The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce has announced the introduction of their new universal healthcare plan, aimed at significantly reducing the cost of major medical insurance for their small to mid-size members."We are delighted to have partnered with local insurers, Freisenbruch-Meyer Group to offer our members access to affordable group healthcare,” said Chamber executive Joanne MacPhee said about the announcement. “Health insurance is a major cost to employers, and is increasingly more difficult to manage in a tough economy. By joining forces, our members are now able to in many instances, to achieve significant cost savings when compared to individual plans.”The Chamber plan includes individual access to group rates, with a waiver of pre-existing conditions for the first three months of enrolment. The basic plan includes local and overseas care, prescriptions, and air evacuations. Comprehensive dental and vision care are also available under the plan.In addition to the group health policy, Freisenbruch-Meyer Group is also offering Chamber members the opportunity to participate in a Preferred Customer Affinity Programme, offering preferential rates on all other personal and professional lines of insurance.According to the organisation, the primary purpose of the plan is to offer existing members added value but there is also an expectation that the plan will attract new members as businesses seek to reduce their overheads without necessary reducing employee benefits.Mrs MacPhee explained further: “The Chamber is always looking for ways to improve the membership proposition, whether it’s through advocacy, networking or thought leadership; our new health insurance plan is just another example of our efforts to reward member loyalty.”Speaking on behalf of Freisenbruch-Meyer Group, William Madeiros, executive vice president and general manager noted: “Freisenbruch-Meyer Group is a proud and long-standing member of the Chamber. We are honoured to have been selected to be the preferred health insurance provider for the Chamber and its members. During these challenging economic times, we believe providing a cost effective health insurance programme is great news.”The plan, which will be administered entirely by the Freisenbruch-Meyer Group, comes into effect November 1, although it is anticipated that most interested members will sign on with effect December 1.Any self-employed individuals or businesses interested in joining the Chamber to take advantage of this plan are urged to contact Mrs MacPhee on 295-4201.