Business Wire, April 27, 2010
Maryland small businesses benefit from centralized portal for health
insurance information
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Benefitfocus,
the largest healthcare and voluntary benefits software provider in the
U.S., today announced that they have been awarded the contract to
develop a Web portal labeled VIRTUAL COMPARE by The
Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC), an independent regulatory
state agency. The portal offers a simple design that transforms complex
information into understandable content, allowing employers to consider
health plans in the same way consumers shop for products through retail
websites.
VIRTUAL COMPARE is an information-only Web portal that allows small
employers with 2-50 employees to compare side-by-side benefit details,
limitations, cost sharing and premiums for the health plans that are
offered by Maryland licensed insurers, non-profit health service plans,
and HMOs. The portal is a tool to help employers find plans that meet
their needs. At any time in the process, employers can contact carriers
directly, or search for a registered insurance broker/agent to assist
them in their purchasing decision.
Insurance brokers/agents within the State of Maryland can self-register
with VIRTUAL COMPARE to be listed in the online directory. The
registration process can be completed within minutes, and includes brief
educational videos to get brokers/agents acquainted with the site.
VIRTUAL COMPARE gives us the opportunity to provide technology that
supports a new way for employers to find health benefits for their
employees. Employers now have one place to access health plan options
from multiple carriers,? said Shawn Jenkins, president and CEO of
Benefitfocus. Because our technology is designed to adapt to changing
requirements, the Benefitfocus Platform will help states, carriers and
employers respond to the evolving healthcare landscape.?
Some of the insurance carriers invited to participate in this innovative
health plan communication portal include: Aetna, CareFirst BlueCross
Blue Shield, Coventry Health Care, Kaiser Permanente and
UnitedHealthcare
healthcare labels