NATA Offers Dual-Carrier Health Plan Choices to Members

ASSOCIATION NEWSNATA Offers Dual-Carrier Health Plan Choices to Members  PORTLAND, OR (Aug. 29, 2006) - When the Northwest Automotive Trade Association (NATA) learned that renewal rates for the plans of one of its carriers would increase by 25 percent, the group decided it was time to find alternatives. NATA wanted to find a way to not only hold down premiums for current members, but to provide alternatives for newer members joining the organization who wanted less comprehensive plans. That's when insurance broker JBL&K Risk Services introduced NATA to Benu and its dual-carrier health plan solution. Benu is a health benefits integrator serving Oregon and Southern Washington state. Through its association with Health Net and Kaiser Permanente, Benu is offering NATA members a choice of each carrier's PPO and HMO health plans for the first time. This will lower premiums for employer members; their employees will gain more plan options and greater value; and both carriers will be compensated through Benu's proprietary premium reallocation method.  "We are committed to serving our members, and we know our members value their employees and are looking for the best benefits," says Barbara Crest, NATA executive director. "We are pleased to be able to offer a choice between an HMO or PPO from different carriers to each employee of each firm." "Historically, small and mid-sized businesses have not been able to enjoy the same choice of health benefits as larger companies because insurers will not compete for a smaller group of employees," says Tim Kussie, vice president of Benu's West region. "Through Benu's agreement with NATA, we are offering a choice of health plans for a trade association's small business members and bringing them affordable premium rates so participants can realize a true cost savings." NATA is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, marked by its recent merger with Oregon Automotive Parts Association (OAPA). It has also added many new members to the association. Today, NATA maintains a membership of 650 businesses in 1,000 locations throughout Oregon, with a range of two to 100 employees per business.  The association has been offering a PPO health plan to all members, which includes dental and medical coverage. But with a single plan comes continual rate increases, says NATA. Following the merger with OAPA, NATA conducted a survey to understand the priorities of its diverse membership. Affordable health benefits for employees and their families topped the list. Moreover, younger members joining the organization, who did not have the same coverage needs as older members, were asking for less expensive HMO plans. "Our members can no longer afford to pay for benefits for their employees and dependents," says Crest. "I kept thinking there has to be a better plan, a better choice for our members. The merger with OAPA gave us the incentive to reinvigorate our benefits program, and that led to our discovering Benu." Through JBL&K, NATA forged an agreement with Benu. Its unique solution allows two carriers to compete fairly for the employees of a small company while, in many cases, lowering rates for plan participants. Starting Nov. 1, 2006, NATA members can choose between different PPO and HMO options from Health Net and Kaiser Permanente. In addition, the new health plans will be administered by Benu, so regardless of which plan its employees choose, the NATA employer member receives just one bill.(Source: NATA)