Chamber Blue of Kansas
The McPherson Chamber is excited to offer our members the opportunity for health insurance coverage though BCBS. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce Execs of Kansas Association (CCEKS), our Chamber and 58 other Chambers of Commerce from across the state are working together with Blue Cross Blue Shield to offer an Association Health Plan called Chamber Blue of Kansas to our members. The McPherson Chamber recognizes that recruiting and retaining talent is vital for business and industry of all sizes, and health insurance benefits are a crucial piece to that success. Attract and retain top talent with your insurance benefit offering: health, dental, life and disability.
What is an Association Health Plan?
A type of group medical insurance for organizations that allow smaller companies to access the health insurance savings associated with large group medical coverage. Better insurance plans + competitive rates = more value. Blue Cross Blue Shield of KS has the largest provider network in Kansas with 99% of physicians in-network, and 100% of hospitals in-network.
What is the Timeline?
- July 1st – August 18th: Interest Survey Results Collected – The business must complete the survey to be eligible to see the rates and enroll. *For those currently enrolled in Chamber Blue of KS, you do not need to take any further action until Blue Cross reaches out to you regarding your coverage renewal in October of 2023.*
- September 2023 – Rating based on Interest Surveys
- October 2023 – Renewal communication to existing groups, and enrollment communication for new businesses
- November 1st – 15th, 2023 – Enrollment: New Groups & Renewals
- December 1st, 2023: Rates Finalized
- December 22nd, 2023: Member welcome materials and ID cards are mailed.
- January 1st, 2024: Coverage begins for new members
Complete the Interest Survey HERE
Does my company qualify?
- Must be a member in good standing with the McPherson Chamber of Commerce. You do not have to be a current Chamber member to fill out the survey, however, you must be a member of the McPherson Chamber of Commerce by the enrollment date to take the insurance.
- Businesses must have (2-50) W2 employees to qualify.
- Members must participate in the interest survey, before August 18, 2023 to be eligible for enrollment, but they are not obligated to enroll. Only one representative per company is to complete the interest survey. There will be no exceptions if a member missed taking the survey after August 18.
- Employer to pay at least 25% of the lowest cost option plan offered.
- If the business drops out of the program, they cannot re-enroll for 3 years.
- Limited liability companies (LLC’s) could qualify based on tax classification- determined by BCBS KS.
Interested business owners, non-profits, and organizations are encouraged to find out more details in these resource guides:
If you are interested in participating in the Chamber Blue of Kansas AHP for coverage beginning January 1st, 2024: you must participate in the Interest Survey that will be available until August 18th. Those who take the survey are not obligated to enroll, but Blue Cross will collect information from this survey to determine rates. Only one representative per company is to complete the interest survey, and there will be no exceptions to the survey deadline of August 18th, 2023 (so be sure to get your responses in early!).
Click Here to Complete the Interest Survey by August 18
Chamber Blue AHP is regulated by the Kansas Insurance Department and Department of Labor, this AHP provides more value for you and your business:
- A dedicated account management team – one-on-one support – telephone, virtual or on-site
- More choice with five health insurance plan options
- Stability of rates with a larger pool of participants
- Composite rating – A uniform rate for the group based on average risk rather than rating each member individually
- Attract and retain top talent with your insurance benefit offering: health, dental, life and disability
- Marketing and communications support: promoting the health insurance plan to your employees with a resource website,
2024 Renewal Changes
Renewal will be age banded (5-year age bands) based on average age of the group. The rates will be composite rated, the same as in 2023.
Limit to groups of 50 employees or less. Groups currently enrolled with over 50 employees, will be grandfathered and can remain.
Underwriting process – BCBSKS will review the risk of groups – if the risk of the group is within 10% of the risk of the association, they will be accepted, if the risk is higher, they will be denied.
Questions?
If at any time you have questions regarding the Chamber Blue of Kansas AHP, feel free to reach out to your Blue Cross Representative. If you do not currently have coverage with Blue Cross Blue Shield, reach out to the McPherson Chamber office at (620) 241-3303 or chamberdirector@mcphersonks.org and we can get you connected with someone who can answer your questions!