Health insurance now offered through Portage Co. Business Council
By Brandi Makuski
The Portage County Business Council has announced a unique partnership with Aspirus, one that offers PCBC members health insurance.
Association Health Plan is now available for PCBC members. The plan is carried by Aspirus/Arise Health Plan and WPS Health Plan, with Ansay & Associates, LLC serving as the consultant and broker.
Todd Kuckkahn, executive director for the PCBC, said a recent change in state law allowed for the council to facilitate the plans.
“Many businesses don’t have health insurance because of the cost,” Kuckkahn said. “We’re hoping this is a less expensive option for health insurance and our employees.”
Coverage will be available to all members of the PCBC, Kuckkahn said, including non-profit members, with one to 99 eligible employees. Informational sessions for employers and employees will be offered along the way, he added.
The effective date for the plan will be January 1, 2019, so employers will be able to compare this plan with their current plan if they have one.
Businesses who are not members, Kuckkahn said, will need to join PCBC to be able to take advantage of the coverage, but non-members are invited to the informational meeting.
The coverage includes one traditional plan option and two high deductible HSA qualified plan options through two networks, the Aspirus Network, and the WPS Statewide Network. Kuckkahn said the PCBC Association Health Plan will be underwritten as one large group, and businesses can opt-in or opt-out after rates are determined.
Two informational sessions will be offered. Plans will be rolled out at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 12, and again on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. in the Community Engagement Room (Room 635) at Mid-State Technical College, 1001 Centerpoint Dr.
To register, please go to http://business.portagecountybiz.com/events.
For questions regarding the sessions, contact Tammy Pestka or Pete Valiska with Ansay & Associates at 877-492-6769, or call Kuckkahn at (715) 344-1940.