Businesses throughout the Seattle area are struggling with the economic downturn coupled with significant health insurance cost increases. This is especially felt in the Seattle industrial business district of SODO.

The “South of Downtown” corridor of 2,000 businesses employs about 50,000 people.

Health insurance carriers have fueled the problem through significant increases in their rates after relatively stable rate increases the past several years. In response, most companies have either bitten the rate increase bullet or moved their plan to higher deductible and co-pay options.

But now there is an alternative health plan developed and offered by the SODO Business Association. The new program of employee benefit health coverages is called SODOcare and is offered through Bremerton-based KPS Health Plans. It is for the exclusive use of the SODO Business Association members. SODOcare is underwritten by KPS and includes a full range of medical, vision, and dental plans.

Orca Bay Benefits has been chosen by the SODO Business Association as its endorsed insurance broker for SODOcare.

Interested employers in the SODO business area can learn more about SODOcare by contacting Steve Roberts at (206) 275-3260 or sroberts@orcaybenefits.com.