For more than five years, an innovative collaboration between the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine has enabled small businesses (in groups of two to 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 percent of eligible employees need to enroll versus 75 percent 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 percent of those businesses were previously not offering health insurance to their employees.

“We strongly feel that the plan options offered through Chamber BlueOptions responds to a real need 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 work toward continuous improvement of the plan offerings.”

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 10 health plans as well as a three percent premium discount for businesses with 15 to 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.” 

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, 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 three percent 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 BlueOptions 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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