The impact of Health Care Reform

Below is a press release we received at the ARCC from CDPHP. CDPHP is a member of the ARCC and is also one of the three health insurance providers that offers health insurance plans specifically designed for Chamber members.

Our members who subscribe to CDPHP have an annual renewal date that begins on July 1st rather than the traditional January 1st when our other provider plans renew. This means that we anticipate obtaining information about new CDPHP health insurance rates for Chamber members in early May. As a result, it is entirely possible that we will be able to evaluate in early May when CDPHP releases their new health insurance rates the true and immediate cost implications resulting from the passage of new health care legislation at the federal level.

In other words, the information and website link in this release may be very helpful and provide all of us with an early indication on whether or not health insurance costs paid by small businesses will continue to skyrocket.

ALBANY, NY — March 31, 2010 — CDPHP® has launched a health care reform microsite at www.cdphp.com/healthcarereform in an effort to help its constituents and the community-at-large understand the ramifications of the recently signed health care reform bill. The site will be updated regularly and aims to address the ways in which the new legislation will affect the communities CDPHP serves.

“For the past 18 months, our nation has been embroiled in a health care debate that has divided the country,” said John D. Bennett, MD, president and CEO, CDPHP. “The intense debate leading up to the passing of the health care bill caused a great deal of confusion and left uncertainty in the minds of many. CDPHP wants to help the community understand the bill and prepare for the many changes it will bring.”

The Web resource will break down the effects of the new legislation for both small and large businesses, and various CDPHP members (eg. commercial, Medicare, and state programs), as well as offer valuable links to pertinent Web resources. It will also allow visitors to subscribe to automatic notification updates.

“As a not-for-profit, physician-guided health plan, CDPHP will diligently continue its efforts to work with providers and employer groups to develop innovative ways to reduce costs while increasing quality,” added Bennett. “This new resource will support those ongoing efforts.”