In this episode of Business LO, hosted by the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce, we explore the Bend Chamber of Commerce Health Benefits Program offered to chamber members in Oregon. Executive Coach and Leadership Advocate Heather Graves Ramsey from Coach to Brilliance discusses the program with Dennis Warneke, Senior VP at Risk Strategies Benefit Design Group, along with Chamber CEO Liz Hartman. They detail how small businesses can leverage group health insurance plans through Providence Health Plan and Delta Dental to provide valuable health benefits to employees. Additionally, the discussion covers specific eligibility criteria, plan benefits, and the importance of healthcare in employee retention. The episode also includes updates on local business events and available sponsorship opportunities.
The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce has provided group health insurance that is administered through the Bend Chamber, but available to all Chambers (and chamber members) in the state of Oregon. The group plan is through Providence Health Plan.
Lake Oswego local chamber member Dennis Warneke with Risk Strategies – Benefit Design Group – can help you navigate whether this program will work for you and your employees. Call Dennis at 503-699-1933 or 503-816-1313 for more information or email [email protected]. Offices are located at 7140 SW Fir Loop, Suite 130 (Portland/Tigard area).
The plan provider is Providence Health Plan.
Rates are based on your group’s demographics, the plan design selected, and the percentage of employer contribution. Some of the underwriting guidelines you’ll need to consider:
Groups written shall be members in good standing with the Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce
Plans are available to groups of two or more with a minimum of 2 enrolled (family-only plans not available)
There must be at least 1 common law/payrolled employee enrolling
Employer must contribute a minimum of 50% of the employee’s premium
Employers may set eligibility between 17.5 and 40 hours per week
Risk Strategies Benefit Design Group – Dennis Warneke - 503-816-1313
Bend Chamber of Commerce - Chamber Health Insurance » Bend Chamber of Commerce
Oregon State Chamber of Commerce - Home - Oregon State Chamber of Commerce, OR
Providence Health Plan - Providence Health Plan | Health For All
OHSU Health Plan - Oregon Health Plan Members | OHSU
Thank you, Regence Blue Cross, sponsor of the 2025 LO Chamber Wellness Fair.
Ribbon Cuttings
Pickleball Kingdom – Saturday, September 6, 11 am, open house 11-3 pm,
The Farrell Group at RATE – Friday, September 12, 4 pm ribbon cutting / 4-6 pm reception – Julie Farrell
Visiting Angels – Tuesday, September 16, 4-6 pm reception, 4 pm ribbon cutting - 3 Centerpointe Drive
Saturday, October 4 – Lake Oswego Wine Walk –Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce | Downtown Lake Oswego Wine Walk
Wellness Fair, 2-5 pm – TITLE SPONSOR – Blue Cross Blue Shield, Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield - Regence: The most trusted name in health insurance
February Community Awards event – sponsor now, call 503-636-3634 – Title Sponsor Columbia Bank - Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce | Community Recognition Awards
NEWSLETTER – comes out Tuesdays, 2 pm – Send your info to [email protected]
Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce Website
Visit us at 148 "B" Avenue Lake Oswego, OR 97034
We offer a wide range of membership tiers and benefits, so browse through our options on our website and pick the one that’s right for your business or organization.
Questions? Call 503-636-3634
For help with your own Podcast Show contact Michelle O’Dell, Modcast Productions [email protected]