Ohio and Virginia Chambers of Commerce Launch Private Health Insurance and Benefits Exchange through CieloStar

MINNEAPOLIS, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- CieloStar, a leading nationwide healthcare benefit distribution and payment technology company, announced today that it has partnered with the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Chamber to open private health insurance and benefits exchanges in each state. CieloStar currently operates private exchanges in North Carolina and Oklahoma through similar Chamber of Commerce partnerships. The newest exchanges will offer Ohio and Virginia employers, including non-Chamber members, an array of major medical health plans and supplemental insurance products.

"The Ohio and Virginia Chamber private exchanges will offer simple, comprehensive health and benefit solutions that are enhanced and supported by the familiar and trusted Virginia and Ohio Chamber of Commerce names," said John Reynolds, President and CEO of CieloStar. "The exchanges feature a pro-business "free market" approach that includes choice, competitive pricing, automation and efficiency.  It will not replace the important role benefit consultants and agents/brokers play, but instead will give them added options for their clients."

CieloStar is known for its easy-to-navigate technology platform that provides a one-stop online marketplace for health insurance coverage. As more and more employers move to a defined contribution benefits package for employees, CieloStar is helping employers navigate the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

The Ohio Exchange opened for business in early June and can be viewed at: www.ohiochamberbenefits.com. The Virginia Exchange will begin operating later this summer. "With the uncertainty and concern over the impact of the Affordable Care Act on employer-sponsored health care coverage, many employers continue to take a close look at all their options and are evaluating different health plan strategies," added Reynolds. "CieloStar offers an innovative approach that many employers are looking for to control cost and offer more benefit choices for their employees. We're proud to partner with these forward thinking, innovative business associations."

Reynolds noted that many other associations, third party administrators and brokers are exploring similar arrangements. "Cost transparency, choice, ease of use and savings are critical factors for all businesses right now," he added.

ABOUT CIELOSTAR:
CieloStar has been helping employers and employees across the country navigate the ever-changing world of benefits since 1988. The company's expanding suite of products and services includes high-tech, high-touch SaaS based solutions, sophisticated decision support technology, private exchanges, enrollment solutions, mobile and web-enabled technology, health and wellness tools, bill consolidation and provider payment solutions. CieloStar, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN is privately held, employee owned. Visit www.cielostar.com for more information.

Contact: John Reynolds, CEO
Phone: 612-436-2706
Email: John.Reynolds@Cielostar.com

SOURCE CieloStar