Health Insurance Partnership Event Slated In McHenry

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Health Insurance Partnership Event Slated In McHenry


Sep. 25, 2008

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce will host a Health Insurance Partnership session at its McHenry office on Monday, Sept. 29, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Nicole Stallings, chief of government relations and special programs for the Maryland Health Care Commission, will be the presenter.
Small-business owners who have not been able to provide health insurance coverage for their employees may find the Health Insurance Partnership helpful.

"The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and the Garrett County Health Department feel it is important to bring this message to our small businesses," said Karen Reckner, the chamber's director of business services. "This is the only session scheduled in western Maryland, so we strongly urge the public to attend. Please note that you do not need to be a chamber member to attend this informational session."

Stallings will give an overview of the partnership, including who is eligible and how to enroll for this new program. Garrett County health officer Rodney Glotfelty will also provide information to interested business owners.

The partnership is designed for businesses with two to nine full-time employees, earning an average yearly wage below $50,000, that have not offered health coverage to their employees in the previous 12 months. Businesses that meet these criteria may be eligible to receive a subsidy of up to 50 percent of their insurance premium.

Under the partnership, small businesses may be eligible to receive a subsidy that helps provide health coverage services and rewards participating individuals for efforts to improve their health and/or manage chronic disease.

Eligible businesses may choose from a selection of health coverage plans and establish a payroll deduction. Business owners will work with a local insurance agent or broker to register for the partnership and to find the right health care plan for them.

"This session provides important health care information to area businesses," said Charlie Ross, chamber president/CEO. "With the growing importance of offering health care to employees, we urge area business owners to attend to learn more about how they can take advantage of the Health Insurance Partnership for small businesses."

Seating for the Sept. 29 presentation is limited. Business owners interested in attending the event are ask to RSVP by contacting Reckner at 301-387-4386, ext. 12, or karen@garrett-chamber.com.

More information about the partnership is available online at dhmh.state.md.us.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350