Local health cooperative moves forward
For more information
Contact one of the participating chambers of commerce or visit www.healthycommunitiescoop.org.
JANESVILLE — A new health insurance co-operative formed to address the high cost and low availability of health insurance for small business owners will start offering coverage Jan. 1.
The Healthy Communities Cooperative, comprising chambers of commerce from six southern Wisconsin counties, has named WPS Health Insurance as its partner.
Chambers of commerce in Rock, Walworth, Green, Jefferson, Dane and Dodge counties formed the co-op to deliver high quality, affordable health care to participating companies.
The co-op is an independent corporation run by a board of directors elected from the participating communities. It became possible when Wisconsin passed a landmark co-op care law that allows cooperatives to bargain for adequate, cost-effective health insurance for agricultural producers and small businesses.
"We're excited that WPS has stepped up to offer our members innovative health and wellness plans that will give even small businesses preferred insurance rates and wellness programs not available in the traditional market," said co-op president Jacki Seversen of Schwartz & Shea Insurance in Janesville.
Seversen said WPS will provide its full portfolio, including health savings account-compatible high deductible health insurance plans and traditional preferred provider plans. A wellness program addresses one of the primary principles of the cooperative, to help employees identify risk factors and health issues, educate and help motivate individuals to make healthier choices.
"If you're not a company that's willing to buy into the wellness component, we don't want you," Seversen said.
Wellness is a critical component of the program, Seversen said. Too often, she said, small business owners get slapped with huge premium increases without the opportunity to understand them or do anything to lower them.
Starting with a health risk assessment, those insured by the plan will play an active role in keeping their health insurance rates under control by participating in the wellness program, she said. The goal is to identify lifestyle choices that help people improve their health.
The program coordinates existing community programs, resources and activities, along with education on proper diet and exercise, to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce future claims.
Membership is open to any member of one of the 10 participating chambers of commerce, including Beloit, Brodhead, Delavan, East Troy, Evansville, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Milton, Monroe and Whitewater.
Informational meetings will take place this summer in individual communities, with applications accepted this fall, along with regional health fairs to conduct health risk assessments and provide resources for engaging employees in wellness.
Jun 16, 2009 at 1:20 p.m.
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http://www.singlepayeraction.org/about.h...
Jun 16, 2009 at 12:51 p.m.
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PanamaRed... While I appreciate your concerns, I didn't see any solutions offered. I think we all know there is a problem. But the question is, what's the solution? This cooperative is trying to offer something to the small employers that they currently don't have access to. It's at least a step in the right direction. No one is claiming that it's the ultimate solution.
As an agent who earns a living off commissions, I assure you that I do a LOT more than "field our calls when we have questions regarding our policy". One of the biggest problems with health care is that people don't understand how it works. Too many times, people that haven't been properly educated end up spending far more than if they had a resource to assist them. No, we don't make anyone healthier by direct care, but we do show them how to properly get that care in the most economical way.
Kudos to Healthy Communities Cooperative for providing an option. This has been a huge undertaking for a handful of people that are trying to make a difference. I am so happy to see it become a reality! Congratulations to all involved!
Jun 15, 2009 at 8:35 p.m.
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It is a group plan. Insurance rates go up for many reasons, but generally it is because of high utilization. How much did Mercy's rates go up? It is a vicious circle. Unfortunately, there are alot of unhealthy people out there, myself included, who need to make some lifestlye changes. It is unbelievable how many people have high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Everyone pays for that. Just like those with insurance pay for those who don't at the medical centers. I don't know if there is a perfect solution, but this is a good start.
Jun 15, 2009 at 6:04 p.m.
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So is it a group plan or individual plan format? Currently, individuals can be declined when applying for health insurance based on preexisting conditions or dropped if their health expenses go over a threshold the insurer sets. A group plan allows all applicants, then sets the rate based on the general health risk of that group. So even if you are healthy as the proverbial horse, you still pay extra to provide health care for the twinkie eater. A Health Cooperative is a great start but until those providing the medical care become non-profit, the ultimate goal of health care is to make money for the _________ (fill in the blank; clinic, hospital, medical center). Why should Medical facilities or insurance carriers make a profit on our illness? Insurance rates go up an average of 10% to more than 25% EACH YEAR. What do Hospitals do with their income? Purchase equipment and supplies, pay doctors and staff and generate revenue for their SHAREHOLDERS or OWNERS. Ask a doctor or hospital what any procedure costs. NO ONE WILL GIVE YOU AN ANSWER because they don't have a clue! Where else do you spend your money without any idea of how much the service costs? How do insurance companies help our health care system? Well they get a commission on whatever policy they sell. They field our calls when we have questions regarding our policy. Gee, I guess they do nothing to improve our health care? Why then do they exist? Great start but we will need much more than this to make health care affordable in this country!
Jun 15, 2009 at 4:44 p.m.
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Finally, someone who gets it! Everyone likes to sit around and complain about how much health insurance costs, but they never take the time to look at why! This is a great step in the right direction.
Jun 15, 2009 at 4:41 p.m.
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And, what happens to those employees and owners who are not deemed especially healthy? In other words, will this prevention component operate by carrot or stick? Also, will this co-op be non-profit or for-profit?
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