Insurance co-ops are an admirable idea. Co-ops are, by definition, member owned, democratically run, and operate on an at-cost basis, returning savings to members in the form of dividends or reduced prices. Yet, Congress has yet to demonstrate how these cooperatives would operate and resolve our needs.

Within the current debate, the media, advocacy groups, health care analysts, and policymakers use the term “co-op” to mean different types of entities. Moreover, insurance co-ops will only succeed if Congress provides the right structure, sufficient start-up funding, and government oversight while addressing important details such as employer mandates and prescription drug coverage.

Paul Hazen of The National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) can discuss how the current debate about insurance cooperatives and how they can play a role in advancing affordable healthcare. Hazen will put the Conrad proposal in perspective and suggest how a national co-op health plan could attain scale by drawing on best practices from the 192 “health care co-ops” in the country.

Paul Hazen is president and chief executive officer of the National Cooperative Business Association, the leading national cooperative membership association in the U.S. Widely known for his knowledge of the co-op sector, Hazen speaks often at national and international forums on the role of cooperatives in community and economic development. For more information on cooperatives, visit www.ncba.coop

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Steven Van Yoder Get The Word Out Communications 415-294-4133 phone/fax