ARTICLE
In the health insurance realm it is open enrollment season again, with a few minor changes this year. Resulting from the expansion of plan options and solutions available through the Chamber, we have determined that we can provide greater value to our members by focusing on direct client engagements rather than broad group sessions. In addition, the Chamber is now offering a new online enrollment platform for members that features enhanced functionality for both employers and employees enrolled in group coverage. The Chamber’s licensed in-house broker, Kevin Sixbey, is already reaching out for discussions with all current groups that have December 1 renewal dates. Coverage is still offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield, Independent Health, and Univera, with a variety of plans to help meet the needs of different clients and groups. MetLife and AFLAC are our prime carriers for a variety of ancillary and voluntary plans, along with some new options recently added. In all cases, the Chamber features a broad array of products and solutions to meet the needs of local businesses and their workers. All employee group decisions will have to be finalized by October 31 to meet the deadline for renewed coverage by December 1. Most current clients will be hearing from our staff shortly to set up meeting times. If you don’t hear from us, please call or email Kevin Sixbey at 484-1101 or 366-6200 or ksixbey@chautauquachamber.org. As a benefit of membership, the Chamber’s health insurance and employee benefits support is driven by our mission to provide our members with cost containment solutions for employers providing these as benefits to their employees. In addition, the Chamber will continue to assist sole proprietors and employees not eligible for group coverage as we work through the New York State exchange in the individual marketplace. The open enrollment period for those plans runs November 1, 2019 through January 13, 2020, and our staff will be happy to work with anyone who needs that assistance.