NRECA and UnitedHealthcare Partner to Provide Member Electric Cooperatives with Access to Quality, Affordable Health Care Services

ARLINGTON, Va., Dec. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the trade association for the nation's more than 900 electric cooperatives, announced today that it will offer its members access to UnitedHealthcare's Preferred Provider Network and other administrative services effective January 2014. UnitedHealthcare contracts directly with more than 650,000 physicians and care professionals and 5,000 hospitals nationwide.

"Our focus is on improving the quality of life of the people we serve," said Glenn English, NRECA's CEO. "This agreement enhances that purpose by ensuring that our member cooperatives, regardless of their size or location, have access to comprehensive, flexible and affordable health care and insurance programs for their employees, families, and retirees."

"I am confident this arrangement with UnitedHealthcare will provide NRECA members with greater predictability in price and quality of services, which is increasingly important in these days of uncertainty in the marketplace," English continued.

Peter Baxter, SVP Insurance and Financial Services for NRECA, noted: "We are excited about this new relationship with UnitedHealthcare because it expands access to network services and discounts for our members nationwide, significantly improving the overall affordability of our program."

"UnitedHealthcare is honored to provide NRECA's members with innovative, quality and affordable health care services wherever they live," said Jeff Alter, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual. "We are committed to supporting and enhancing their health and well-being with resources that are tailored to the distinctive needs of communities across the country."

About NRECA

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association is the national service organization that represents the nation's more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives, which provide service to 42 million people in 47 states. 

Contact: Tracy Warren (703) 907-5746

SOURCE National Rural Electric Cooperative Association