Affinity Programs, Members Only Benefits
The Chamber is constantly on the lookout for programs and benefits that will help ease the cost of doing business in an ever-changing economy. Listed on this page is our current list of value-added benefits, offered exclusively to Chamber members. For more information, please click on the logo to be taken directly to the business site.
Joining price clubs or buying in bulk can save you money. But did you ever think that approach applied to health benefits? Well it does. That's because the Central Ohio Chambers of Commerce and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have teamed to offer special rates for Chamber members. When you choose Chamber Plan, you get an affordable, flexible small business health plan backed by the strength of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Welcome to the Club
--When you join Chamber Plan, your small business becomes part of a larger pool of business owners, so one large claim won't drive your premiums through the roof.
--You get more choices. Choose among copayments, deductibles and out-of-pocket limits to find the option that fits your budget while helping employees stay within theirs.
--You can offer employees a jumbo benefits package by offering them life, disability, dental, vision and voluntary products.
--You can give yourself and your employees peace of mind by offering benefits from a strong, reputable and widely recognized company. In fact, one out of every four Americans enjoys the benfits of coverage from a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan.
Choose the Chamber Plan that Fits Your Budget and Needs
Whichever plan you choose, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield provides the quality, convenience, selection and broad coverage you demand and expect.
--Anthem's point-of-service (POS) plan is an affordable way to offer employees some flexibility in choosing their health care providers.
--Anthem's preferred provider organization (PPO) is a cost-effective plan that offers employees even more flexibility in selecting providers.
--Anthem's comprehensive major medical (CMM) is a traditional plan that offers employees the most freedom.
Choose Chamber Plan, Save Money
When you choose Chamber Plan, you can relax knowing you made the right choice. The Central Ohio Chambers reviewed many health carriers but only endorsed Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Business executives ranked the universally recognized Blue Cross and Blue Shield System #1 for providing the best health care coverage. A wide selection of quality Anthem plans is open to Chamber members at a special rate. This includes the popular Anthem ByDesign plan and flexible HSA. You have more choice at a lower rate. And with an HSA, your employees have more say in their own health. This offer is just one more way your Chamber of Commerce supplies the buying power to meet the needs of small businesses like yours.
For more information about Chamber Plan, please contact one or all of the local participating agencies listed below for a quote:
AFLAC/David A. Boyer & Associates
David Boyer
Phone: 419-289-4949
email: gobucks@zoominternet.net
Boales Insurance Agency, Inc.
Keith Boales
Phone: 419-281-2188
email: boalesinsurance@zoominternet.net
The Buren Insurance Group
Jeff Buren
Phone: 419-281-8060
email: jburen@bureninsurancegroup.com
Central Ohio Group Insurance Agency, Inc.
Matt Tharp
Gina Ashley
Phone: 419-289-1510
website: www.centralohiogroup.com
Ingmand/Whitaker Myers Insurance
Chris Vanderzyden
Phone: 419-289-3750
email: chrisvanderzyden@whitaker-myers.com
Spreng-Smith Agency, Inc.
Doug McKibben
Kevin Sheasby
Phone: 419-289-3310
website: www.spreng-smith.com
CCI analyzes each employer's unique claim and premium history to find the highest level of savings - from the BWC maximum to a lesser percentage for companies with claims.
Group rating is a program that allows companies in a similar industry to "group" their workers' compensation claims history together. By grouping companies with few or no claims, all businesses enrolled in the group will earn a discount on their premiums with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC).
Why should I join a group rating program?
Group rating enables companies to save significantly on workers' compensation premiums. While group rating is an Ohio BWC program, all group programs are sponsored by an organization, like your Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce. Each program offers its own savings rate. You could potentially save thousands more with another group program.
How is coverage provided under a Group Rating program?
Coverage is still provided through the BWC. Each member maintains their own policy number and payments continue to be made to the BWC.
Can you only enroll once a year, and is this true of all groups?
