SURF CITY —The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is teaming with the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Blue Cross NC) to offer a new, more affordable health plan option for small businesses, their employees, and their families. The program is called Carolina HealthWorks.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy,” said Tammy Proctor, Topsail Chamber director. “Small businesses struggle to provide affordable health care for themselves and their families. Extending affordable health care benefits to their employees is an important factor in job retention.”

Carolina HealthWorks will give small businesses access to more affordable health care through a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) model. A MEWA offers an alternative to small businesses that allows them to pool their resources and provide access to the advantages and benefits typically available to larger groups.

Carolina HealthWorks has chosen Blue Cross NC to be the administrator for this health plan.

Small businesses with 2 to 50 employees and which are members of the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, may begin enrolling now. Small businesses will have opportunities to enroll in the plan throughout the year. Enrollment can take place by contacting local broker Shannon Bruneck at shannon.bruneck@coloniallifesales.com. The Chamber will also provide links on the Chamber website, topsailchamber.org/programs.

“In a year in which health care costs are expected to significantly increase, this is a welcome opportunity for our small businesses,” said Proctor.

For more information contact the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism at 910-329-4446.