Brooklyn's Progress
April/May 2008

BY JILL D’AMICO

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce joined New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn today, Feb. 28, to call for the expansion of the Chamber’s low-cost health insurance product, Brooklyn HealthWorks.

Brooklyn Chamber President and CEO Carl Hum and Brooklyn HealthWorks Executive Director Dean Mohs stood alongside Speaker Quinn, local officials and business leaders at La Boina Roja Steakhouse in Jackson Heights to call for an allotment of $4.9 million in the upcoming budget to begin the expansion.

The Queens and Manhattan Chambers of Commerce have expressed interest in working to administer the insurance program in their respective boroughs, with hopes that the program would eventually expand to all five boroughs.

“The Brooklyn Chamber is excited to work with Speaker Quinn to expand the HealthWorks program,” said Mr. Hum. “Affordable health insurance allows small businesses to grow and remain sustainable and in Brooklyn the program continues to be an asset. I am sure Queens and Manhattan business owners will find the program equally beneficial.”

Speaker Quinn stressed that the city’s small businesses need affordable health insurance.

“We didn’t need to create a new model,” said Speaker Quinn. “There already is one – Brooklyn HealthWorks is a great program, and we are calling for an expansion into Queens and Manhattan.”

Speaker Quinn said the expansion could cover 4,500 lives.

“We are mindful that it is a tough ask,” said Speaker Quinn. “It’s a bad time, but it’s exactly the right time,” she urged, citing the need to help small businesses keep their employees healthy and happy, especially in a time of economic uncertainty.

“It is money well spent,” she added.

“The HealthWorks team is excited to bring the Brooklyn Chamber’s affordable health plan and exceptional customer service to the businesses of Queens and Manhattan,” said Mr. Mohs. “It is a pivotal time for small businesses in New York City, and it is now that we should be making health insurance an attainable goal. Employees will be healthier, happier, and more productive, and small businesses will thrive if we succeed in making this happen.”

Jason Richelson, a Brooklyn HealthWorks member and co-owner of the Greene Grape, a wine shop, was on hand to show his support.

“I’m very happy with the program,” he said. In addition to his Fort Greene shop, he also has a store in Manhattan, where he noted that his health insurance costs are double what they are in Brooklyn, due to HealthWorks. 

For more information, call Dean Mohs, executive director of Brooklyn HealthWorks at 718-875-1000 ext. 122, or e-mail dmohs@brooklynchamber.com.