Northern Benefits to participate in new Chamber Preferred employee benefits program

Northern Benefits, the largest small group benefits brokerage in Vermont, is pleased to announce its participation in the new Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Digital Benefits Advisors employee benefits program called Chamber Preferred™.  In 2014, Vermont law will require that small businesses throughout the state offer health insurance through the government Exchange, and Chamber Preferred provides an online marketplace where companies of all sizes can offer a number of important insurance benefits not included in the Exchange like dental, vision, disability and life insurance. This innovative program will allow employers to control employee benefit costs while employees are given the opportunity to enroll in comprehensive insurance plans with competitive rates.

“The Chamber Preferred program will allow a lot of small businesses in Vermont to streamline their approach to employee benefits,” said Allen Nassif, president of Northern Benefits. “With the forthcoming changes to health insurance, small businesses in the state don’t know what to expect financially. Joining the Vermont Chamber to offer cost-effective options for Vermont employers and employees is an important way to maintain the vitality of the businesses that make up the majority of our local economy.”

 After enrolling in the Chamber Preferred program, employers simply determine the amount that they will contribute to employees each year, which aids in budget planning as well as minimizing costs associated with benefits management. Employees use the online platform to choose their own specific insurance needs and costs that meet their individual or family circumstances. Businesses that are Vermont Chamber members can sign up now for effective dates beginning January 1 and there is no fee to participate.

One of the growing concerns small businesses are experiencing is the attraction and retention of employees once the state-mandated health care exchange is put into place. Chamber Preferred offers a straightforward solution to delivering competitive benefits packages by offering benefits like dental, vision, disability, accident and life insurance. Customized plans will allow employees to enroll in competitive, comprehensive insurance products that are rarely available to small businesses.

“The Chamber Preferred program is a truly innovative approach to providing optimal benefits solutions to businesses in Vermont,” said Betsy Bishop, president of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. “Partnering with local businesses is allowing us to deliver excellent advantages to employers, employees and their families in an extremely effective way.” 

The Chamber Preferred program is organized through the Liazon Corporation’s Bright Choices® Exchange, the market-leading private benefits exchange for businesses across the U.S.

For more information about Northern Benefits, please visit www.vtbenefits.com and for additional information about the Chamber Preferred plan, visit www.chamberpreferred.org.

About Northern Benefits

Northern Benefits is a full service insurance brokerage specializing in employee benefits headquartered in Burlington, VT, with offices located throughout the Northeast in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and New York. Northern Benefits offers customized insurance packages and distinctive services to individual employers and business owners specifically designed for each business’ needs and budget. The company’s new affiliate, NB Insurance, works to help businesses with all insurance policies under one roof. NB Insurance provides access to more business and personal carriers than any insurance agency in Vermont. This eliminates the need to deal with multiple agents for all of your insurance policies while ensuring you are paying the lowest price possible.