An ARCC Day of Caring

The ARCC's Young Professionals Organization and the Leadership Adirondack Class of 2010 came together a week before the Thanksgiving Holiday to offer their assistance to area nonprofit organizations. The photos above show some of the young professionals and Leadership class members at work doing the following: preparing Thanksgiving Food baskets in the food pantry of the Family Service Center in Glens Falls; sorting donations outside a storage shed for the Wait House - Homeless Youth Shelter in Glens Falls; preparing to welcome Washington County residents to the Coat Boutique setup in the basement of the Washington County Municipal Center; and outside the Salvation Army where they loaded food from trucks into the basement for eventual distribution to area families during the holidays.

ARCC Apologizes to Members with Health Insurance

Most of the new 2010 health insurance rates are in to the ARCC. Unfortunately, all of the rates are going up - - from a "low" increse of 17% to a high of 43%.

For example, a sole proprietor purchasing a family-plan to cover their spouse and a child will need to pay $2,407 more in 2010 versus 2009. This increase means they'll pay $16,644 in 2010 for a plan with the same benefits and co-pays as they had this year.

These dramatic increases in rates has prompted the ARCC to send a memo to all of our members with health insurance through the ARCC. The memo and the first 2010 invoices are set to be mailed later this week. Here's what the memo says:

I feel compelled to start this memo to our members by saying; “we’re sorry!”

We’re sorry that our state government increased the taxes assessed to health insurance policies now being passed along to you via higher rates. We’re sorry that state mandated coverage for a variety of worthy causes is giving justification for the insurance companies to raise rates even more. But most of all, we’re sorry that our advocacy in support of legislation that would allow New York’s Superintendent of Insurance to review, approve, modify or deny rates has been bottled up in our dysfunctional state government for several years now.

The fact is that New York’s health insurance companies operate under what’s called “File and Use.” This means that they file their health insurance rates and use them. They can raise rates as much as they want and for whatever purpose they deem appropriate. If later the state finds that any insurer grossly overbilled members, they can seek a credit but often times this is too little too late for businesses that were forced to cancel their insurance or to change plans.

Knowing that saying “sorry” is NOT enough. The Chamber partnered with Capital Financial to help our members gain access to additional resources, plans and information. Through our partnership with Capital Financial, we’ve helped a great many local small businesses to find more affordable options. From switching to other carriers, to evaluating the costs and benefits of high deductible plans, to seeing if you qualify for Healthy New York, now is the time to explore every option and Capital Financial and the ARCC are here to help.

So our best advice to you is two fold…

Contact Cheryl DiPasquale at Capital Financial at 793-2885 to find out what options you might have if you are overwhelmed by the increased costs of your existing plans.

Contact Senator Little, Assemblywoman Sayward, and Assemblyman Jordan and urge them to do something - - such as pushing to replace the file and use system with a “prior approval” system that will allow the Superintendent of Insurance to approve or deny rate increases annually.

Lastly, please do not hesitate to give us a call too if we can help in any way. For instance, we can work with you to arrange for monthly payments of your premiums if that will make a difference. We’re open to other suggestions you may have as our elected officials talk about health insurance reform while rates skyrocket and nothing gets done.

Once again, we’re sorry!

Todd L. Shimkus, CCE
President/CEO
Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce

Ever closer to a health insurance crisis

Back in May, ARCC President/CEO Todd Shimkus testified before the Assembly's health care committee in support of legislation to allow the NYS Insurance Superintendent to review, approve, modify or deny health insurance rates as submitted by insurance carriers. At the time and still today, insurers in New York must merely "file and use" whatever rates they want with little if any immediate oversight. The legislation had the support of Senator Neil Breslin, chair of the Senate Health Care Committee, the NYS Insurance Department and the Governor, plus numerous chambers and consumer advocates. It was and is opposed by the powerful insurance lobby and the legislation has not moved given Albany's dysfunction.

As he was leaving this hearing, Todd Shimkus was told by the Insurance Department and insurance industry leaders that one step they could take on their own to alleviate chamber and small business concerns was to commit to the early release of rates. The Chambers had complained vehemently that they were getting next year's rates later and later every year. The late-arrival of rates means that members and their employees have little time to review options or to make changes to their converage in order to minimize skyrocketing premiums. While no written commitment was made, everyone suggested that rates could be provided no later than November 1st.

Some insurers in New York State have met this commitment. According to chambers outside of the Capital District, Excellus and United Health Care rates are out. While its great they are out, the trends indicate a looming crisis. One is raising premiums for small businesses 12 to 13% and the other is raising rates 24 to 27%. At the ARCC, we have been provided with Medicare Advantage rates for those members over 65. One plan is increasing these rates 43% and the other 27%. Yikes!!!

The problem is that we don't have 2010 small business and sole proprietor rates yet in spite of the verbal commitments in May. Currently, the ARCC collects nearly $2 million in premiums from participating small business and sole proprietors a year which is then paid to our three insurance providers. A 10% increase in rates will mean that these 150 companies and 400 working families will need to come up with $200,000 more in 2010 than in 2009. A 20% increase in rates will mean an extra $400,000 in premiums. That will create a crisis locally.

But who really knows what the rates will be. We don't have our small business rates as of November 4th. In spite of numerous calls to the carriers, the earliest we may see rates is November 13th but we all know what happened to their May verbal commitments. This whole situation screams out for simple reform in New York by itself - - require the insurers to file rates earlier, to provide 60 day notice of rate increases, and to allow the Insurance Superintendent to review those rates before they can be used.

