Georgia Chamber Launches Georgia Chamber SMART Plan

ATLANTA, Georgia, Nov. 2 -- The Georgia Chamber of Commerce issued the following news release:

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, launched the Georgia Chamber SMART Plan, a new comprehensive health program that offers rate stability and potential savings for groups with 2 to 50 eligible employees.

For small business employers with at least two employees enrolled on their medical plan and no more than 50 total, this plan allows employers to share in the overall claims risk. By being part of a larger, self-funded pool, smaller employers receive financial protection backed by Anthem.

"This is an exciting new benefit to help Georgia's small businesses in stabilizing premiums while getting the flexibility of plans offered by Anthem," said Chris Clark, Georgia Chamber President & CEO. "Our friends at Anthem have been great partners throughout this process and I'd like to personally thank Jeff Fusile for his leadership in helping develop this Plan. I'd also like to commend Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens on his support of the SMART Plan and his drive to keep health insurance costs affordable for small businesses across our state."

In addition to financial protection, this innovative alternative also offers:

* Competitive rates

* Predictable, fixed monthly payments

* Flexibility in choice of benefit plans

* Anthem's broad Open Access POS network and Essential Rx

* Specialty products including dental, vision, life, optional life and disability plans, that are offered at discounted rates