The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) has launched a new benefits program for its members, following its search for an option to reduce members' costs for health care and ancillary services
. The new program will be managed by Association Benefit Resources.

"One of the biggest challenges many of our members face is finding reliable, cost-effective health insurance for themselves and their employees," said Joel Dandrea, SC&RA executive vice president. "For many of our members, this program offers substantial savings on important products and services that ultimately can help them attract and retain key employees."

The medical plan is insured and administered by United Healthcare Insurance Company (UHC). While UHC insures more than half of the Fortune 500 companies, it also offers the same high level of insurance to small- and medium-sized employers.

UHC provides access to about 98 percent of the U.S. population, with 606,000 physicians and health care professionals, 5,015 hospitals, 65,000 pharmacies, 77,000 dental providers and 25,471 vision-care providers.

For SC&RA plan members, the program will also include a 25 percent discount for ADP Payroll and HR Technology and Consulting services; 5 percent premium discount on UHC medical, dental and vision plans after final underwriting for new UHC member companies; and significant value point pricing for packaged pricing of dental, vision, life and disability plans. The program also includes preferred value point premium pricing consideration for current United Healthcare members for medical, dental and vision plans. Preferred premium discounts up to 10 percent and simplified underwriting for disability, life and voluntary benefit programs are also available. There will be no cost for pre-tax premium plans, Cobra, and Flex plans for groups of 20 to 99 employees, and the plan includes discount pricing for Health Savings Account, Health Reimbursement Account and Flexible Spending Account administration. Members are also eligible for access to members' local brokers following UHC review and satisfying program criteria.

For more information, visit www.scrahealthplan.com.