Chamber Sets Out to Establish Healthcare Program for Members

There is no doubt that healthcare has been a top issue of concern for many employers and employees nationwide. With many different issues evolving in the healthcare sector, there seems to be many questions and uncertainties flying about as to what programs make the most sense or what will even be affordable for businesses.

There is no doubt that every business small or large is affected by healthcare in some way or another for their employees. When conducting a survey to our members a few months back, we saw a growing trend in employers who had either cut back on healthcare coverage for employees or even did away with coverage options all together due to rising costs. The Chamber has taken these concerns and, as stated at this past year’s Inaugural event, we have started to move forward and have formed an ad hoc committee that is researching possibilities to establish a healthcare program for our Chamber members.

I, along with various members in the local healthcare community, insurance and legal sectors, will be gathering information and sending out a Request For Information (RFI) to begin gathering the details we will need to find out what opportunities are available. The goal is to establish a program that will provide options for members at reduced costs by opening it up to our entire membership.

There is no doubt that much of the work still needs to be done and we are just in the preliminary stages. But as a small business owner myself, I can assure you that I realize the impact healthcare has played for my own staff and am committed to staying focused on getting a program up and running that will provide better options for our members.

I encourage you to stay alert to upcoming notices and additional surveys the Chamber will be sending out to gather information that will help us in the process of setting up this program to fit your needs. If you have any suggestions or resources that may assist the committee in this progress, I encourage you to contact the Chamber office at (951) 683-7100.