Chambers offer health insurance savings

By Jenny Gordon

TELEGRAPH STAFF WRITER





Businesses that are members of the Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce now have the added value of receiving up to a 5 percent discount on group health insurance.



For the past several years the Perry Chamber has offered a discounted rate on health insurance to its business members, through an agreement with Purchasing Alliance Solutions, an employee benefits firm specializing in Chamber programs, according to Mike Jackson, chairman of the Perry Chamber.



The Warner Robins Chamber realized that they had the opportunity to offer the same discounts to its business members and approached the Perry Chamber. In the spirit of cooperation, the Perry Chamber board unanimously agreed to partner with Warner Robins in allowing the Chamber to offer the same benefits to its members.



Representatives from the Perry and Warner Robins area chambers came together last week at the Museum of Aviation to officially announce a partnership.



The health program offered to Warner Robins Chamber members is known as Purchasing Alliance Warner Robins Area. The health insurance is underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia.



With rising health insurance costs, Jackson said, this was seen as an opportunity for the two Chambers to pass the benefits on to their members.



"Small and large businesses alike are looking for ways to cut their costs, and through membership through the Chambers they receive a discount on the purchase of those insurance products," said Jackson.



"It's truly a win-win program," he said.



According to Dave Adams of Purchasing Alliance, there are presently 110 Georgia chambers of commerce in the network.



The health insurance program allows Chamber members to save money on medical insurance for employees, life insurance, dental, vision and long-term and short-term disability.



"This is the first program with Chambers in one county," he said.



Warner Robins Chamber businesses interested in the group health plan can approach any local independent agent in the area who offers Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia.



Warner Robins has a little more than 1,100 business Chamber members, while Perry has 393 members.