California Business Council Offers Health Plans To Minority Businesses

September 11, 2003 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The Southern California Minority Business Development Council (SCMBDC) has uncorked a health insurance program offering for certified minority businesses.

In conjunction with Insurance Clerk, an insurance brokerage and consulting firm, the council has begun offering health insurance benefits through the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Health Insurance Program. Under the program, insurance professionals evaluate employers’ benefits needs and help them determine which type of plan to go with, such as an HMO or PPO, as well as what costs to pay for coverage. In addition, the insurance professional can assist companies in deciding what percentage of the premiums to pay for, according to a news release.

The plans benefits include:

  • medical (HMO & PPO)
  • dental (DHMO & PPO)
  • vision
  • short- and long-term disability
  • long-term care
  • employee assistance programs.

In addition, coverage for dependents living at home can be provided up to the age of 23 regardless of full-time student status.

“Most companies are faced with the challenge of providing affordable health insurance benefits for their employees, but small and minority businesses find it even more difficult,” said John Murray, Jr, SCMBDC president. “Our program helps minority businesses purchase affordable health insurance benefits.”

To participate in the program, an employer must be certified as a minority-owned business enterprise (Asian, Latino, African American or Native American) by the council, any of the National Minority Supplier Development Council affiliates, or a recognized certifying agency. Additionally, the company must be headquartered in California or have no less than 50% of its employees based in California, and only California employees can be insured under this program.

More information can be obtained at www.scmbdc.org or by calling (213) 689-6960.

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