Posted on
July 19, 2010

2010 Lean Systems Summit – Northeast:
Where Government, Services, and Manufacturing Meet

Public Hearings
of Interest... 
(session only)



OTHER NOTABLES:
 
View our 2010 Final Summary newsletter

 
Next edition posted:
August 2010
  
 
 
 

SPECIAL EVENT:

2010 Lean Systems Summit – Northeast:
Where Government, Services, and Manufacturing Meet
 
Friday, August 13
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration 7:30 a.m.
Eastland Park Hotel
Portland
 
KEY PARTNERS
& PROGRAMS
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COMING SOON!
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Chamber BlueOptions Health Insurance

     

Chamber BlueOptions health plans
enter fourth year with more enhancements for 2010

 

Expansion includes choice of eight health plans and new wellness discounts

  

Businesses can obtain a quote by contacting Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield at 1-800-541-4251 or by clicking on the "Find a Producer" icon to find an Anthem appointed producer in your area


For nearly three years, an innovative collaboration between the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine has enabled small businesses (groups 2-50 and self employed) across the state to purchase health plans which were previously only available to larger employers.  Combine that with a lower required eligible employee participation threshold (60% of eligible employees need to enroll vs. 75% for most other plans), along with wellness incentives, and the program has sustained momentum, enrolling approximately 3,500 members (representing about 500 small businesses) to date.  Well worth noting, approximately 20% of those businesses were previously not offering health insurance to their employees.
“We felt strongly at the time that there was a real need for these plan options for our smaller businesses,” said Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber.  “And while we think the program has proven to be successful thus far, we’re pleased to introduce expanded product offerings and wellness incentives.”
Chamber BlueOptions, a joint offering of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, local chambers and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine, now provides employees of small businesses with a choice of eight health plans as well as a 3% premium discount for businesses from 15-50 employees enrolled who participate in a wellness program and achieve certain levels of activity.
“This collaboration is all about meeting the needs of Maine’s smaller companies,” said Daniel Corcoran, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine.  “Like many states in the region, these workers truly represent the backbone of our local economy, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer these newly enhanced options and choices.” 
Mr. Corcoran added that the suite of plans includes PPOs (with varying deductible amounts), traditional HMO offerings, and the popular Lumenos Health Savings Account (consumer-directed) plans.
In addition to the varied product offerings, Mr. Connors noted that Chamber BlueOptions provides employers and employees with wellness incentives seldom seen in the small group market.  “As we know, treatments for the so-called ‘lifestyle’ conditions like heart disease, lung disease from smoking, and diabetes account for about one-third of all health care costs,” he said.  “Under Chamber BlueOptions, small business with 15 to 50 employees can now qualify for a 3% discount on annual premiums if the employees of a business collectively achieve certain point levels using Anthem’s online Healthy Lifestyles program.  Points are achieved by undertaking and tracking a variety of wellness activities, such as healthy eating, smoking cessation, or adopting a regular program of exercise.”
In addition to the wellness based incentives, Daniel B. Wyman, JD, a broker with Allen Financial Group in Camden, notes that the online resources available to Chamber Blue Options members provide a powerful self-help tool.  “Member education and engagement is critical to healthier outcomes and lower costs.  As part of this program, members have 24/7 online access to their claims, benefits, and much more.” 
Chamber BlueOptions is available to local and regional chamber members through their local insurance broker.  For more information and a complete list of approved brokers statewide, please click on the Chamber BlueOptions logo from the Maine State Chamber’s homepage, www.mainechamber.org, or call Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine at (800) 541-4251.


*Chamber BlueOptions became available to chamber members

effective January 1, 2007.

  

 

 

     
     
     

  
 
   

 

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