Expanding access to quality, affordable health care across NC
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is collaborating with organizations across the state to develop innovative solutions that help make health care more cost effective.
One example is Carolina HealthWorks[D] a new health benefit program sponsored by the NC Chamber and participating local chambers to help eligible small businesses gain access to quality, affordable health coverage. Blue Cross NC has partnered with the NC Chamber to administer the health benefits available through the program. Drawing on more than 170 years of combined experience serving North Carolinians and their communities, the organizations supporting Carolina HealthWorks have created a solution available exclusively to NC Chamber members and participating local chamber members.
Designed for businesses with as few as two employees, Carolina HealthWorks gives small employers access to competitive rates and benefits often associated with larger organizations. It offers an attractive alternative to Small Group Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans and may provide meaningful cost savings. Employers can also choose from a broader range of plan options without taking on additional administrative burden.
Small businesses like Oakview Public House have taken advantage of this offering. Oakview Public House is a family-owned neighborhood restaurant in Holly Springs, created by eight local families who wanted to build a welcoming gathering place for the community. Their focus is on great food, genuine hospitality, and creating an environment where guests feel at home. The owners also place a strong emphasis on fostering a positive, supportive workplace, recognizing that great guest experiences start with valued and engaged employees.
[Music]
[Stephen]
We wanted to work together to start a restaurant that was local to us and could become a big part of the community.
Eight families own this restaurant. We have over twenty employees that work here on a full-time basis and they all depend on us for their livelihood.
[Screen text] Stephen Brauer, Owner, Oakview Public House
[Stephen]
It’s a point of pride for us that we’re here in the community and providing jobs for a significant number of people.
As we were building the budget for the restaurant, we were considering things like food and beverage and rent but no one ever told us about the cost for health care.
It’s easy to say your employees are family until you price out a family plan.
We made the decision early on to offer health care to our employees because we thought it was important and a way to hire the best talent.
[Screen text] Gary Salamido, President & CEO, NC Chamber
[Gary]
Members were saying to us that my family, as the business owner and my employees, don’t have a whole lot of options so I’m losing employees to larger companies because I don’t offer health insurance.
[Music]
[Brian]
By joining forces with other members, Carolina HealthWorks allows companies with as few as two employees access to better rates, broader benefits, usually only available in large groups.
[Screen text] Brian Reeve, Small Business Advisor, UPstream Advisory Group
[Brian]
Small businesses are always looking to contain health care costs. And Carolina HealthWorks is an answer to that containment.
[Gary]
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was the ideal partner in order to put this product together.
[Stephen]
Focusing on the most affordable way to do it. Not just for the restaurant but for the employees as well. It’s important for all of our employees to feel that safety net.
The benefit to have Carolina HealthWorks and being able to offer that to our employees allows us to retain them.
[Brian]
Offering insurance and taking care of your people as a small business is important and it makes me feel wonderful to be able to provide that.
[Stephen]
Other small businesses should definitely talk to a professional like Brian who understands the landscape much better than we ever would.
[Gary]
That’s just one of many benefits of being a chamber member.
[Screen text] Carolina HealthWorks
An exclusive offering only available to members of the NC Chamber and its participating local chambers.
Health care is complex, and meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. But improving the system is both possible and essential. The challenges are significant, and so is the opportunity to make a difference. From the NC Chamber to health systems across the state, Blue Cross NC remains committed to working alongside partners to create a better health care experience for all North Carolinians.
If you're interested in learning more, reach out to your authorized Blue Cross NC representative or visit our website to see how Carolina HealthWorks is helping support North Carolina small businesses.
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