A major concern for small businesses and their employees is the rising cost of health insurance. Open enrollment is here and we know that businesses are looking into these costs for 2026.

After years of advocating and working very hard for the past year, we’re excited to share that the Burke County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the NC Chamber and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, now offers Carolina HealthWorks — a new health insurance option designed specifically for small businesses with 2–50 employees.

Through this program, small businesses across the state can join together under a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA), potentially unlocking significant savings on annual healthcare costs.

How to get started:

• If your business already has a Blue Cross NC policy, contact your insurance broker for a quote.
• If you don’t currently have Blue Cross NC coverage, reach out to one of our local Chamber member insurance agents who can help you explore options.

To learn more, visit NC Chamber’s Carolina HealthWorks Website and watch for updates on our social media channels as more details roll out.

We’re always looking for ways to bring more value to your Chamber membership, and this new benefit is another example of how we’re working to support you and your employees.

Tonia Stepheson, CCE
President & CEO
Burke County Chamber of Commerce