Health Care Plan Created by North Risk for MN’s Electrical Association

Jan. 13, 2022 – North Risk Partners has partnered with Minnesota’s Electrical Association to launch an association health plan (AHP), Health Spark, through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) specifically for electrical contractors and their employees.

The Electrical Association, which represents over 250 electrical contractors and over 3,000 electricians, is the plan sponsor. Eligible members of the Electrical Association may enroll in comprehensive insurance benefits at favorable rates through Blue Cross, Minnesota’s largest health insurer.

Association health plans are a category of insurance products that allow small businesses from within the same industry to obtain health care coverage as if they were a single large employer.

“Our members take pride in offering their employees competitive benefit packages to retain top talent. In this era of the great resignation, health insurance as a top recruitment and retention benefit has become even more important,” said Clara Albert, executive director of the Electrical Association. “For over 90 years, the Electrical Association has been finding ways to provide our members with the best tools and resources for success. We are thrilled to be able to now offer better access to health insurance that can save them money while providing great coverage.”

“Creating an AHP involved multiple steps: determining whether the association met state and federal requirements, defining membership and industry for the plan’s underwriting, agreeing on plan benefits, and finally gaining state approval,” said Gary Helm, employee benefits risk advisor with North Risk Partners.

In addition to creating the AHP, North Risk Partners has helped the Electrical Association assemble a separate benefits program for life, dental, vision, disability, and accident insurance coverage offerings. North Risk Partners has helped to launch AHPs in other states as well, including builder association plans in North Dakota and Iowa.

“Blue Cross wants the many local, small companies of Minnesota to have quality health care solutions that can empower them to remain even more focused on their business,” said John Cooper, director of small group sales at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. “We are proud to be part of that solution for the members of the Electrical Association through this AHP.”

Members of the Electrical Association can learn more about eligibility and enrollment options in the AHP, Health Spark, by visiting the Electrical Association.

 

About the Electrical Association

For over 90 years, the Electrical Association has empowered electrical contractors and their teams through tailored education, effective government advocacy, and opportunities to connect with peers. We are the conduit that connects you with all you need to stay current, compliant, and successful. 

 

About North Risk Partners 

North Risk Partners is an independent insurance brokerage and risk management advisory firm specializing in strategic solutions for businesses and individuals. The firm’s core areas of service are property and casualty, including commercial, home, auto, farm, and more; and benefits, including health and life plans for employee benefit programs as well as individuals and families. North Risk also has a significant surety bonds practice. Learn more at northriskpartners.com. Connect with North Risk Partners on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

About Blue Cross

For nearly 90 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (bluecrossmn.com) has supported the health, wellbeing and peace of mind of our members by striving to ensure equitable access to high quality care at an affordable price. Our 2.5 million members can be found in every Minnesota county, all 50 states and on four continents. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.