Health Savings Account Blog

The Belay program offers two affordable, direct-to-consumer health insurance plans, Belay 100 and Belay HSA 100. In Cleveland, costs for the new Belay plans range from $78 to $109 per month. In comparison, average COBRA premiums range from $200 to $500+ per month based on employer, insurer and plan selected, according to Benefits Administration Services, July 1, 2006 Bulletin.

In addition to offering an affordable solution, a key component of the pilot is getting the word out that there are alternatives to COBRA or just doing without health insurance. A multi-faceted outreach campaign, including radio, print and online advertising, was launched this week at a rock-climbing-themed event.

In rock climbing, “belay” refers to the practice of controlling the rope fed to a climber to prevent a fall; the rope system provides needed security to ensure the climber’s safety. United Healthcare’s Belay health plans offer individuals similar security, protecting them from potential financial setbacks that can result from unexpected and emergency health issues such as a knee injury, cancer or a heart attack. A cancer diagnosis can cost nearly $50,000 for treatment excluding surgery costs, while 12 months of post-heart attack care can set someone back $26,000, according to Symmetry Health Data Systems, National ETG Benchmarks, 2006.

“The Belay plans are affordable and simple health insurance options to cover individuals in the event of major and unexpected health crises, providing Cleveland’s uninsured workers with an answer to their health insurance concerns,” said Lisa Chapman-Smith, executive director, United Healthcare. “Too often, people believe that COBRA provides the only alternative to personal coverage and that individual health plans are financially out-of-reach or are too complicated to access. United Healthcare’s Belay plans are an affordable, hassle-free alternative that can help secure the financial and personal well-being of uninsured workers.”

The Belay program products, Belay 100 and Belay HSA 100, are similar in many respects: both feature low monthly premiums, cover policyholders in the case of major medical emergencies and offer basic preventive coverage. Belay 100 is a high-deductible plan, which benefits individuals who just want coverage for unexpected illnesses or accidents. Belay HSA 100 is similar but also offers a Health Savings Account (HSA), which is a tax-favored savings account created for the purpose of paying medical expenses. Contributions to HSA accounts are 100 percent deductible; withdrawals are not taxed; and interest earnings are tax free; if used to pay for qualified medical expenses. Both health plans are underwritten by Golden Rule, a United Healthcare company, and are available direct-to-consumers through an easy application process.

Rock Climbing Kick-off

On Nov. 14, world-renowned speed climber and three-time X-Games gold medal winner, Hans Florine, demonstrated the importance of being “on belay,” or secured, in rock climbing at a live performance at the Tower City Shopping Center. Hans Florine was joined by Project Bandaloop, an artistic performance group, to perform on climbing ropes suspended from the atrium ceiling, four stories high. The launch event also featured guerilla marketing teams – dressed in rock-climbing gear – that spread the word about Belay that day and across Cleveland in the coming weeks at sports restaurants, near home improvement stores and other venues.