Chamber Hosts Small Business Forum with Congressman Murphy

Congressman Scott Murphy visited today with nearly 40 local small business and nonprofit executives at a forum hosted by the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. The forum lasted a little more than one-hour with the issue of health care reform at the top of the agenda. Several participating Chamber members questioned the Congressman about federal efforts to reform health care and their concerns over various aspects of the plan.

ARCC President Todd Shimkus noted that he was putting aside his facilitation role at the meeting to become an advocate for the ARCC members who are now struggling to afford their current health insurance premium. He presented the Congressman with a chart that shows the various health insurance options provided to participating Chamber members. He noted that sole proprietors pay 15% more than small business by law in New York and that rates have been increasing on average 12.5% per year since 2001. He added that more and more Chamber members are cancelling their health insurance through the Chamber because they cannot afford the premiums which go as high as nearly $14,000 per year for some local families.

Adirondack Phantoms Block Party

Saturday, October 3, 2009 is a special day for hockey fans throughout the Adirondack region. The North Country has waited ten years to call an AHL team their own again. Global Spectrum, the management company of the Civic Center, is welcoming the Adirondack Phantoms to their new home for the 2009-2010 AHL season with a pre-game Block Party in the front plaza starting at 5:00pm.

In collaboration with the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce, Global Spectrum has invited local businesses to partner with non-profit organizations to provide activities and games for the young Phantoms fans to enjoy.

Adirondack Youth Hockey Association: Phantoms Inflatable Shootout
World Awareness Children’s’ Museum: Phantoms Phace Painting
Crandall Library: Catapult Challenge
Big Brothers/Big Sisters: Phlex-Appeal Bowling

DVDJ Greg D, a local visual Disc Jockey with Premier Sound Specialists, will be providing the music for the event accompanied by a Phantoms Featurette on their 80 inch screen. Fans can enjoy all their favorite jock jams and arena hits prior to doors opening for the Saturday night game between OUR Adirondack Phantoms and the Worcester Sharks scheduled for 7:00 PM at the Civic Center.

“We’re excited that the Adirondacks can call an AHL team their own again, and we’ve worked hard to make Opening Night an entertainment option for the entire community,” stated Global Spectrum’s Jason Blumenfeld, General Manager of the Glens Falls Civic Center. “This is a great opportunity for everyone to have a great start to the season.”

The Opening Night game will commence with a ceremonial puck drop by Senator Charles E. Schumer, Congressman Scott Murphy, Mayor Jack Diamond, and Co-Owners Rob and Jim Brooks, accompanied on the ice by Former Mayor Edward Bartholomew and members of the Glens Falls Common Council.

Civic Center Contract Administrator Ben Driscoll summed up stating, "The Glens Falls Civic Center and the Adirondack Phantoms will create new memories that families will cherish for years to come."

Adirondack Phantoms
Opening Night Block Party
Saturday, October 3, 2009
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Glens Falls Civic Center Plaza
1 Civic Center Plaza
Glens Falls, NY

YMCA to Host Activate America Community Walk

The Glens Falls Family YMCA will hold an Activate America Fall Kick-Off Walk on Saturday, October 3rd from 9-11am. Participants will walk on the outdoor track adjacent to the YMCA and can choose to walk 1 or 3 miles. This event is free and open to the community and is for all ages. Upon sign-in, participants will draw for prizes including string backpacks, pedometers or a 3 in 1 keychain/whistle/compass. The YMCA indoor track will be used in case of inclement weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more details, please visit www.glensfallsymca.org or call the YMCA at 793-3878.

Curves of South Glens Falls Offers Free Weight Management Classes

Curves of South Glens Falls is offering free weight management classes to teach its proven method for losing weight and raising metabolism. More studied than any other program, Curves’ classes are based on the groundbreaking new research findings of the Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory at Texas A&M University. Now, the women of South Glens Falls can learn the powerful secret that has helped millions of women lose millions of pounds and keep them off for good. Classes are open to members and non-members.

Classes include:

Start-Up Class (90 minutes) for first-time participants.

Phase 3 (30 minutes) to teach the last and most important stage of the Curves Weight management Plan and the secret that makes the plan work.

Special Topics Classes (30 minutes) will cover a different topic each month, including Smart Grocery Shopping, Choosing the Right Carbohydrates, Eating Out, Emotional Eating and more.

Classes will be taught by Curves’ Registered Dietitian, Nadia Rodman, and facilitated by weight management coaches from Curves of South Glens Falls, through a series of DVDs that will alternate teaching with hands-on activities. Participants will be encouraged to make a weekly appointment to weigh in with their weight management coach, who will provide accountability.

All classes are free to members and non-members, but participants will be able to take advantage of special pricing on essential tools that will enhance their success. For just $49.95, participants can purchase a bundle including: a bottle each of Curves’ multivitamin and Curves’ calcium supplements, a can of Curves’ protein shake, and a copy of the new book "The Curves Fitness & Weight Management Plan." Products are available for purchase separately and no purchase is required to attend classes.

"We’re excited to be offering free weight management classes," said Anne Porreca, owner of Curves of South Glens Falls. "This dynamic program and the book are brand-new, and packed with cutting-edge information and lots of practical advice that women can use immediately. Every woman who is even thinking about losing weight should definitely check out the free classes."

Curves of South Glens Falls will be offering classes on the last Wednedsay of every month. For more information, contact Anne Porreca or Sue Lipscomb at 745-1494 or anneporreca@msn.com.