Brooklyn HealthWorks, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce's low-cost health insurance plan for Brooklyn's small businesses, now offers dental and vision plans. After a competitive review process, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America was selected to provide these highly demanded services to the program's 525 member businesses, representing 2,300 employees and family members.

"Seventy-three percent of HealthWorks members who responded to our 2008 survey told us it was important to have the ability to offer these additional services to their employees," said Carl Hum, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber.  "We are happy that we are able to respond to their needs."

Brooklyn HealthWorks members now can choose from two dental plans through Guardian, which operates one of the largest dental networks in the United States.  One plan option gives members the flexibility to select providers either in- or out-of-network while the more modest plan requires members to see in-network providers and have services coordinated by a primary care dentist.  Both plans feature an extensive tri-state provider network.

HealthWorks' vision care services are provided by Davis Vision, one of the nation's largest eye care provider networks.  Davis' network includes both private practice doctors and retailers including Target, Sears and Pearle.  HealthWorks members have the option to go out of network or select a provider in-network at a significant savings.  Discounts up to 25% are available to members for elective procedures such as laser vision correction surgery and other non-covered "cosmetic extras."

"We are excited to partner with Guardian to make these dental and vision plan options available to our HealthWorks clients.  Both plan options provide employees and family members with access to routine dental exams, x-rays, and cleanings for as little as $5 per visit, and employers have the convenience of enrolling online and receiving one monthly invoice for their medical and new dental/vision benefits," explained Brooklyn HealthWorks Executive Director Dean Mohs.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce launched HealthWorks for Brooklyn's businesses in April 2004, in partnership with GHI, an EmblemHealth company, and the New York State Department of Insurance.  The program, a private label Healthy NY plan, was created in response to Brooklyn Chamber Members' ongoing concerns about the lack of affordable health insurance.  Brooklyn HealthWorks' success can be measured not only by the addition of new dental and vision services and increased enrollments (since October 2007, the program has experienced a 427% jump in new member businesses from 123 to 525), but also the expansion of its employer-based model beyond Brooklyn's borders - a pilot project launched in Upstate New York earlier this year is modeled after HealthWorks. 

"We were always confident in the HealthWorks model," said Mr. Mohs.  "Although the vast majority of the uninsured work at small businesses, the low-cost nature of HealthWorks demonstrates these businesses will provide health benefits to their employees if affordable, quality options are available.  National health reform efforts in Washington need to incorporate this very important consideration."

For more information about Brooklyn HealthWorks, visit www.brooklynhealthworks.com or call Executive Director Dean Mohs at 718-943-3882.