FAQs
What is an Association Health Plan (AHP)?
A type of group medical insurance for organizations that allow smaller companies to access the health insurance savings associated with large group medical coverage.
How it works:
- Employers band together to purchase insurance
- This allows for more people in the pool
- The more people included, the more options, and potentially lower cost
Who/What business types are allowed to join an AHP?
Active members in good standing with a local, participating chamber with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
Who can enroll in the Chamber Blue of Kansas health insurance plan?
The Chamber Blue of Kansas AHP is available to employers who have acceptable risk and:
- Are active members in good standing with your local, participating chamber.
- Have 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
- Will pay 25% of the lowest cost option.
- Meet underwriting and risk requirements of Chamber Blue of Kansas for businesses enrolling for the first time.
- Complete the required employee survey and provide rating documentation if you are a new business looking to enroll in Chamber Blue of Kansas for the first time. If you are currently enrolled in the Chamber Blue of Kansas association, you do not need to complete the survey.
Who regulates AHPs?
The Kansas Insurance Department and Kansas Department of Labor monitor and regulate AHPs. The Chamber Blue of Kansas plan is fully insured through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and is fully compliant with all state and federal regulations. With this arrangement, there is no requirement to build a claims fund and there is no liability for claims payment. As a group with the Chamber Blue of Kansas, you will have an assigned Blue Cross representative to guide you through onboarding, enrollment and provide ongoing support.
How much does it cost? Are there additional fees?
Based on the census information provided by participating employers, we have developed the monthly premiums for employees. In addition, Chamber Blue of Kansas will be adding an administration fee to member premiums.
Are dependents eligible for this plan?
- Lawful spouses may be enrolled as dependents.
- Dependents with disabilities: If the child is eligible according to the terms of the member’s contract, an Application for Coverage of Dependent With Disabilities must be completed. For further information, contact the customer service center at 800-432-3990.
- Grandchildren and adopted children: Children not by birth, adoption or placement for adoption may be eligible. Members should contact the customer service center at 800-432-3990.
- Stepchildren must be under age 26 and the employee must be legally married to the stepchild(ren)’s legal guardian.
- Dependent children by birth must be under age 26.
Does Chamber Blue of Kansas cover pre-existing conditions?
Yes, there are no exclusions or waiting periods. Benefits are provided on day one of coverage.
Can my organization drop my current health insurance and enroll in Chamber Blue of Kansas even though their existing plan is still current?
If you are currently covered under a Blue Cross fully insured plan, you can terminate your current plan at any time during the plan year. If your plan is currently self-funded or if you are covered under another carrier, you will need to check with your health insurance representative.
How is the monthly premium determined?
The monthly premium is determined based on the expected risk of the group – also known as a pool – based on demographics and other measures used to determine the anticipated total of medical costs or claims. Each year, Blue Cross compares the monthly premium to the total medical costs/claims paid, along with other factors to determine the rate for the following year. When do the deductible and coinsurance (if applicable) reset? This health insurance plan will run the calendar year. Deductible and coinsurance will reset every year on January 1.
Is your chamber participating?
Participating chambers:
- Andover Area Chamber of Commerce
- Arkansas City Chamber of Commerce
- Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce
- Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce
- Belleville Chamber of Commerce & Main Street
- Beloit Area Chamber of Commerce
- Burlingame Chamber of Commerce
- Chanute Area Chamber of Commerce
- Cherryvale Chamber of Commerce
- Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce
- Concordia Chamber of Commerce
- Derby Chamber of Commerce
- Driving Dickinson County Partnership
- El Dorado Chamber of Commerce
- Ellinwood Chamber of Commerce
- Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce
- Erie Area Chamber of Commerce
- Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce
- Fredonia Area Chamber of Commerce
- Garnett Area Chamber of Commerce
- Girard Area Chamber of Commerce
- Goddard Chamber of Commerce
- Great Bend Chamber of Commerce
- Grow Clay County
- Grow Ellsworth County
- Halstead Chamber of Commerce
- Hays Chamber of Commerce
- Hesston Chamber of Commerce
- Hill City Chamber of Commerce
- Hoisington Chamber of Commerce
- Humboldt Chamber of Commerce
- Hutchinson / Reno County Chamber of Commerce
- Independence Chamber of Commerce
- Iola Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
- Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce
- Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce
- Larned Area Chamber of Commerce
- The Chamber of Lawrence Kansas
- Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce
- Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce
- Little River Chamber of Commerce
- Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce
- McPherson Chamber of Commerce
- Neodesha Area Chamber of Commerce
- Newton Area Chamber of Commerce
- Norton Area Chamber of Commerce
- Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
- Paola Chamber of Commerce
- Parsons Chamber of Commerce
- Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce
- Pratt Area Chamber of Commerce
- Quinter Area Chamber of Commerce
- Russell Area Chamber of Commerce
- Salina Area Chamber of Commerce
- Seneca Area Chamber of Commerce
- Trego County Chamber of Commerce
- Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Topeka Partnership
- Wamego Area Chamber of Commerce
- Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB
- Winfield Area Chamber of Commerce
- Woodson County Chamber of Commerce