DENVER and RENO, Nev., Nov. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) and EMPLOYERS(R), America's small business insurance specialist(R), have joined forces to provide Colorado's small businesses a simplified approach to purchasing Anthem group health and EMPLOYERS' workers' compensation insurance through the Integrated MediComp(SM) program. The Integrated MediComp program offers small businesses a five percent discount on workers' compensation premiums with a combined bill for group health premiums to help eliminate confusion, unnecessary expense and inconvenience associated with separately managing multiple insurance policies.

Colorado state law requires businesses to carry workers' compensation insurance, and health insurance coverage is necessary for most businesses to remain competitive in today's global economy. Not only does workers' compensation insurance play a critical role in helping protect businesses and their most valuable assets - their employees, it is also considered a real business cost much like state and federal taxes. Anthem and EMPLOYERS have joined to offer small businesses Integrated MediComp to simplify the billing process and provide an opportunity to save money, while ensuring their employees have access to both the excellent health care coverage from Anthem and the exceptional workers' compensation coverage from EMPLOYERS.

"Small business owners must perform many roles in order to successfully run their businesses and today's fast-changing business and regulatory landscape only further complicates their lives," said David Quezada, senior vice president, general manager, Strategic Partnerships & Alliances, EMPLOYERS. "Together with Anthem, we're committed to making it easier for small businesses to protect their people and their companies so they can focus more energy on driving innovation and growth. With a proven 15-year track record of successfully providing Integrated MediComp to California small businesses, we are pleased to expand the offering to Colorado's small businesses."

Certain small businesses in Colorado with up to 50 employees may be eligible to take advantage of the Integrated MediComp program. The program includes access to the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield group health and non-occupational illness or injury coverage, along with access to EMPLOYERS' workers' compensation coverage, including medical coverage, temporary disability, permanent disability, and death benefits related to work-related illnesses or injuries.

For more information about Integrated MediComp, Colorado small businesses should contact EMPLOYERS at 1-800-464-0556. They also can learn more by contacting their local independent insurance agent.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. (R)ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado is available at www.anthem.com.

About Employers Holdings, Inc.

Employers Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EIG) is a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty providers of workers' compensation insurance and services focused on select small businesses engaged in low-to-medium hazard industries. The company, through its subsidiaries, operates in Colorado. Insurance is offered by Employers Compensation Insurance Company, rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Additional information can be found at: http://www.employers.com.

Copyright© 2010 EMPLOYERS. All rights reserved. EMPLOYERS(R) and America's small business insurance specialist.(R) are registered trademarks of Employers Insurance Company of Nevada.

SOURCE Employers Holdings, Inc.