DESOTO—The DeSoto Chamber of Commerce today announced new health insurance plan options for small business members. This was made possible by Association Health Plan rules issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) in July 2018. The Chamber and our Affiliated partners have established the new North Texas Employer Health Plan Cooperative and open enrollment for groups began on November 1.
“The opportunity for this new flexibility is due to an Executive Order issued last fall by the White House that allows for the creation of Association Health Plans for small employers with 2 to 50 employees. Those regulations were finalized in late June,” said Chamber CEO Laura Terhune.
Under the new rule, small businesses can enjoy the flexibility that large businesses have under the Affordable Care Act by pooling together through a geographical region. Until now, small businesses have been under more stringent Affordable Care Act regulations than large businesses.
Health Plan Tailored For Small Businesses
The new North Texas Employer Health Plan Cooperative has worked closely with a leading national insurance carrier partner, who has recently shared the news with their agents. Several Chambers have partnered to create a cooperative that will benefit small businesses, which makes up nearly 80% of our economy.
“The DeSoto Chamber has carefully and thoughtfully evaluated our options on behalf of our members, to whom we are accountable for finding the best solutions for the issues that keep them up at night,” said Terhune. “By working with other Chambers in North Texas, we have created a strong option for small business.”
The DeSoto Chamber of Commerce represents almost 300 businesses employing several thousand employees in southern Dallas and northern Ellis County. Since 1962, the Chamber has been a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers and a champion for a stronger community. The Chamber serves as a unified voice of business by actively advocating for a pro-jobs, pro-growth, pro-business climate.
For more information, call the Chamber: 972-224-3565 and you will be referred to an agent for details or quote. Terhune added, “There is no obligation – so call the agent to see if this is a good fit for your business. Your uninsured employees will thank you!”