesses deal with the staggering need for and cost of healthcare. He found a willing partner in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine.
Since Anthem introduced five products under its Chamber BlueOptions offering in January, the health plan has enrolled 350 small businesses, encompassing 2,440 individuals.
Just as important, 18 percent of new enrollees previously were uninsured.
“One of our key business priorities is to enroll uninsureds across the country,” said Donald Antonucci, director of small group sales for Anthem.
Ninety percent of Maine’s businesses employ fewer than 20 people, according to Connors. “These plans address so many of the state’s business profiles,” he said.
The chamber, which comprises 60 local and regional chapters, created an independent purchasing alliance that offers member businesses three PPO, one HMO and one health savings account plans.
Most small business plans require at least 75 percent participation by eligible employees – effectively locking out many businesses from even purchasing health insurance. Chamber BlueOptions, however, only requires 60-percent participation.
The three PPO products have different premiums, which Connors said gives businesses a new level of choice.
Groups with 25 to 50 employees can also qualify for a 2-percent discount on the annual premium at the following annual renewal if they participate in wellness activities.
The chamber is looking to add three more products, which recently were approved by the Bureau of Insurance, and strengthen the 2 percent wellness program by extending it to businesses with less than 25 employees.