Mang to run Otsego Chamber insurance program

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August 21, 2012

Mang to run Otsego Chamber insurance program

By Jim Austin Staff Writer The Daily Star Tue Aug 21, 2012, 03:30 AM EDT

The Otsego County Chamber has reached an agreement with Mang Insurance Agency LLC that will see the agency become the health insurance administrator for Chamber members.

Chamber members who purchase health insurance plans through the organization will continue to receive their health care coverage under their current plans and will have access to a team specializing in chamber benefit administration.

"The Otsego County Chamber is pleased to support this partnership with Mang Insurance Agency LLC, which has an understanding of our community," Barbara Ann Heegan, chamber executive director, said Monday. The firm already is responding to the health insurance needs of small businesses with local chambers in Delaware, Chenango and Broome counties, as well as the Greater Cherry Valley Chamber, she said.

"Working with a local agency like Mang Insurance to help our small business employees maintain their health and achieve healthier lifestyles is an exciting partnership," Heegan said.

Bob Carey, the account executive handling the Otsego County Chamber's business for Mang, said the firm also was pleased with the partnership.

"The members will receive high quality service as well as support for a variety of state and federal compliance issues that have come with the new health care reform act called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," Carey said. Chamber members may choose from 17 health care insurance plans from Excellus and CDPHP.

Health care is changing, and Carey said Mang, based in Norwich, will be able to keep clients up to date on changes. It has become more difficult for chamber staff to be familiar and up-to-date with all the rules and regulations that apply to health care insurance today, he said.

"We act as a source for them and offer the piece of mind that we can do it and do it right," Carey said. "We have a proven record of being compliant."

There are still many unknowns in health care, especially with the presidential election coming up in November, Carey said.

"What it will look like and how it will impact health insurance in New York is still unknown," he said. Carey plans to be in the Chamber office in Oneonta on Tuesdays. At other times, Chamber members will be able to speak Mang team members.

The partnership with the chamber will be annually renewable beginning in 2014.

Heegan said with Mang taking over the administration of health insurance, staff will have more time to focus on programs for the more than 475 chamber members and member recruitment. For more information, visit www.otsegocountychamber.com, send email to Heegan at info@otsegocountychamber.com or call 432-4500, ext. 202.