Anthem Expands MEWA Offerings in Indiana with One Southern Indiana — Elevance Health, Inc.

Event summary

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana has launched the Advantage 1 Health program, a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA), in partnership with One Southern Indiana (1si) to lower health coverage costs for small businesses.
The program is available exclusively to members of 1si and participating local chambers of commerce across Indiana.
Advantage 1 Health offers up to 40% savings on health benefit costs for businesses with 2–50 employees, with flexible plan options designed to meet the needs of both employers and employees.
The program leverages Anthem’s 80 years of experience supporting Indiana employers and its strong relationships with Indiana care providers.

The big picture

This strategic move by Anthem underscores the growing trend of insurers partnering with local chambers of commerce to address the rising healthcare costs faced by small businesses. By leveraging its established provider networks and administrative expertise, Anthem aims to create a scalable model that could be replicated in other regions. The partnership also highlights the increasing importance of MEWAs as a tool for cost stabilization and benefit consolidation in the small business sector.

What we're watching

Program Adoption: The pace at which small businesses in Indiana will adopt the Advantage 1 Health program, given its potential cost savings and flexible plan options.
Cost Sustainability: Whether Anthem can sustain the up to 40% savings for employers while maintaining high-quality health benefits.
Market Expansion: How this partnership could influence similar MEWA programs in other states, given Anthem’s extensive experience and network.