Chamber Introduces Small Business Health Insurance Discount Program

The following is a press release from the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce.

The Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce is now offering a new health insurance discount program to members aimed at businesses with 1 to 50 employees.

“This program can help some small and mid-sized businesses save hundreds or thousands of dollars a year on their health insurance,” Newton-Needham Chamber President Greg Reibman said.

The Newton-Needham Chamber is among this first wave of Massachusetts organizations in the state to make the program available to its members through the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE). Any small business that belongs to the Newton-Needham Chamber or other participating business associations is eligible to join the Chamber Health Coop.

“The Commonwealth is pleased to support the new Chamber Health Coop through MACCE," Gov. Deval Patrick said. "Small businesses are vital to our continued economic success here in the Commonwealth and we need more innovative programs like the coop to reduce the high costs of health care that inhibit growth and development."

In addition to offering savings on health insurance plans, the Chamber Health Coop provides wellness programs to help employees live healthier lives that in turn may help keep premium costs at bay.

“Chambers have fought for years to lower the cost of health insurance. We are pleased that Governor Patrick, Senate President Murray, and Speaker DeLeo share this aim and helped pave the way for group purchasing cooperatives,” MACCE President Tom O’Rourke said. “The Chamber Health Coop will give businesses one more tool they can use to lower the cost of insurance for themselves and their employees.”

Fallon Community Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Health New England, which are each discounting several of their plans. Fallon and Harvard Pilgrim are trimming rates by 3 percent, and Health New England by 5 percent. Business with a maximum of 50 employees can now enroll for coverage beginning as soon August.

The Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives represents the 100+ Chambers of Commerce in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MACCE's mission is to be an accessible and valuable resource to the chamber professionals serving our state's communities. MACCE provides a wide-range of resources and opportunities for all chamber professionals and their member businesses.

To learn more, visit www.ChamberHealthCoop.com or contact the Newton-Needham Chamber at 617-244-5300.