ML Chamber hosts healthcare reform seminar, workshop for non-profits

MOSES LAKE - Basin employers can get an overview of how the health care reform will impact their business during a seminar sponsored by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, Desert Insurance Benefits and CliftonLarsonAllen.

"Health Care Reform and Your Business" is set for July 25. The seminar will be held at Big Bend Community College's ATEC building, 7662 Chanute St., from 12 to 5 p.m.

Chamber executive director Debbie Doran-Martinez said with the Affordable Care Act set to take effect in January, employers should learn about challenges and insights related to health care reform.

The seminar will give business owners an overview of current legislation and an understanding of the reporting requirements, she said.

The seminar costs $40 if participants register by July 15. The cost goes up to $50 after July 15. Lunch will be served during the seminar.

To register, visit the chamber's web site at www.moseslake.com.

Doran-Martinez said the seminar will feature several speakers including representatives from insurance carriers, the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange and CliftonLarsonAllen.

She said representatives from businesses of all sizes should attend the seminar to see how the Affordable Care Act will impact them.

While small businesses, or businesses with less than 50 employees, are not required to participate in reporting and providing insurance for their employees, they may choose too after learning more about the exchange, said Doran-Martinez.

"The exchange has been kind of a mystery, no one knew how it was going to work," she said. "Now the exchange in our state has been formed and they have a plan, different carriers have submitted products to offer on the exchange."

She said the Affordable Care Act is complex, and the seminar will give employers a basic understanding of what will change once it takes effect.

The chamber will also hold a workshop for non-profit groups in the area. Bill Burke, of Bill Burke Marketing, will lead the workshop designed to help non-profit groups successfully raise funds.

Burke currently does marketing work for Grant County and Moses Lake, said Doran-Martinez.

"He'll show participants how to come up with a fundraising plan and how to achieve those goals," she said.

The workshop will be held at the chamber office, located at 324 S. Pioneer Way, from 6 to 8 p.m. July 16.

The workshop is free. Participants are encouraged to register in advance because seating is limited, said Doran-Martinez.

For more information, or to register for the healthcare seminar or the non-profit workshop, call 509-765-7888.