Special Reports

More articles in
the October SB News

PAYCHECKS HAWAII
Endorses Mufi Hannemann
For Mayor

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New Health Plan by Summerlin Debuts This Month

After more than two years without health insurance relief or options, Hawaii's small businesses will have a new, affordable, comprehensive medical choice, beginning October 1, 2004. Small Business Hawaii, who pioneered affordable group small business coverage in the 1980s, only to have it snatched away two years ago by the three remaining health care carriers, will once again offer health coverage for members. At one time there were more than 10 health care providers and real competition for small business. SBH, with its partner, Summerlin Life & Health Insurance Company, will once again offer affordable choices and alternatives to member firms of SBH.

SBH does not have any financial interest in any medical plan or benefit offered its members; all savings and discounts are passed directly to SBH members..

SBH and Summerlin Life and Health Insurance Company* is pleased to announce the "Easy Hawaii Health Plans" now available for current SBH members. All members will receive preferred group rates for Individual, Two-party and Family Coverage. This means buying through the association will cost you less than going direct to the company. You will enjoy a wide choice of physicians and your choice of co-pay options. The Easy plans are easy to understand by premium payers and doctors.

You can choose from one of three different fully insured products. All three were specifically designed for Hawaii's unique health concerns, such as our aging population and multi-generational families living under one roof. These plans allow you freedom of choice in providers and a wide array of new benefits not currently offered in the Hawaii market place, with 24/7 customer service.

SBH continues to work for group coverage for sole proprietors and contractors and hopes to have positive news by year end.

For your questions and rate quote form, please contact Jerry Wilson at HMA, 945-1001 or his cell number at 228-5649.

* Summerlin is a subsidiary of the IMX companies of Tempe, Arizona, a health insurance provider of over 20 years. Health Management Associates (HMA) a sister company has been doing business in Hawaii since 2001.

Annual Conference Looking for Sponsors and Awardees

The 29th annual Small Business Hawaii Conference, the first major business and investment conference of each new year, will be held Wednesday, January 12, 2005. SBH is looking for business sponsorships during this month.

The annual SBH business awards, including the SBH "Small Business Person of the Year' will also be presented. Dale Evans of Charley's Taxi is this year's awardee.

For questions and additional sponsorship information, please contact Malia Zimmerman at (808) 306-3161.

SBH is now accepting nominations for the "Small Business Person of the Year" award. Deadline for nominations is Friday, November 19. To nominate a business owner, email Geal at gtalbert@hawaii.rr.com and indicate it is for the SBH award. Include your name, phone number, name of the business owner—the nominee must be an SBH member. You can nominate yourself.