Professional eBay auctioneers get healthcare

NEWS Online auction house eBay has launched a program to help people who make their living selling goods on the company's website obtain healthcare cover. eBay had announced plans last year to make a plan available to its "power sellers" - people who average at least $1,000 in sales per month. eBay currently has between 35,000 and 40,000 power sellers, according to spokesman Kevin Pursglove. The plan was put on hold in October, when eBay had trouble finding an insurance company willing to create a plan to cover the sellers. Because power sellers include both individuals and businesses, they are "not a traditional group as defined by healthcare providers," eBay said then. But eBay said it is finally able to set up plans for major medical, dental and pharmaceutical coverage by working with Marsh Advantage America. Several insurance companies are providing services, but Marsh essentially acts as a broker connecting the power sellers to the companies, eBay's Pursglove said, adding that eBay will not incur any costs beyond minor administrative ones. Prices and availability for coverage vary depending on characteristics of the sellers and their location, Pursglove said. Margaret Kane writes for News.com