Chamber announces association health plan

Aug. 18--The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce announced a new health insurance plan for members at a news conferece last week.

The West Texas Employer Health Plan is expected to begin offering coverage on Oct. 1. The Chamber has not publicly announced the insurance company coverage will be provided through, but the company provides national coverage.

"The opportunity for this new flexibility is due to an Executive Order issued last fall by the White House that allows for the creation of Association Health Plans for small employers with 50 or fewer employees. Those regulations were finalized in June," said Chamber Chairman Cory Powell. "The Lubbock Chamber actively urged and provided input into this new rule, and we have worked diligently to explore solutions we could bring to small businesses without delay."

Under the new rule, small businesses are able to offer more flexible health care plans to employees, reads a news release from the Chamber. The Chamber suggests businesses could save up to 15 percent compared to current coverage depending on the company and employee demographics.

"The Affordable Care Act didn't let small businesses actually pool together to be rated in a way that would be beneficial to them," said Chamber President and CEO Eddie McBride at the Tuesday news conference. "Now, two to 50 employee businesses throughout West Texas can join our association health plan that allows the to get more affordable coverages. It's huge to offer up this opportunity."

District 19 Congressman Jodey Arrington was on hand during the news conference, which followed the Chamber's annual Legislative Appreciation Luncheon. He said he was proud of the Chambers efforts to provide the best coverage for its members.

"I'm not surprised the Lubbock Chamber has initiated the leadership to provide the economic engine for job creators and businesses in this region with more access to health care," Arrington said.

The West Texas Employer Health Plan is available only to Chamber members with two to 50 employees in 34 area counties. No medical underwriting is required, states the news release from the Chamber, and there is guaranteed coverage for pre-existing conditions.

The Chamber will share more information about the health plan in the coming weeks.

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