GREAT BEND, Kan. – Employers looking to explore health benefit offerings will have another opportunity to review or renew the new Chamber Blue of Kansas health insurance offering. Chamber Blue is an innovative partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) and Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas (CCEKS). Comprised of 59 Chambers of Commerce across the state to provide a comprehensive Association Health Plan, 20 businesses chose to enroll within the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce membership base for the 2023 plan year.
Recognizing the significance of attracting and retaining talent for businesses of all sizes, especially small businesses, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce and its partner chambers joined forces in 2022 to ensure access to trusted health insurance benefits. Small businesses play a crucial role in Kansas, comprising over 99.1% of all businesses in the state and employing a combined total of 605,147 small business employees, according to SBA statistics.
The Chamber Blue Association Health Plan allows organizations, including small businesses, non-profits, and other entities, to leverage the advantages of large-group medical coverage. By coming together, these organizations can pool resources and access health insurance savings while expanding their coverage options. This collaboration results in a broader pool, reduced risk, and potentially more competitive premiums.
What You Need to Know for Plan Year 2024
- In order to review rates, employers must complete the Interest Survey which will be available from July – August.
- Renewal information to be sent out in October.
- Enrollment information collected from November 1 – 15
- Rates finalized by December 1
- ID cards mailed December 22
- Businesses must be chamber members to enroll. Ask your local chamber to see if they are a participating chamber member.
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.
- Groups with 10 or more employees will complete the census.
- Groups with 9 or fewer employees will complete health profiles.
For complete plan details including eligibility requirements, benefits, and services, please visit bcbsks.com/chamberblueks or call the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce at (620) 792-2401.
