FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, working in partnership with the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, United Healthcare and Assurant Employee Benefits, is offering a new menu of innovative and affordable health plan options to small business owners and their employees.

The insurance options, available only to chamber members, are designed to change the way consumers think about health care, helping them to lead healthier lives while also helping them gain control over the rising cost of care.

More than 25 different health insurance plan options are being offered in order to accommodate every need and employers of every size. An exclusive Dental for a Dollar program, which allows chamber members to provide a base dental plan to their employees for just one dollar per worker per month, is also being offered.

This new suite of products, which will be available to small to medium businesses, as well as large employers on a case-by-case basis, will empower consumers with industry-leading health information, support tools, incentives and financial accounts to help them improve and maintain their heath and wellness and better manage their health care costs, according to Ralph Stacy, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama

“Our goal with these new consumer-driven health plans and services is to improve the overall health of our chamber members and employees, which will likewise improve the efficiency of the health care system,” Stacy said. “These innovative health plan options put chamber members in control of their health care dollars and give them more incentive to demand better heath care quality and value. They also represent a major change in the way our Alabama employers will be able to provide health care coverage for their employees. In many cases, these health plans will also bring dramatic price reductions to employers and employees alike.”

The cornerstone of the Chamber Association-Eastern Shore Chamber health insurance offerings will be Consumer Driven Health Plans, which allow users to pay for routine medical expenses through Health Savings Accounts or Health Reimbursement Arrangements. The plans, which studies show are becoming increasingly popular among small businesses across the nation, also offer simultaneous protection from catastrophic medical expenses.

Additionally, every employee of a chamber member who enrolls in one of these plans will also have a Personal Health Care Advocate assigned to them, as well as their spouse, dependent children, parents and parents-in-law, to help them to understand their benefits and facilitate access to appropriate care.

Eastern Shore Chamber members may receive more information on these new health coverage offerings by attending one of three one-hour presentations on March 5, 8-9 a.m. at the James P. Nix Center on Bayou Drive, Fairhope; noon-1 p.m. at Bryant Bank on Highway 98 in Daphne; and 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the chamber’s Scenic Overlook office in Daphne. The mechanics of how these programs work and how they may benefit small businesses and companies throughout the community will be discussed.

While non-members are welcome to attend and receive a proposal, they have to be members of the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce to access these exclusive plans.

Space will be limited so it is recommended to arrive 15 minutes prior to the beginning of each meeting to register and guarantee a seat. A continental breakfast will be served at the morning meeting and a light lunch at noon. Please RSVP to 928-6387.

March 5

Presentation Times

• 8-9 a.m. at the James P. Nix Center on Bayou Drive, Fairhope.

•Noon-1 p.m. at Bryant Bank on Highway 98 in Daphne.

•3:30-4:30 p.m. at the chamber’s Scenic Overlook office in Daphne.