SPOKANE, Wash. – Asuris Northwest Health today announced it is launching Asuris Marketplace, a new private exchange health insurance option for select businesses in Washington state. Asuris Marketplace offers employers a number of advantages, including the ability to control health insurance costs, predictably plan for future benefit needs, and cater to a demographically diverse workforce. Through Asuris’ private exchange, employees have the freedom to choose coverage that best fits their unique needs and budget, enabling more ownership over their health care decisions.
This new model provides mid-and large-sized businesses with a customizable private exchange containing multiple Asuris coverage options for safe, affordable and effective quality care. Similar to a 401(k) retirement contribution, Asuris Marketplace supports defined contribution which allows employers to contribute a set amount to their employees’ accounts. Employees can then shop for Asuris health insurance on the online Asuris Marketplace.
“In today’s shifting landscape, employers and consumers alike are looking for affordability, simplicity and choice in their benefits,” said Brady Cass, President of Asuris Northwest Health. “Asuris Marketplace offers all three in an easy to use online platform. We’re excited to launch this evolving model and give employers new tools to help engage employees in their health decisions.”
While businesses have long been able to choose from a variety of Asuris products through the popular Employee Choice program, Asuris Marketplace offers the next evolution of employee engagement and flexibility. The online platform provides employers with consumer support tools in one convenient interactive experience, and allows employees to efficiently shop, enroll and manage benefits information.
Employers are increasingly turning to private exchange solutions incorporating defined contribution. Consultant Bain & Co. estimates that as many as 80 million people will receive their health insurance through private exchanges by 2018. Asuris recently released a white paper, “Defined Contribution: A familiar model, redefined for health care” that explores this emerging trend and its attraction for employers and employees.
About Asuris Northwest Health
Asuris Northwest Health offers a full range of health care coverage options, including dental coverage, for eastern Washington employers and individuals. We also offer Medicare supplemental plans and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, and provide member access to more than 20,000 health care providers. Asuris is committed to improving the health of our members and our communities, and to transforming our health care system. For more information, please visit www.asuris.com or www.twitter.com/AsurisNWHealth. Asuris Northwest Health is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regence BlueShield (in parts of Washington), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. As a subsidiary, Asuris has adopted, and operates pursuant to, the provisions of the Regence BlueShield Code Of Business Conduct. However, Asuris is not in any manner licensed or affiliated with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
