HAMBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2011 HEALTH INSURANCE CARRIER ENROLLMENT GUIDELINES
(For businesses that have an employer/employee relationship.)
One of the many benefits of Chamber membership is the availability of competitively priced group health insurance. We currently offer coverage through Independent Health.
BELOW ARE ENROLLMENT GUIDELINES REQUIRED BY THE INSURANCE CARRIERS:
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Only business members and/or their employees who work in New York State at least 20 hours per week are eligible for coverage. If it is found that an ineligible employee is allowed to enroll, the entire group may be canceled.
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Current Chamber business members and their current employees may obtain coverage effective January 1st, during our annual open enrollment period. Exceptions for qualifying events, such as loss of coverage due to divorce, death or termination of employment (of a spouse) may allow eligible employees to enroll in Chamber sponsored medical plans. Applications due to a qualifying event must be submitted within 30 days of the date of the event.
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NEW employees may enroll throughout the year as long as they apply within 2 weeks of their date of hire. Effective date will be first of the month following 30 days from the date of hire or pre-established employer specific probationary period (which must be on file with the carrier).
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New Chamber business members and their current employees may enroll throughout the year as long as they apply within 2 weeks of joining the Chamber of Commerce.
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Each application must be accompanied by:
1. Form NYS-45-ATT as proof of business ownership and employment. Carriers may require additional documentation. If the name of the employee enrolling in coverage does not yet appear on the NYS-45-ATT, other proof of employment (pay stub) must be provided.
2. Non-refundable $25.00** application fee, payable to the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce.
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Retirees are not eligible for new enrollment in the Chamber's health insurance program.
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Married couples must apply for family coverage. (Exception: two single policies may be issued if each spouse is employed by a Chamber-member business at least 20 hours per week.)
**This is a Hamburg Chamber of Commerce requirement.