KEY TAKEAWAYS: New Orleans Chamber partners with UnitedHealthcare to offer small business health insurance options. Eligible businesses with two to 50 employees may qualify for an additional 4% in monthly savings. Plans provide access to more than 1.7 million physicians and 5,600 hospitals nat ionwide. Benefits include level-funded plans, wellness incentives of up to $1,000 annually and HR resources.   The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce is partnering with UnitedHealthcare to offer small businesses access to health insurance plans with potential cost savings and expanded employee benefits. The New Orleans Chamber Health Program allows eligible businesses with two to 50 employees to access health coverage options typically available to larger employers. Participating businesses may qualify for an additional 4% in monthly savings on health plan costs, according to an Oct. 28 announcement. The program comes as Louisiana small businesses face rising healthcare expenses and increasing pressure to offer competitive benefits to attract and retain employees. “Small businesses are the backbone of Louisiana’s economy, yet many face significant challenges when it comes to providing competitive healthcare benefits,” said Christine O’Brien, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Louisiana and Mississippi. “This program helps level the playing field by giving small employers access to quality coverage, cost-saving opportunities, and resources that support workforce recruitment and retention.” The program provides access to UnitedHealthcare’s national network of more than 1.7 million physicians and 5,600 hospitals. Participating employers can also choose level-funded health plans designed to provide more predictable monthly costs, with the potential for year-end refunds when claims are lower than expected. Additional benefits include savings of up to 4% when employers bundle medical coverage with eligible dental, vision or specialty plans. Employees who qualify for UnitedHealthcare Rewards can earn up to $1,000 annually by completing designated wellness activities. The program also provides employers access to the Mineral Platform, which offers human resources tools, regulatory compliance resources and professional support. Chamber officials said the partnership is intended to help smaller employers manage healthcare expenses while providing benefits that support employee recruitment and retention. Businesses interested in learning more about eligibility and enrollment can contact the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, their insurance broker or a UnitedHealthcare representative. ...read more read less