Getting health insurance is often an expensive proposition, especially for small businesses.

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce recently started offering a new plan for businesses with two to 50 employees.

Winchester-Clark County Executive Director Cindy Banks said local chamber members are eligible for the insurance, as the local chamber is a member of the state organization.

“The best thing is you only have to have two eligible employees,” she said. “I have 350 members. Over 82 percent of those members have one to 10 employees.”

Banks said the program is less than six months old, and already has a pool of about 10,000 people participating.

According to information from the state chamber, ChamberAdvantage is a partnership between the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. The program in self-funded, and includes options for dental, vision, life and disability insurance as well.

Premiums are determined on a number of factors including the employees’ medical history, number of enrolled employees and what benefits are offered.

Participating businesses must be based in Kentucky and be members in good standing of the state or local participating chamber.

Banks said the local chamber receives nothing from participating with the state chamber and offering the insurance.

It has sparked new interest in joining the local chamber, she said.

“I bet I’ve gotten seven new member packets in just so they can get the insurance,” she said. “You have to be a member of the chamber to get it.”