S.C. Small Employer Health Benefits Fair July 21

South Carolina small employers in the Lowcountry will have the opportunity to learn more about employee health benefits and other health coverage initiatives Wednesday, July 21, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Convention Center in North Charleston, 5055 International Boulevard. This event is free and open to the public.

More than 35 insurance companies, HMOs, agents and public program representatives will be present to answer questions and provide information on small employer health care coverage. Small employers are those businesses with one to 50 employees.

In South Carolina, 78 percent of all businesses employ 10 or fewer workers; 68 percent of these companies do not offer health insurance as a benefit to their employees. Thirty-eight percent of those employees who are eligible for health insurance through their employer reportedly say they cannot afford this benefit.

The South Carolina Department of Insurance is hosting five health benefits fairs around the state as a way to encourage more small employers to provide health care coverage for employees and their families.

In addition, the fairs will offer free health screenings and presentations on health care cost savings, consumer driven health plans, supplemental products and other alternative products for small employers from organizations such as South Carolina Primary Health Care Association, Community Health Partners and New Horizon Family Health Services, to name a few.

South Carolina Department of Insurance staff, as well as, representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services will also be available to answer questions. A panel discussion to include topics ranging from Supplemental Benefits, Mini Med Products, Health Savings Accounts and Employer Health Coverage through Community Health Centers will take place during lunch from 12 – 1:30 p.m. Door prizes will be given away throughout the day.

Small employers or anyone with questions about the health benefits fairs can call the South Carolina Department of Insurance at (803) 737-6149.

Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance South Carolina