Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) announces a new association health insurance plan for their members available through a new partnership with Business Resource Services (BRS). VBSR members located in Vermont with fewer than 100 FTEs can now save up to 10% on the cost of providing healthcare for employees by choosing from four BRS Blue Cross Blue Shield including plans which are HRA & HSA compatible. VBSR members can take advantage of these plans during open enrollment, November 1st through December 15, 2018. Businesses that do not currently offer health insurance can enroll in this association plan when they join VBSR at any time during the year. VBSR members who take advantage of this plan will also receive access to all BRS member services at no additional cost.
For more than 28 years, VBSR has advocated for a universal health care system that would eliminate the link between employment and health insurance. “By reforming our health care system, Vermont could take the lead in business attraction and retention, and our communities could thrive.” said Jane Campbell, Executive Director of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, “We will continue to work to de-couple health insurance from employment. However, while we do, we are very happy to offer our members significant savings through this association plan, which is relief they need.”
According to a recent benchmark survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation the average annual premiums paid by employers in the U.S in 2018 are $19,616 for family coverage, a 5% increase since 2017. The survey also says “The average family premium has increased 55% since 2008 and 20% since 2013.”
VBSR is able to offer this cost-saving plan due to a decision by the Trump administration to allow associated health plans, which is a step backward for health care reform because it further fractures the market. VBSR anticipates legislation at the Vermont State House that will connect the association risk pool with the Vermont Health Connect risk pool. VBSR would support that legislation if it ensures the stabilization of market prices.
Businesses interested in becoming a member of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility can visit their website, vbsr.org, and those interested in enrolling in the BRS association plan or who want to learn more should visit http://www.vbsr.org/vbsr-member-health-insurance-plan.
VBSR is a statewide, non-profit business association with a mission to advance a business ethic that values people and planet as much as profit. Through economic development, education, public influence, and networking, VBSR strives to help 650+ members set a high standard for protecting the natural, human, and economic environments of the state's residents, while remaining profitable.
Source: www.vbsr.org. 10.23.2018