NATA Partners with Benu for Member Health Benefits; Becomes First Trade Group in OR to Offer Multi-Carrier Health Plan Choices to Members

PORTLAND, Ore.--Aug. 29, 2006--When the Northwest Automotive Trade Association (NATA) learned that renewal rates for one of its carrier's plans would increase by 25 percent it was determined to find alternatives. NATA wanted to find a way to not only hold down premiums for current members, but to provide alternatives for newer members joining the organization who wanted less comprehensive plans.

That's when insurance broker JBL&K Risk Services introduced NATA to Benu and its multi-carrier health plan solution. Benu is a health benefits integrator serving Oregon and Southern Washington. Through its association with Health Net and Kaiser Permanente, Benu is offering NATA members a choice of each carrier's PPO and HMO health plans for the first time. This will lower premiums for employer members; their employees will gain more plan options and greater value; and both carriers will be compensated equitably through Benu's proprietary premium re-allocation method.

"We are committed to serving our members. And we know our members value their employees and are looking for the best benefits," said Barbara Crest, NATA executive director. "But when rates go up for those benefits members think NATA isn't doing its job. I realized we could make a difference by bringing in Benu. We are pleased to be able to offer a choice between an HMO or PPO from different carriers to each employee of each firm. Indeed, we now have the right rates and choices for our members."

"Historically, small and mid-sized businesses have not been able to enjoy the same choice of health benefits as larger companies because insurers will not compete for a smaller group of employees," said Tim Kussie, vice president of Benu's West region. "Through Benu's agreement with NATA, we are offering a choice of health plans for a trade association's small business members and bringing them affordable premium rates so participants can realize a true cost savings."

Health Benefits Top Priority

NATA is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year marked by its most recent merger with Oregon Automotive Parts Association (OAPA) and it has added many new members to the association. Today NATA maintains a membership of 650 businesses in 1,000 locations throughout Oregon, with a range of two to 100 employees per business.

Among its many benefits, NATA is one of few trade organizations to offer a comprehensive PPO health plan to all members, including dental and medical coverage. But with a single plan comes continual rate increases.

Following the merger with OAPA, NATA conducted a survey to understand the top priorities of its diverse membership. Affordable health benefits for employees and their families topped the list. Moreover, younger members joining the organization who did not have the same coverage needs as older members were asking for less expensive HMO plans.

Why Small Companies Pay More

Smaller companies don't have the purchasing power of an association and are forced to either pass on more costs to their employees or phase out health benefits altogether. NATA too was limited to offering one plan to members with rates continuing to rise and members dropping their plans. Following the most recent rate hike, NATA decided to research a more affordable solution.

"Our members can no longer afford to pay for benefits for their employees and dependents," added Crest. "I kept thinking there has to be a better plan, a better choice for our members. The merger with OAPA gave us the incentive to re-invigorate our benefits program and that led to our discovering Benu. Other companies would be smart to take a look at the Benu option."

Through JBL&K, NATA forged an agreement with Benu. Its unique solution allows two carriers to compete fairly for the employees of a small company while, in many cases, lowering rates for plan participants. Starting November 1, NATA members will get to choose between different PPO and HMO options from Health Net and Kaiser Permanente. In addition, the new health plans will be administered by Benu, so regardless of which plan its employees choose, the NATA employer member receives just one bill.

About NATA

In 1914, ten automotive aftermarket entrepreneurs banded together to create an organization designed to strengthen their businesses without interfering with each other's competitive independence. Like the automobile, Northwest Automotive Trades Association has changed dramatically over the years. Now our members are collision, repair, and transmission shops, auto dealers, auto recyclers, parts and shop supplies, tire sellers and installers, and tow operators. NATA continues to support the automotive industry and its members through education, representation, and excellent member benefits.

About Benu Inc.

Benu Inc. provides midsize employers (51 or more employees) with affordable health plan choices, serving the Northwest and Mid-Atlantic states. Working with leading regional and national health carriers, Benu offers a large physician network and benefit choices typically only offered in larger companies. Using a proprietary premium reallocation model, Benu delivers a stable, long-term solution. For more information on Benu call (800) 630-2368 or visit www.benu.com.