Yes, BWC regulations dictate this. Quotes are provided throughout the Fall with actual enrollment taking place in February.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
Each member is charged an administrative fee to be in the program. By enrolling in a group rating program, you are also hiring plan administrator Careworks Consultants Inc. (CCI) to provide cost effective services. Details of the administrative fee will be provided along with the proposal. Also, you MUST be or become a member of the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce.
If I am uncertain whether my company would qualify, should I apply?
Yes, each year the BWC assigns new rates based on an employer's previous payroll and experience. A company who did not previously qualify due to penalty rating may qualify if their claim history improved.
How will I receive my savings?
Coverage is with the BWC and the premium statements from the Bureau will reflect the group discounted rate. The rate will begin on July 1, 2010 and your first discounted premium payment will be paid in January 2011.
If I enroll with a group rating program, will I be automatically enrolled with an MCO?
Group rating is completely different than an MCO. Group rating provides a discount on your workers' compensation premium. A workers' compensation managed care organization (MCO) works directly with injured employees to ensure they receive proper medical treatment. MCO fees are paid directly by the BWC. Employers choose their MCO every two years, or are assigned one if no choice is made. Every employer in Ohio must have an MCO. Group rating is an optional program, in which employers must qualify for a discount.
What is the difference between a TPA and an MCO?
Third Party Administrators (TPA), such as CCI, administer group rating savings programs and work with employers' claims to control costs. An MCO works directly with the injured employee to pay medical bills and ensure proper treatment. Working with a TPA is optional. However, hiring a TPA is an effective way to control costs through claims management and group rating programs. Every employer in Ohio must have an MCO, which is paid for directly by the BWC.
For more information, or for a no-cost, no-obligation quote of your potential premium savings, contact Kirsten Gibson, the AACC CCI representative at 800-837-3200 Ext. 7110 or visit www.careworksconsultants.com/groupratingapplication/Ashland
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CareWorks – Ohio’s largest workers’ compensation managed care organization.
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VocWorks – Ohio’s largest vocational rehabilitation and therapy services network.
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CareWorks USA – National case management and integrated disability company.
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CareWorks Technologies – Regional information technology solutions provider.
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RiskControl360° – Ohio’s fastest growing risk management and safety company.
Please click on the "Are You Paying Too Much For Natural Gas" link on our home page to find out if you could be saving money off of your monthly gas bill.
Alternative Energy Source is also offering a discounted rate for electric! Please contact the Chamber for more information!
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“As a business owner, just running your business in today’s economy is challenging enough. HR laws are constantly changing, creating a dense table of pitfalls and liabilities. You didn’t start your business to become an expert with employee benefits, rules, regulations and laws. But we did!”
FUSION Employer Services has joined forces with the Ashland Chamber of Commerce’s as an Affinity Program. Allow Fusion to guide you through the “jungle” so you are able to focus on your core business. Additionally, when a member partners with FUSION, that member will receive a significant discount.
As a Professional Employer Organization, we help our clients control costs and reduce their liabilities. FUSION takes care of the management of human resources, employee benefits, payroll and worker’s compensation. With FUSION our clients are able to focus on their core business, while completely maintaining the direction of their company; subsequently improving their bottom line.
If your business seeks to reduce liability concerns and save time and money on non-revenue generating tasks, then FUSION is for you. Separate your company from the competition by taking advantage of our Fortune 500 benefits. Attract and maintain the very best employees with FUSION.
With FUSION you will have your own dedicated team of experts in HR, risk management,
payroll services and benefits. To find out more information on how FUSION will reduce your
liability and help to add to your bottom line , call Darla Waterwash at 740-815-7218
to schedule an appointment today!
“As a business owner, you don’t have to say anything wrong…someone just has to say you did!
 | Leadership Ashland Class Day February 10 |
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| Leadership Ashland Advisory Council Meeting February 25 8:00 am - 9:00 am Chamber Conference Room, 211 Claremont Ave. |
