Small businesses. Big advantages.
For more than 85 years, Kansas City businesses have relied on Blue KC for dependable, affordable healthcare solutions. As businesses grow, they need benefits that control costs, simplify administration, and support employee well‑being. In response, Blue KC is introducing a series of enhancements designed to strengthen affordability, expand access to high‑value care and deliver clearer insights that make managing healthcare easier and more strategic for employers of all sizes.
1. Turning utilization into opportunity
Starting in April, Blue KC will offer BlueSelect Plus opportunity reporting and Spira Care heat maps for groups with 50+ enrolled employees. These tools reveal how employees already use BlueSelect Plus providers and show where Spira Care Centers align with employee population density. Employers can identify savings opportunities, guide employees toward lower cost options and transition to new plans with minimal or no disruption.
2. Faster quotes. Smoother starts.
Beginning with June effective dates, CURV underwriting expands to groups with 5-9 enrolled employees, eliminating individual health applications for these employers. This creates a faster, easier quoting process by reducing administrative time and simplifying onboarding.
3. More insight. More leverage.
Also starting in June, your broker will receive expanded claims experience reporting for level funded ASO plans with 50+ enrolled employees. This enhanced visibility helps businesses understand cost and utilization trends, improve pricing and make more confident budget decisions – keeping level funded ASO plans flexible, competitive and supportive of long‑term growth.
4. Big value for the smallest groups
Beginning in September, employers with as few as two enrolled employees can offer level funded ASO plans. This gives small businesses predictable monthly costs, potential savings and access to quarterly reporting – offering more control than traditional ACA plans. (Applications are still required for groups with 2-4 employees.)
5. Clarity that drives smarter choices
This September, rate updates will reflect the expected widening rate spread between Preferred-Care Blue and BlueSelect Plus products. The growing gap makes BlueSelect Plus a more attractive choice for employers focused on cost control, offering strong local access to care at a more affordable price.
6. More access to the care members love
Beginning with January 2027 renewals, all BlueSelect Plus members will gain access to Spira Care Centers. This integration combines two key advantages of Blue KC – a high-value network and an outstanding primary care experience. Expanded Spira Care access provides members timely appointments, preventive care, sick care, behavioral health support and more at little to no extra cost. This enhancement helps boost employee satisfaction and improves long-term health outcomes, elevating the value of the BlueSelect Plus network.
Contact your broker or Blue KC representative for more information. If you’d like a printable version of this information, download this flyer.
