VIkingland Builders Association to hear details of new health plan

The Vikingland Builders Association annual meeting and year-end celebration will take place Friday, January 21 at the Eagles Lodge in Alexandria.

Attendees will learn about a new Values Health Program by PrimeWest Health of Alexandria.

This is a new health coverage option that’s available to small businesses in Douglas County.

Prime West Health, based in Alexandria, is a county-based purchasing health plan that serves 13 rural Minnesota counties, including Douglas.

Values Health provides health-care coverage for businesses with one to 50 employees who have not offered coverage to employees within the past year. In addition, the company’s corporate offices must be located within Douglas County and the average wage of the applying business cannot exceed $18.22 an hour.

The program was developed under a state grant in 2007 and is a multi-share program, meaning that it draws financing support from multiple areas – not just the employer or employee.

Values Health focuses on preventative health care with the idea that heath maintenance is much less costly that treating a full-blown health issue.

At this time, only Douglas and Meeker counties have enrolled in the Values Health plan by committing funds to the program. Because of the investment of local contributors, Values Health is now available to small businesses throughout Douglas County.

“The availability of a health coverage program specifically designed for small businesses – including retail, service, manufacturing, and agriculture – across Douglas County is a strong asset for employee retention and recruitment to small businesses,” said Jason Murray, executive director of the Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission.

The VBA event begins with a social at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $18.50 per person. To make reservations, call (320) 762-3301 or e-mail paulas@vikinglandbuilders.com.

Tags: local news, vikingland builders, news, vba, health