Montana Chamber Choices (MCC) is beginning its 4th year and is still offering one of the best employee-benefit programs available today.

MCC is available to single-person companies and small employers with up to 99 employees who are members of the Bozeman Area or Montana chambers of commerce. Montana Chamber Choices currently has 700 businesses and 5,000 employees covered statewide, which translates to more than 9,000 total lives covered.

About 56% of our customers were previously uninsured, and almost half the companies are coming from the Gallatin Valley.

"In this tight labor market, our members want to provide solid employee benefits, including health insurance," said Bozeman Area Chamber CEO David Smith. "The more we can do to cover Gallatin Valley employees, the greater our ability to improve individual health, and lower turnover."

Chamber Choices has had rate increases averaging 12 percent in each of its first three years. A wellness benefit was recently added.

There are numerous plans available, from those with rich benefits, to catastrophic coverage. High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are offered, with employers of 10 or more employees now able to offer dual option plans within their company.

MCC offers three standard health insurance options:

• Blue Saver-Catastrophic plan with an upfront primary benefit
• Health First 60/40 (PPO option also available) - Comprehensive major medical plan
• Advantage Plan (PPO option also available) - mid-level plan

Dental plans and life insurance coverage are also available.

Other Chamber Choices options:

• 50% employer contribution and 75% participation requirement
• The Chamber Choices plan may allow employers to "carve out" certain coverage groups
• One year new employee participation eligibility may be required
• Employee pre-tax contribution may be part of the plan
• 5 benefit plans to choose from

For complete details contact a participating Bozeman Area Chamber Montana Blue Cross Blue Shield agent:

Scott Allen                     Western States Insurance                       586-3351
Gena Haas                     Rocky Mountain Insurance Group          582-7960
Mark Jacoby                 Bozeman Insurance Center                     586-8011
Maynard McQuiston      First West Insurance                              587-5111
Erica Patty                     Western States Insurance                       586-3351
Lisa Strauch                    Veltkamp Agency                                 586-4853
Vern Veltkamp               Veltkamp Agency                                 586-4853