Business
Blues launches small business plan
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Dec. 5, 2005
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is launching a product it says will help small businesses provide employee medical coverage.
Community Blue, a comprehensive health plan designed for companies who don't currently offer health insurance, is set to launch Jan. 1, 2006, and is similar to other high-deductible Blue Cross and Blue Shield products.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City President Tom Bowser said Community Blue will not seek pay cuts from hospitals and doctors to support the program.
In order to qualify, businesses must have fewer than 100 employees, with 75% of them earning less than $30,000 per year. The employee must also work at least 30 hours per week. U.S. Census figures puts Kansas City's uninsured population at 270,000 people, 60% of whom are employed.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/12/05/bibf1205.htm.












