The Missouri Chamber is working to keep the momentum going to expand access to affordable health care insurance for Missouri small businesses.
Last month, the Missouri House passed HB 2596, sponsored by Rep. Peggy McGaugh (R-Carrollton), 145-0. This week, the Senate Insurance and Banking Committee heard testimony on the bill.
HB 2596 modernizes statutory language and clarifies regulatory standards for small business health plans. The updates strengthen pooled employer health plans already serving tens of thousands of Missourians — including the Missouri Chamber Benefit Plan.
The Chamber Benefit Plan allows small employers with 2 to 50 employees to join together, giving them access to large-group style benefits and more stable costs.
“These insurance plans provide a lifeline to small businesses who often can’t offer robust health benefits on their own,” McGaugh said.
Missouri Chamber President and CEO Kara Corches told lawmakers, “We have a 90% retention rate for our plan, which is quite incredible. That just goes to show that we are focused on providing high quality coverage at affordable costs, which remains a top concern of the business community.”
Callaway Chamber CEO Tamara Tateosian testified she has over 30 members who participate in the Missouri Chamber Benefit Plan.
“It has been a cost savings for them, but also it has assisted them in retaining their workforce,” Tateosian said.
Missouri Chamber Board Member and Haviland Corporation CEO Jan Haviland told lawmakers that thanks to the Missouri Chamber Benefit Plan, she can offer full health coverage for each of her employees and 75% for their families.
“We feel this has been a big help to us in order to provide the best for our employees,” Haviland said.
To learn more about HB 2596, contact Missouri Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Jared Hankinson at jhankinson@mochamber.com or (573) 634-3511.
