Extending Health Care Coverage to More Workers

Having trouble covering all your employees under your current health plan?

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Benefits Corp. is gauging interest for a health care insurance product for mid-sized and large employers that would allow them to provide cost-efficient health coverage for part-time, hourly, seasonal and temporary workers and their families.

Surprisingly, 81 percent of the nation’s 46 million uninsured live in families where at least one person works, indicating that skyrocketing health insurance premiums is making it increasingly difficult for even larger employers to provide coverage for all their employees.

The product under consideration, Symetra Life Insurance Co.’s Select Benefits, offers access to routine and preventive medical care -- such as check-ups, X-rays and immunizations -- for workers and their families.

Although it’s not comprehensive coverage, Select Benefits allows families to see a doctor, get an X-ray or immunize their children. It’s designed to tear down the barriers that keep employees from using their benefits with:

• One rate that covers all employee family members
• No deductibles, co-pays (except prescription drugs) or required networks
• No medical underwriting and no limitations on preexisting conditions.
• Claims paid regardless of the employee’s other insurance coverage.

Per the state Insurance Commissioner, Select Benefits may only be offered in California for businesses with at least 51 full-time employees.

If you’re a mid-sized employer who would be interested in Select Benefits coverage for your employees, contact Jim Eggert in Chamber Benefits at (619) 544-1324 or at jeggert@benefitscorporation.com.