Small businesses in Colorado have something to look forward to, lower health insurance premiums.

A new plan was unveiled this week in Colorado Springs for businesses that have fewer than 99-employees.

It's a plan that was created by the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, Humana Health Insurance and local hospitals.

Rob Scheele who is Humana's Small Group Sales Director says, it took them two years to iron out all the details, but he says they've come up with a plan that will save small businesses money in the long run.

The plan is only available for businesses that are Chamber of Commerce Members.

More than half of all businesses in Colorado are small businesses, and with rising health care costs those business owners are saying that they're struggling.

The first business in Colorado Springs to sign up for the opportunity for lower health insurance rates is the Dublin Animal Hospital.

The owner Marcus Roeder says he has 15-hourly employees, 4-doctors and he says he absorbs 80% of their insurance costs.

"Health insurance for our staff is always a struggle," said Roeder.

Roeder says he is hopeful his new plan will save him big bucks down the road.

Insurance companies and hospitals say they still have a long way to go, but they say this is a baby step in the right direction.

"The costs are still very high for health insurance overall," said Scheele.

"I'm a big believer as far as employers providing health insurance when possible to their employees," said Roeder.

To find out if your small business is right for this plan contact the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, Polly Welden, at 719-575-4371
or contact Humana at (303) 694-1044 or (800) 825-7496.