Businesses with 2-50 full-time employees may be eligible to participate in the new Georgia Chamber SMART Plan through participating brokers including Braden Benefits Strategies, Inc. This comprehensive health program is a progressive, cost-saving option for today's small businesses interested in securing affordable health care benefits.

Appointed to represent this new product, Braden Benefits is equipped to sell the Chamber Plan to businesses domiciled in Georgia. Georgia's eligible businesses, according to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, must be in good standing with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce or a local participating chamber.

President and Chief Strategic Officer of Braden Benefits, Victoria Braden, comments, "We are excited about the potential of the recently launched Georgia Chamber SMART Plan. By including smaller employees in a larger, self-funded pool, these businesses receive financial protection backed by Anthem and the opportunity for more stabilized premiums as well as greater plan flexibility. Additionally, this Chamber Plan from Blue Cross will utilize Anthem's broad network and strong Rx formulary to provide further value to our clients."

The Chamber of Commerce from around Georgia forged a partnership with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem) to administer the Georgia Chamber SMART Plan. As one of the nation's largest health benefits companies, Anthem has served Georgia members for over 80 years with the BlueCard® program, which includes more than 97 percent of Georgia doctors.

"The demand for cost saving health coverage options is high among small business operators," states Braden. "This self-funded plan is competitive with ACA policy, and small groups are considering it a noteworthy alternative."

The Chamber SMART Plan will be available January 1, 2019. Decisions regarding the Chamber Plan will be the responsibility of the Georgia Chamber SMART Plan Board of Trustees. Their role is to oversee the plan in respect to compliance with applicable laws and regulations.