Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Alaska small businesses to get quasi-public option
What started as a health insurance plan for Alaska non-profits is now being offered to small business members of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce.
For now, the plan offered by Foraker, which supports the state's nonprofits, isn't cheaper than the health insurance options already available to Alaska businesses.No word yet on when they will roll out the death panels.
Its key difference from other options is its major focus on keeping those costs in check by encouraging healthier lifestyles among workers. By using a similar approach over the past 17 years, the city of Juneau has been able to provide its workers some of the most affordable health insurance premiums in the state, according to Foraker.
The potential for further cost savings will increase significantly as more employers use the plan. Once the insurance covers roughly 1,000 people, Foraker will have the option to create group rates. For now, the pool remains small. About 30 nonprofits around the state, with 400 employees, participate.
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