INDIANAPOLIS — As many small businesses weigh their options for health coverage for the new year, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce is promoting a new offering for them to consider.
ChamberCare is a multiple employer welfare arrangement, or MEWA, that enables small employers with between two and 50 employees in the state to come together to obtain more affordable coverage. This is done by the collective MEWA pool members accessing insurance rates that have generally only been available to larger companies.
Formed six years ago, ChamberCare was reimagined over the summer with brand new providers “selected to form a package that we believe now is truly a best-in-class model for complete healthcare needs,” says Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders.
Columbus, Indiana-based SIHO Insurance Services replaces Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield for health coverage, and industry frontrunners CVS Caremark and Delta Dental are delivering pharmacy and dental/vision benefits, respectively.
Every major Indiana hospital and health system is featured in the comprehensive ChamberCare network of providers.
“It’s a more transparent, personal and straightforward solution that will better serve participants,” Sinders offers. “Members keep the same out-of-pocket costs and deductibles plus enjoy competitive rates – all while realizing new value-added benefits.”
Exactly how affordable? Sinders reports that there were no rate increases for this new year for member groups. And throughout its history, ChamberCare member health premiums have been 35% lower on average than plans through the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace.
Jean Wojtowicz, president of Cambridge Capital Management Corp. in Indianapolis, has had ChamberCare coverage for her employees since 2021.
She notes, “I have peace of mind knowing we’re part of a large member pool that protects us from sudden price swings. Our costs stay consistent and reliable.”
Under the new arrangement with SIHO, there is also a number of high-value benefits that ChamberCare members haven’t experienced before, which Sinders believes will be very positively received.
These include a dedicated, Indiana-based customer service team to get their questions answered fast. A partnership with WellBridge Surgical will allow members to have access to upfront, transparent and all-inclusive discounted pricing for outpatient procedures. Other features will aid with pharmacy costs, including getting high-cost medications for free or at a greatly reduced rate.
“What I appreciate about the new ChamberCare is that it keeps health insurance affordable for our company. These benefits and savings deliver real value that we cannot get elsewhere in the market,” states Zain Bengali, COO at ChamberCare member Indiana Materials Processing, located in Allen County.
According to Sinders, “SIHO values community and is known for its commitment to a more local, personalized approach while delivering everything you would expect from an industry leader.”
Established in 1987, SIHO has two additional offices in Indianapolis and Seymour, with plans for expansion in other parts of the state.
“We could not be more thrilled as an organization to support ChamberCare and its growth,” shares SIHO Insurance Services CEO John Sadtler. “We’re committed to making the new ChamberCare an excellent experience for new members and to offer superior service, which really is what SIHO is known for.”
Eligible new groups can join ChamberCare at any point throughout the year.
“Small businesses and their employees deserve health benefits that work for them. That’s why the improved ChamberCare program was designed specifically with their needs in mind,” states Sinders. “We’re confident these new relationships will take the ChamberCare program to another level and better serve participants, so we encourage employers to look at what the plan has to offer.”
Interested employers can learn more at www.indianachamber.com/chambercare.
