New Agreement to Help Employers Attract & Retain Oregon Workers
PORTLAND, Ore. – Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon and Associated General Contractors Health Benefit Trust have announced a new health care partnership that will give commercial construction businesses in Oregon and Southwest Washington the chance to offer competitive health care benefits to existing and prospective employees.
Beginning January 1, 2013, AGC Health Benefit Trust will offer nearly 900 member companies a suite of Regence health, pharmacy, dental and life insurance options that will allow them to deliver competitive employee benefits at a time when small businesses are struggling to afford coverage.
Flexibility Is Key
“The days of one-size-fits-all are gone. Small and medium size businesses need the flexibility to offer employees a wide array of competitive benefits at a variety of prices that meet their budgets,” said Regence Vice President of Sales, Angela Dowling.
In partnering with Regence, AGC member companies now have access to person-focused medical and prescription plans to provide top-tier Oregon workers with competitive benefits once reserved for large corporate competitors. Now, a small business in Eugene, Wilsonville or Klamath Falls can offer similar benefits to a large company in San Francisco or Seattle, at a price that meets their small business budget.
Expertise in Changing Times
Beyond benefits, AGC member companies now have access to Regence’s health care expertise. As 2014 quickly approaches, small businesses need a trusted resource to guide them through the twists and turns of health care reform. Not only will AGC companies receive support to stay health care compliant, but they will also receive access to innovative workplace wellness programs and transparency tools designed to improve employee health while reducing cost along the way.
“This is another example of the value of an AGC membership. These are benefits that many of our members would struggle to afford on their own. But together, we’re able to offer options that will help us all attract and retain amazing workers who will help Oregon grow,” said Norman Russell, president of Russell Construction and chair of the Health Benefit Trust.
About Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is a leading health plan in Oregon, with approximately 730,000 members, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence is the largest health insurer in the Northwest / Intermountain Region, serving more than two million members as Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueShield of Idaho, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield (selected counties in Washington). Each plan is a nonprofit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and a subsidiary of Cambia Health Solutions. Regence is committed to improving the health of our members and our communities, and to transforming our health care system. For more information, please visit www.regence.com or www.twitter.com/RegenceOregon.
About Associated General Contractors Health Benefit Trust
The AGC Oregon-Columbia Chapter, established in 1922, is the largest construction trade association in Oregon, with over 900 current member firms. It is the only trade association representing the full range of commercial construction businesses, providing a full array of benefits and services that deliver a competitive advantage. The chapter serves as plan sponsor of the AGC Health Benefit Trust, a bona-fide association health plan operating in the state of Oregon since 1971. The trust offers construction-industry related companies the opportunity to provide quality health care benefits to their employees at competitive and affordable rates. The trust is committed to offering employers and their employees superior benefits with exceptional industry providers.