SAMA II Health Care Consortium Now Accepting New Member Enrollment

Springfield, MO, October 17, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The Missouri Association of Manufacturers (MAM), formerly known as the Southwest Area Manufacturers Association (SAMA), is pleased to announce the formation of the SAMA II Health Care Consortium. The formation of this consortium is unique in that all groups represented in SAMA II are under 100 employee lives. Through countless hours of hard work and commitment by all, SAMA successfully negotiated a competitive health plan for SAMA II. In addition to favorable pricing and benefits, the SAMA II Health Care Consortium member companies have, and will continue to benefit from, health and wellness productivity engagement and regulatory compliance assistance.

In 2006, SAMA led the state’s private industry through the unanimous passage of House Bill 1827, also known as the “SAMA” bill. House Bill 1827 was developed for the purpose of allowing small employers (3-25) the option to join together with larger employer groups in association health plans under a common plan design and premium structure. Association Health Plans allow employers to achieve long term rate stability, create large group buying power, and reduce vulnerability in claim risk.

SAMA’s first Health Care Consortium, SAMA I, is in its 5th year and has been able to achieve significant savings through their negotiated partnerships. The SAMA I and SAMA II Health Care Consortiums currently represent over 60 manufacturers in Southwest Missouri. The Missouri Association of Manufacturers (MAM) plans to continue to partner with Missouri manufacturers in the formation of future consortiums. The MAM Health Care Consortiums provide a practical option to employers searching for stability in the face of pending health reform legislation.

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