The State Chamber of Oklahoma is excited to announce the launch of an association health plan, Oklahoma Chamber Blue, which will be available to small business with 2-50 employees. In 2006, the State Chamber offered small business members access to affordable group health coverage for their employees and dependents. This coverage ended in 2013 with implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
Earlier this year, the Trump Administration issued an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Labor to promulgate rules to encourage and facilitate the creation of association health plans. Recognizing the potential benefits to small business members, the State Chamber began working to develop an association health plan. The State Chamber will begin offering affordable group health insurance options through its insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK), the state’s largest health insurance provider. With more than 800,000 members statewide, BCBSOK has served the people of Oklahoma for more than 78 years and reaches all 77 counties across the state.
The new Oklahoma Chamber Blue plan provides value to small business owners and their employees who have faced rising health care premiums over the last decade. The plan will offer affordable group health insurance options for eligible employers and their families and will begin accepting enrollment for the 2019 plan year in November. Oklahoma Chamber Blue plans will be available to State Chamber members in all 77 counties who employ 2 to 50 employees. There will be a variety of medical plans for employers to choose from, as well as a dental and vision plan.
“Small businesses are the driving force of our economy. Oklahoma Chamber Blue gives small businesses the opportunity to benefit from a large group plan through our association health plan,” said State Chamber of Oklahoma President and CEO, Fred Morgan. “We are also pleased to engage our local chamber partners to help them and their small business members gain access to affordable health insurance.”
“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is committed to ensuring the people of Oklahoma have access to quality health care across the state,” said Stephania Grober, vice president of BCBSOK Plan Operations. “Working with the State Chamber to help small business members find affordable group health coverage, no matter where they are across the state, is just one way we live our purpose in doing everything in our power to stand with our members in sickness and in health. BCBSOK will be there for them.”
