North Carolina, Blue Cross launch small business health plan

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, the North Carolina Chamber and Blue Cross NC shared the state’s new multiple employer welfare arrangement during a Nov. 4 news conference.

The initiative, called Carolina HealthWorks, will be available to members of the North Carolina Chamber and participating local chambers. The offering targets employers with two to 50 workers. A fixed monthly fee covers claims and plan administration, and the program harnesses risk-based pricing, according to Blue Cross NC.

“Finding affordable insurance has been a challenge for businesses and individuals alike,” Mr. Causey said. “That’s especially true for small businesses. Many small business owners have told me about their struggles to find affordable healthcare for their employees.”

North Carolina Chamber President Gary Salamido added, “When it comes to health coverage, small employers have faced some of the toughest challenges: Higher costs, fewer choices and less control.”

This article was originally published on Becker’s.