We are pleased to share that the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Employers’ Coalition for Healthcare, Inc. (ECHI) and the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce to participate in the ECHI Health Program powered by the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce, a new health benefits solution designed exclusively for chamber members. This Program launches with October 1, 2025 effective dates, and brings with it significant savings and flexibility for small to mid-sized employers. Your membership with the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce gives you exclusive access to the program, offering UHC’s Level-Funded health plan with significant savings and flexibility. Highlights include:

• Exclusive 5% Chamber Discount – groups quoted through the ECHI Health Program receive a 5% discount below UHC’s base rates, with savings increasing up to 10% when dental and vision are bundled.

• Eligibility – groups of 2+ employees may qualify, with underwriting determining final rates. 

• Significant Savings – healthy groups can achieve double-digit discounts compared to fully insured ACA rates. 

• Shared Savings – employers with good performance over the course of the plan year can receive 50% of unused claim dollars back.

• Flexibility – access to over 100 plan design options, from lean HSA-compatible plans to richer copay models, all with UHC’s broad national network. 

The Program delivers chamber members UnitedHealthcare’s lowest-cost health plan option currently available in Illinois while maintaining strong benefits and expansive provider access. More information and enrollment details will be shared soon. In the meantime, please reach out to your broker, agent, or benefits advisor for additional guidance.

Ancillary Benefits Option: In addition to medical coverage, members also have access to an exclusive ancillary benefits platform through Companion Life. This program uses a defined contribution model (starting as low as $25 per employee per month) that allows employers to set a fixed budget while giving employees the freedom to choose from a menu of guarantee-issue benefits – including dental, vision, life, disability, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity. All products come with a three-year rate guarantee and are integrated into a single, streamlined enrollment and billing platform. Please work with your broker or benefit advisor to learn more.