Healthcare Reform (PPACA) allowed for the creation of Cooperative Health Plans. 2.4 Billion dollars in tax-payer loans were used to help fund non-profit co-op health plans to compete with for profit health insurers.
24 co-operative health plans were established throughout the US and to date most are fledgling.
The good news for consumers in NH and ME, there is only one co-operative insurer that is profitable - that is Community Health Options. (Community Health Options recently re-branded -formerly known as Maine Community Health Options).
Today, Community Health Options is thriving in NH and ME. Offering attractive features like no Primary Care Doctor Referrals, a nationwide network of providers, and a special program to reduce out of pocket costs for people with chronic conditions Community Health Options has seen continued growth in Maine and a nice expansion into NH.
See some interesting statistics about Community Health Options below:
- 2014- When competing with a single insurer in Maine (Anthem) Maine Community Health Options enrolled 83% of members who applied for coverage on the ME individual exchange.
- 2014- Posted $5.9 Million Profit
- 2015- Community Health Options entered the NH Individual and Small Business Market
- 2015- Enrolled 10% of applicants in the NH Individual Marketplace when competing with 4 insurers
While it is clear that the cooperative health insurance model has not worked in other markets, we are thrilled that Community Health Options is successful offering individuals and businesses in NH and ME a new fresh alternative.
Please see a some great articles about Cooperative Health Plans and Community Health Options:
Health law's nonprofit insurance co-ops awash in red ink by Associated Press Reporter Ricardo Alonzo-Zaldivar
Maine health insurance co-op is only one of its kind to earn profit last year, Portland Press Herald
Please call us for a Maine Community Health Options Quote or click QUOTE Maine Community Health Options NH HEALTH INSURANCE.
Steve Donohue is a health insurance broker with Atlantic Insurance and Benefit Company, serving employers and individuals throughout the northeast.