CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting last Tuesday at Main Street Bar and Grill in Clearlake.

The membership, which is comprised of area professionals, heard a presentation by Gloria Flaherty, executive director of Lake Family Resource Center, regarding Covered California and its options for small business owners.

According to its Web site, www.coveredca.com , the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provides a number of ways for individuals and employers to help make healthcare coverage more affordable.

For individuals, financial assistance if available on a sliding scale with more support for those who earn less. Covered California provides access, information and resources for determining suitable health care plans.

Flaherty said business owners have the opportunity to seek policies through purchase groups consisting of other small businesses in the state.

“With Covered California you get put in a pool with all other business in California so you have access to better premiums,” Flaherty explained.

Flaherty said tax credits are available, too, and small businesses with less than 25 employees qualify for tax credits at the end of the year to help offset the cost of enrolling in health insurance.

Assistance for business owners and individuals in relation to Covered California is being provided at Lake Family Resource Center.

For more information, contact Beth Berinti, Affordable Care Act coordinator, at 707-279-0563; or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

In addition, health care enrollment event takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, March 24, at St. Helena Clear Lake Family Health Clinic on Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake.

Chamber Executive Director Joey Luiz provided the membership with a brief update concerning current chamber projects.

He said efforts are ongoing in bringing the chamber's annual luau fundraiser back this year, participation in the upcoming Farmers' Market season and introducing a steampunk event to the community in late October.

Luiz said software updates are in progress, which he said will assist in enhancing the chamber's mobile application abilities and its Web site.

“There are also programs to develop plans to up membership and revenues,” he said. “This is going to give us a technical edge.”

Member Leslie Walker extended an invitation to the Park Study Club's “Step into Spring,” wine tasting, art show and dance, to be held Saturday in Clearlake. For ticket information, call 707-350-0276.

The Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce meets the first Tuesday of the month. For membership information, call 707-994-3600.

Email Denise Rockenstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .