The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is working to create a new benefit for its members and one that may have impact across several chambers and communities.

Executive Director Julie Metz says associated health plans are now a reality and the chamber is actively pursuing the opportunity.

“Associations can establish a health care plan and offer it to their members.  The Chamber has been taking with UnitedHealthcare and they are interested in forming a partnership to bring health care benefits to our small to medium-size businesses.”

Metz says they consulted Major Health Partners, locally, as a part of the process and they with UnitedHealthcare are developing plans and rates. UnitedHealthcare is proposing having the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce serve the central Indiana region which would go as far north as Muncie and Columbus, in the south.

Metz notes similar programs in Texas and Nevada where an association has served as a hub for the program.

“A business, let’s say in Delaware County, should be a member of the their local chamber.  As long as that chamber wants to participate in our program then that’s the gateway for those businesses to come through that associated health plan and offer those benefits to their employees.”

The impact could mean greater savings to small businesses.

“We understand the benefit is that a small business is, typically, quoted a small group price.  With this association they now will be quoted large group rates.”

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce isn’t, itself, a licensed insurance broker.  Insurance brokers who are members of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will offer the plans.

Metz says the chamber hopes to launch August 1.