The Bend Chamber announced the re-introduction of the Bend Chamber Health Plan. The MODA Bend Chamber Health Plan was put on hiatus at the end of November 2013 due to new regulations contained in the Affordable Care Act.
These regulatory changes made the Chamber’s Plan no longer in compliance with federal law; and as a result, we could no longer offer a renewal or write new business through the MODA Chamber Health Plan. In the process it was determined that it is in the best interest of the Chamber members that we reestablish our relationship with PacificSource effective May 1, 2014 as the new insurance carrier for the Chamber’s Health Plan.
The Chamber has been working diligently with our federal and state representatives, as well as our broker/consultant Johnson Benefit Planning and Insurers, to reestablish this valuable health plan for businesses.
In the process it was determined that it is in the best interest of the Chamber members to reestablish the Chamber’s relationship with PacificSource effective May 1, 2014 as the new insurance carrier for the Chamber’s Health Plan. All current MODA Chamber Health Plan groups will be provided a quote through PacificSource prior to their expiration date.
Your insurance agent will contact you to obtain a census or you can call Johnson Benefit Planning at 541-382-3571 for information.
You can also check our website at www.bendchamber.org/association-health-plan for a list of agents who offer the Plan.
In discussions with the State of Oregon, the Bend Chamber Health Plan is considered a large group trust plan. The purpose of the Chamber’s health plan is to help businesses provide affordable healthcare to their employees. A large group can offer more competitive rates and plans not available to a small employer.
Several Chamber members came to the defense of the Chamber’s health plan including Crabtree & Rahmsdorff Defense Services, Inc. and Mike’s Fence Center.
“I manage a small (24 employee) non-profit firm in Bend. For the last several years, we have obtained our health insurance through the Bend Chamber of Commerce. Their plan has been a godsend to us. With it we have been able to provide high quality health insurance at affordable rates. Without it we would have been forced to turn to a plan with high deductibles and fewer benefits.” – Thomas J. Crabtree, Executive Director of Crabtree & Rahmsdorff Defense Services, Inc.
“As a small business owner, one of our key factors in attracting and maintaining quality employees is offering benefits. Being able to offer group health insurance is vital this day and age. As a member of the Bend Chamber plan, we have been able to offer that benefit at an acceptable cost to the company and still have a variety of deductibles and optional benefits.” – Cathie Groves, Mikes Fence Center.
The Bend Chamber is the only Chamber of Commerce in the State of Oregon to offer a medical health plan and has been doing so since 2010. The Chamber plan currently covers 132 groups with 2,000 lives.
“With the current issues of Cover Oregon’s website, many businesses are looking for a place to turn to offer affordable health care,” said Tim Casey, Bend Chamber President & CEO. “The Chamber’s plan gives businesses a way to avoid going through all the hassles and also avoid what many individuals have faced trying to comply with the Affordable Care Act.”
The Bend Chamber plan is available for businesses that are members of the Bend Chamber of Commerce and currently employ two or more eligible employees. The plan will provide members with several choices of medical plans that include major medical, preventive care, maternity, mental health, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage. Businesses also have the option for dental coverage as well.
The Bend Chamber Health Plan is approved by the Oregon Insurance Division. Any employer that is a member of the Bend Chamber of Commerce in good standing, and has at least two full time enrolled employees, is eligible to receive a quote.
If you have additional questions, call Sandy Stephenson at the Bend Chamber at (541) 382-3221 or sandy@bendchamber.org.
