Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, along with representatives from the NC Chamber and Blue Cross NC, announced a new health insurance plan designed for small businesses in North Carolina. The announcement took place at a news conference on November 4.
The initiative introduces Carolina HealthWorks, which is described as the first of its kind in the state. The plan is a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA), developed through collaboration between the NC Chamber and Blue Cross NC.
Commissioner Causey was joined by Gary Salamido, President of the NC Chamber, and Fran Gary, Senior Vice President for Health Plan Business at Blue Cross NC. During the event, Commissioner Causey highlighted ongoing challenges faced by small businesses seeking affordable insurance options. “Finding affordable insurance has been a challenge for businesses and individuals alike,” Commissioner Causey said. “That’s especially true for small businesses. Many small business owners have told me about their struggles to find affordable healthcare for their employees.”
He clarified that Carolina HealthWorks will be available to members of the NC Chamber and participating local chambers. He encouraged eligible small business owners to consider whether this new option meets their needs.
Commissioner Causey also acknowledged legislative support behind the initiative: “We need to continue to look for ways to help get North Carolinians more affordable healthcare.” He expressed appreciation toward the N.C. General Assembly and Governor Josh Stein for making it possible through legislation, and thanked his department’s review team “for going above and beyond” in approving the plan.
NC Chamber President Gary Salamido addressed some of the obstacles faced by small employers: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of North Carolina’s economy — more than 1 million strong and employing nearly half of our state’s private workforce. But when it comes to health coverage, small employers have faced some of the toughest challenges: higher costs, fewer choices, and less control,” Salamido said. “The NC Chamber is proud to partner with Blue Cross NC to bring forward Carolina HealthWorks, a real solution that puts affordable, high-quality health care within reach for small businesses, their employees, and the families who depend on them.”
Dr. Tunde Sotunde, CEO of Blue Cross NC, described Carolina HealthWorks as an innovative response: “Carolina HealthWorks is a bold, collaborative solution to the rising cost of health care for small businesses,” he said. “By partnering with organizations like the NC Chamber and the Department of Insurance, Blue Cross NC is driving innovation and working to stabilize a volatile market. This is the kind of creative action needed to make health care more affordable across North Carolina.”
