Years ago, small business owners, including many sole
proprietors, used to join the Chamber to get association rates on health
insurance. Well, the state outlawed
association rates many years ago, so now, unless a small business is in a
grandfathered industry like banking or education, they can only get rates based
on their own size, demographics, geography and type of business.
The enormous cost has been a large burden to small businesses. This burden has been a driving force in
health care reform, leading to tax credits, and other forms of assistance, yet
small businesses are still struggling with it.
Many local chambers are active in fighting on their behalf, including
the ones I belong to, MetroWest and Corridor Nine. After years of collaboration between the
chambers, the Department of Insurance and the carriers, the Chamber Health Coop
has been created with the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce
Executives.
It’s not large group rates for small businesses, but it’s a
start. Members of the Chambers of Commerce are finally capable of receiving some
discount on health insurance premiums through the Chamber Health Cooperative.
I’m a certified M.A.C.C.E. (Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce
Executives) broker and qualified to help Chamber members with the discounted
plans through the Cooperative (as long as you’ve joined the M.A.C.C.E. Group
Purchasing Cooperative).
Health insurance is not an easy task. It’s difficult for
business to afford, especially small ones. Options are hard to sort through,
and deciding what’s best for your employees can be daunting.
As the Principal of A.M. Health & Life, I can help you
and your small business find the health plan that’s right for you, financially
and practically. If the plans offered through the Coop still don’t suit to your
needs, we can help tailor a plan to your needs with all of the plans available
in Massachusetts. Included under this new program are MetroWest, Corridor Nine,
and Worcester chambers, among others. Contact
your local chamber to see if you qualify.
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