CANTON -- While the federal government is busy worrying about health care, about insurance plans, about “public options,” the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce has been working steadily behind the scenes to expand its well-established health insurance program in order to provide members with many choices from multiple reliable carriers.

“In 2011,” said Executive Director Pat McKeown, “the Chamber will continue to offer health, dental and vision plans. With these plans we are certain that we can fulfill all our members’ health insurance needs.”

In addition, the Chamber is offering New York Statutory Disability Insurance for employers at the lowest rates available and continued help sorting through both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Options.

Open enrollment ends on Dec. 31, 2010. Representatives from the Chamber, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and MVP will hold informational and enrollment sessions at the following places:

• Gouverneur, Mullin’s Restaurant, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 6-8 p.m

• Ogdensburg, Dobisky Center, Tuesday, Nov. 23, 6-8 p.m.

• Massena, Massena Chamber of Commerce, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 6-8 p.m.

• Potsdam, Potsdam Chamber of Commerce, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 6-8 p.m.

• Canton, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 10-noon and 1-8 p.m.

Take advantage of these sessions to get your up-to-date information on all plans offered, your questions answered and assistance with filling out any paperwork required.

Enrollment in chamber health insurance plans is limited to members of the county chamber and/or members of participating local chambers: Canton, Gouverneur, Massena, Morristown, Ogdensburg, Potsdam, Tri-Town and Waddington.

To learn how to become a member of the county chamber, contact Jo Ann or Sue at 386-4000.

“It is the chamber’s goal to save all our businesses money at this challenging time,” said McKeown. “Everyone is worried about health care costs and we have tried, to the best of our ability, to reduce costs and expand coverage while never cutting back on the excellent service we offer.”

For more information on the chamber’s insurance program, contact Suzanne at the chamber, 386-4000 or 386-2107, or by email at scasaday@stlawrencecountychamber.org.