MEHIP is sponsored by the office of State Comptroller Nancy Wyman. It is administered by Stirling Benefits, Inc., which is responsible for sales, marketing, enrollment, billing and all customer service issues.
MEHIP was legislated in July 1, 1996 to help cities and towns provide health coverage for municipal employees. The plan requires no additional state funding, as all costs are paid through members’ premiums.
In recent years, Comptroller Wyman secured legislation to open MEHIP to nonprofit organizations and community action agencies. A bill proposed by the Comptroller in 2003 allowed MEHIP to be offered to small businesses of between one and 50 employees, formally known as Commercial Small Group (CSG) employers.
Effective January 1, 2010 MEHIP will offer non-profit and community action agencies a suite of Consumer Directed Health Plans (CDHP) including Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) options.
MEHIP attempts to reduce premiums for enrolled small businesses by allowing the state to pass on savings gained through administrative efficiency. These savings are possible, in part, because the marketing and billing structure for the program already exists, and MEHIP does not use expensive advertising. Groups under 50 lives may also recieve premium savings since rates are based on average age and not age-banded.
MEHIP is a unique program that allows each employer to choose coverage from one of two major carriers:
  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Oxford Health Plans (A United Healthcare Company)
Although similar in format, the Commercial Small Group plan will offer slightly different benefit options than the plans availabe to municipal and non-profit entities.
MEHIP/ 20 Armory Lane, Milford, CT 06460 203-647-0601
© 2009 Stirling Benefits, Inc.