BOSTON – May 6, 2019 – Working to empower small businesses to access affordable health insurance for employees, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) kicks off National Small Business Week by announcing a new partnership with the Health Connector for Business that delivers cost-saving opportunities to employers and health care insurance choice to employees.
Through the partnership, GBCC small-business members (employers with less than 50 employees) will be able to create and manage accounts online and have direct access to support through customer service. In addition, health insurance brokers who are GBCC members will be connected to those small-business members to maximize the benefits of the platform.
“Small businesses make up more than half of our Greater Boston Chamber membership, and we know that the rising costs of doing business can seriously impact their ability to succeed and grow,” said James E. Rooney, president and CEO of the GBCC. “We’re thrilled to partner with Health Connector for Business on an initiative that provides our small businesses and their employees with more health insurance options at more affordable rates.”
“We are excited to enter into this partnership with the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and are committed to helping empower more small businesses access affordable health insurance,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “Health Connector for Business can provide cost savings to small businesses, while delivering to employees unique choice opportunities they previously were unable to access.”
Through the new partnership, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce members will go to MAhealthconnector.org/GBCC and directly access the platform to sign up for coverage. For members calling customer service, they will be provided a direct route to support from a representative.
Additionally, the GBCC and Health Connector for Business will work together to ensure small-business members find information and support from brokers who are also GBCC members and certified and trained on the platform.
With nine carriers and more than 50 plans, Health Connector for Business offers small businesses a wide range of affordable products with diverse provider networks and premiums that can vary by up to 20 percent for similar benefits. Additionally, small businesses can save 15 percent through the ConnectWell program, which is only available through the Health Connector for Business. In the first three months of 2019, the average rebate for small businesses is nearly $5,000.
Also, small businesses can offer employees the option of choosing their own plan while the employer sets a defined contribution percentage. Also, small businesses can offer employees the option of choosing their own plan while the employer sets a defined contribution percentage. This lets employees find the plan that best meets their own needs while the employer holds their own costs steady.
About the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
We are the convener, voice and advocate of our region’s business community, committed to making Greater Boston the best place for businesses and people to thrive. We help our members and Greater Boston succeed by convening and connecting the business community; researching, developing and advocating for public policies that contribute to our region’s economic success; and providing comprehensive leadership development programs designed to grow strong business and civic leaders. Learn more at BostonChamber.com.
About Health Connector for Business
Health Connector for Business is part of the Massachusetts Health Connector, the state’s health insurance exchange. Along with more than 6,000 participants in Health Connector Business, more than 275,000 individuals and families get their health insurance through the Health Connector. Health Connector for Business can found online at MAhealthconnector.org/business.
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