| Workshops
to focus on access to health insurance
Informational meetings on the ‘Access to Health Insurance’ Program will be held around the state during March and April. The Lewiston workshops are scheduled on Monday, March 28, 9:00 a.m. and Tuesday, March 29 at 8:30 a.m. A Grangeville workshop will be held on March 28 at 2:00 p.m. The workshops are designed for insurance agents, insurance carriers and small business employers who do not offer health insurance,. They will provide information on how to participate in the program. “We’re encouraging small businesses within our service area to attend the workshops and learn more about this new program,” said Casey Meza, CEO, St. Mary’s Hospital and Clearwater Valley Hospital. “Having health insurance for employees makes good business sense and certainly provides employees with a means to access health care.” The Access to Health Insurance program is part of legislation approved in 2003 that also created the CHIP B/Access Card programs for children of low income families. Eligible small businesses include those who employ between two and 50 employees and who currently do not offer health insurance. The company must work with an insurance representative who sells small group health plans. Employers are expected to pay at least half the combined insurance premium for the employee and spouse and must employ individuals who meet the income guidelines. A maximum income for a household of three is approximately $2400 per month. Access to Health Insurance will provide premium assistance to 1,000 adults throughout the state. It will be offered to employees of small businesses, their spouses and their minor children. Premium assistance will be up to $100 per month per person. The maximum monthly assistance is $500/month/family, which includes $100/month for the employee, $100/month for the spouse and $100/month/child, up to a total of $300/month for children. Employees who choose to enroll in the program will apply through their employer by completing a one page form which must accompany the insurance application they submit to their employer/insurance carrier. The program is slated to begin by July, 2005. For more information about the program visit: www.AccesstoHealthInsurance.idaho.gov or call toll free: 1.866.234.9488. The Lewiston Workshops will be held at the Lewiston Parks and Recreation Center, 1424 Main Street and the Grangeville information session will be held at the Soltman Center, 600 Main Street To register call the number above or email: kinghort@idhw.state.id.us. |
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