ROSEMONT, Ill., Dec. 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2015 open enrollment for health insurance is now in full swing as IXSolutions unveils its fully redesigned private insurance exchange for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Originally launched in 2013, the Illinois Chamber Benefits Exchange was redesigned to better serve the health insurance needs of Illinois small business owners and their employees. It offers an affordable health insurance solution for employers, while providing a personal, concierge-like service to help employees choose the right health coverage for their needs.
Although small businesses in Illinois with fewer than 50 employees are not required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to offer health insurance, most of their employees are legally required to have it or pay a penalty. While group health insurance is notorious for being too costly and time-consuming for many small business owners, the Illinois Chamber Benefits Exchange provides an alternative solution called IXSuite, which allows employers to control costs and ease administrative burdens.
IXSuite gives employees an online insurance marketplace, where they can learn if they qualify for lower healthcare costs, shop for coverage from leading insurance companies and purchase individual plans that meet their needs. Employees also gain access to personalized support from licensed insurance professionals, to ensure employees can feel good about the coverage they choose.
"Partnering with IXSolutions allows us to offer a valuable and much needed resource to Illinois small business owners," said Todd Maisch, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. "The newly redesigned Benefits Exchange provides a unique way to access health coverage and the assistance employees need to efficiently navigate the marketplace."
The new Illinois Chamber Benefits Exchange has been launched just in time to help employees shop for coverage during the 2015 open enrollment period for health insurance, which runs until February 15, 2015. Employees who are uninsured after the open enrollment period concludes, will likely end up paying a penalty to the government of up to 2 percent of their annual household income.
"The Illinois Chamber Benefits Exchange offers a simple, viable solution to a widespread concern amongst small business owners," said John DiVito, president and CEO of IXSolutions. "It saves them time and money, while providing employees direct access to health insurance."
"The Benefits Exchange also works for any size employer with part-time employees, who may also be required to have health coverage or pay a tax penalty. Employers can simply make the Exchange available to employees to help them avoid the penalty."
To learn more about the Illinois Chamber Benefits Exchange, visit www.illinoischamberexchange.org or call 866-472-0892.
About IXSolutions
IXSolutions was founded by the owners of Flexible Benefit Service Corporation (Flex), leveraging over 26 years of experience in the health insurance and benefits administration marketplace. IXSolutions offers employers an affordable way to help employees gain access to health insurance with the IXSuite private exchange. For individuals and families, IXSolutions offers an easy way to shop and compare coverage options using the IXStore health insurance marketplace. Learn more at www.ixshealth.com.