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Chamber Health Plan · Indiana Small Business

Anthem Advantage 1 Health for Indiana small businesses

A chamber-based, self-funded MEWA that lets Indiana employers with 2–50 employees pool risk and buying power the way large groups do — with built-in stop loss protection, three network choices, and integrated medical and pharmacy coverage. Employee Benefit Solutions helps you decide whether it fits your group.

Request a quote Call EBS: (574) 255-3551

What is Advantage 1 Health?

Advantage 1 Health is a self-funded multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) offered exclusively through participating Indiana chambers of commerce. Small businesses join together to share risk and purchasing power, which opens the door to benefits usually reserved for larger employers.

Because the arrangement is governed by a board of trustees and treated as a Large Group plan, it carries fewer state and federal small-group requirements — and every plan includes built-in stop loss protection to guard against high-cost claims.

Who may be eligible?

  • Indiana-based businesses with 2 to 50 total employees
  • At least 2 employees enrolling in the medical plan
  • In good standing with a participating Indiana chamber of commerce
  • Meets the plan's participation and employer-contribution rules
We can tell you quickly whether your group is likely to qualify — before you spend time on a full quote.

Compare the three networks

Advantage 1 Health lets each employer pick the network that fits how their employees use care. All three run on the same integrated pharmacy benefit.

Comparison of Blue Access PPO, HealthSync POS, and HealthSync HMO networks
Feature Blue Access PPO HealthSync POS HealthSync HMO
Relative cost $$$ $$ $
Primary care provider Optional Required Required
Referral to see a specialist Optional Optional Optional
Pharmacy network RxChoice RxChoice RxChoice
Formulary Essential Rx Essential Rx Essential Rx
Out-of-network care Covered Covered at higher cost Emergencies only

Cost shown is relative across the three network types, not an actual premium. Final plan designs, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums vary. Ask us for the current plan grid.

What's included

Beyond the medical plan, Anthem builds in whole-health programs, integrated pharmacy, and digital care at no added cost.

Cost structure

Fixed, predictable monthly payments through your plan year, built-in stop loss protection, and MEWA buying power that can price below many ACA small-group options.

Whole-health programs

24/7 NurseLine, behavioral health and chronic-condition support, family and maternal health, healthcare navigation, and up to $500 in wellness rewards.

$0 or low-cost virtual care

24/7 video visits for common concerns through Anthem's Sydney Health app, plus scheduled virtual visits with therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

Integrated pharmacy

RxChoice covers 62,000+ pharmacies nationwide — including Costco, CVS, Kroger, Meijer, Sam's Club, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart — with home delivery for maintenance medications.

Broad provider access

Anthem's Blue Cross Blue Shield network reaches 2 million-plus doctors and hospitals, plus 450,000+ behavioral health providers including LiveHealth Online, Headway, and Talkspace.

Bundle and save

Adding Anthem dental and vision earns a medical premium discount through Whole Health Connection. Life and disability are available through The Standard.

Why employers consider it over ACA plans

  • Built-in stop loss protection against high-cost claims
  • Balanced funding — the stability of fully insured coverage with some advantages of self-funding, without taking on full claims risk
  • Enhanced buying power by aggregating employers under a MEWA structure
  • Potential tax advantages, since MEWA structures may avoid certain ACA-related taxes and fees
  • Easier year-over-year budgeting and improved cost predictability

Honest considerations

Advantage 1 Health is not the right fit for every group. It tends to work best for healthier, engaged groups that can meet the participation and contribution rules.

  • Chamber membership in good standing is required and billed separately
  • Participation and employer-contribution minimums apply
  • Final rates depend on Anthem underwriting and your group's risk profile
  • Like any medical plan, rates are level during your plan year but adjust at renewal based on your group's claims experience and demographics

How Employee Benefit Solutions helps

We're an independent Indiana brokerage. Our job is to tell you honestly whether Advantage 1 Health beats your alternatives — not to sell one product. We help you compare it against:

  • Traditional fully insured ACA small-group plans
  • Level-funded and other self-funded options
  • Medical-only versus bundled medical, dental, and vision
  • Other carriers and funding arrangements in the Indiana market
We'll walk through cost structure, provider access, participation and chamber requirements, and overall fit — then give you a straight recommendation.

Common questions

Is Advantage 1 Health fully insured?
No. It's a self-funded chamber-based MEWA governed by a board of trustees, not a traditional fully insured small-group plan. It's structured to combine much of the stability of fully insured coverage with select advantages of self-funding, without the employer taking on full claims risk.
What are the participation and contribution requirements?
At least 75% of net-eligible employees, 50% of total eligible employees, and a minimum of two employees must enroll. The employer must contribute at least 25% of the employee rate toward employee/dependent coverage and at least 50% toward employee-only coverage. If the employer pays 100% of the premium equivalent rate, then 100% of net-eligible employees must enroll.
Can we join mid-year, or only at renewal?
You can join at any time during the year. Plans generally renew in April based on your original effective date, but you don't have to wait for a specific enrollment window to start.
How are rates set, and do they change at renewal?
Your monthly premium equivalent rate is level during your plan year, and it covers expected claims, administrative expenses, taxes and assessments, and stop loss coverage. Like any medical plan, rates do adjust at renewal: the renewal is based on projected claims for the coming year across the plan, then set to your group's own risk profile, claims experience, and any changes in your demographics or enrollment. Pricing also reflects factors such as enrollee age, group size, location, and the benefits you choose.
Are there costs beyond the medical premium?
Yes. In addition to the monthly medical premium, you're billed for applicable product dues and must maintain membership in your participating chamber.
Can we cancel if it isn't working out?
Yes. You may terminate at the end of a calendar month during the policy period with at least 60 days' written notice. At renewal, written notice must be provided at least 30 days in advance.
We already have Anthem — will employees have to change doctors?
Often not. Advantage 1 Health offers HealthSync POS, HealthSync HMO, and Blue Access PPO networks, and in many cases employees can keep their current doctors at in-network levels. Members can verify coverage using Find Care on the Sydney Health app, on anthem.com, or by calling the number on their ID card.
Can we add dental, vision, life, or disability?
Yes. Dental and vision are available through Anthem, and bundling them with medical earns a premium discount through Whole Health Connection. Stand-alone life and disability can be contracted through The Standard.
Anthem Advantage 1 Health for Indiana small businesses
Anthem Advantage 1 Health overview and FAQ (PDF)

Download the Anthem overview & FAQ

Get the full plan overview, network details, and frequently asked questions in one PDF from Anthem.

Anthem Advantage 1 Health 2026 Medical and Specialty Benefit Charts (PDF)

Download the 2026 benefit charts

See detailed deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and prescription drug costs for every HealthSync POS, HealthSync HMO, and Blue Access PPO plan option.

See if Advantage 1 Health fits your business

Tell us a little about your group and we'll review eligibility, participation and chamber requirements, network fit, and how it compares to your current plan.

Request a quote Call EBS: (574) 255-3551

This page is provided by Employee Benefit Solutions, Inc., an independent insurance brokerage, for general educational purposes and is not a contract, an offer of coverage, or a guarantee of eligibility, rates, or savings. Advantage 1 Health is offered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield through participating Indiana chambers of commerce. Eligibility, rates, participation and contribution requirements, chamber participation, plan availability, coverage details, limitations, and exclusions are governed solely by the carrier and plan documents and are subject to underwriting and program rules. Program names and features referenced are trademarks of Anthem or its affiliates. Please consult an Employee Benefit Solutions advisor for details specific to your group, including requirements, coverage limitations, and exclusions. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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