National Alliance of State Health Cooperatives Hosts Representatives from CO-OPs, Health Care Experts at 2nd Annual Conference
Conference takes place two weeks after seven CO-OPs received initial loans from HHS
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The National Alliance of State Health Cooperatives (NASHCO) hosted its second annual conference at the Sphinx Club Ballroom in Washington, DC, bringing together nearly 150 health care experts, HHS officials, Congressional and White House staff, and representatives from recently-funded CO-OPs across the country. At least 27 CO-OP development groups from 32 states were in attendance at the conference. Last month, seven health care CO-OPs representing eight states received approximately $639 million in federal loans to help them provide a new form of health insurance in their respective states. Additional loan award announcements are expected in the next few weeks and throughout the year.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120309/SF67649)
"We've come a long way since last year," said John Morrison, President of NASHCO. "Seven CO-Ops have now received federal loans to develop high-quality, affordable, and consumer-focused health insurance plans. This year's conference again brings together top health care experts, CO-OP leaders, and government health officials to share best practices and ideas as CO-OPs continue to expand across the country prepare to launch in 2013 and 2014."
NASHCO negotiated a deal with the actuarial firm Milliman last year that played a key role in most of the applications that have been successful so far.
Morrison said NASHCO will continue to be "a resource for CO-OPs as they provide more choice and affordability in the health insurance market."
The Affordable Care Act designated $3.4 billion to CO-OPs in loans for start-up and capitalization expenses. A health care CO-OP will be governed and run by its members, who will form a majority of the board of directors. Unlike traditional insurance, however, any profits earned will be used to either lower premiums or to improve benefits.
Groups receiving loans in the first round of funding were:
Freelancers CO-OP of Oregon
New Mexico Health Connections
Montana Health Cooperative
Midwest Members Health (Iowa and Nebraska)
Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative (Wisconsin)
Freelancers CO-OP of New Jersey
Freelancers Health Service Corporation (New York)
Preference is given to applicants that demonstrate plans to operate in states with no other qualified applicants; use an integrated care model; use innovative reimbursement models; are able to accept enrollment applications by October 2013; have private support; and operate statewide over time. The second round of CO-OP applications were due on January 3, 2012.
NASHCO is a nonprofit corporation formed to promote the development and success of the health co-op movement. NASHCO is composed of dedicated teams of volunteers throughout the nation seeking to establish a new way of accessing care using the cooperative governance model. For more information, visit www.nashco.coop.
CONTACT: John Morrison, 406-442-3261 [email protected]
Lewis Lowe, 706-302-8404 [email protected]
SOURCE National Alliance of State Health Cooperatives
Share this article