We’re writing to let you know about a program the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce is participating in that will help businesses like yours potentially lower their health insurance costs. Chamber Blue of Kansas takes the buying power of 38 Chambers throughout the State of Kansas to create one large health insurance group. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) estimates the group size could be between 3,000 and 6,000 policies making it one of the larger insurance groups in the state.
Chamber Blue of Kansas will help small, medium, and even larger businesses have the buying power of larger groups. This, in turn, will keep premium costs down, and better yet, BCBSKS is predicting lower year-to-year premium increases.
There will be several plans offered so employers can give their employees options when it comes to their health insurance. All price structures will be composite rated. A composite rate is an insurance premium based on the average risk profile of a group rather than the risk profile of an individual policyholder. This means that all members of the group pay the same insurance premium and that rate is not based on age or health history.
The first year is the best year to participate in this plan. In year 1, premiums will be based on a “simple demographic,” meaning employers only have to submit their employee’s name, date of birth, gender, and zip code. No health histories will be collected. In year 2 and beyond, employers will be rated on their health histories and can be denied entry into the group. This keeps the group “healthier” and stable.
An interest survey will be coming out in August 2022. Those that participate in this survey will get to view the proposed plan rates in September 2022. You do not have to be a current Atchison Chamber of Commerce member to take the survey and view the rates, but you would have to join the Chamber in order to enroll in the plan.
If you are interested in learning more (see links below) or participating in the interest survey to receive the proposed rates, please, contact Jim at the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce by emailing president@atchisonkansas.net or calling (913) 367-2427.
Best wishes.
Chamber Blue – Business Types Q&A
