HHS Proposes Rules to Allow New Consumer Run Nonprofit CO-OP Health Insurance Plans; $3.8 Billion of Loan Financing Available

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services issued the following Press Release today:

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2011

New Private Nonprofit Health Plans Will Increase Competition, Give Consumers and Small Businesses More Health Insurance Choices

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) took steps to encourage the creation of Consumer Operated and Oriented Plans (CO-OPs), new private non-profit, consumer-governed health insurance plans that will help increase competition and give consumers and small businesses additional affordable health insurance choices. CMS is proposing standards for CO-OPs, and for qualifying for $3.8 billion in repayable loans to help start-up and capitalize these new health plans. All CO-OP loans must be repaid with interest and loans will only be made to private, nonprofit entities that demonstrate a high probability of becoming financially viable.

CO-OPs are designed to give consumers and small businesses control over their own health insurance. CO-OPs are private, non-profit insurers governed by their members and offering affordable, consumer-friendly health insurance options. CO-OPs will use any profits to benefit its members, including actions to lower premiums, improve health benefits, improve the quality of members’ health care, expand enrollment, or otherwise contribute to the stability of coverage for members.

“CO-OPs will provide consumers more choices, greater plan accountability, and help ensure a more competitive insurance market,” said Steve Larsen, Director of the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight. “Today’s announcement shows how the Affordable Care Act is bringing new choices and giving consumers a voice in insurance markets throughout the nation.”

Working from the recommendations of the public advisory committee, the rules proposing the framework were developed with significant input from many stakeholders, including testimony at public meetings from consumers, small businesses and health care providers. The proposed rule is only a first step. CMS is taking public comment on the proposal and expects to release a Funding Opportunity Announcement regarding the availability of loans to start up CO-OPs soon.

The CO-OP program provides for loans to private entities with the goal to create a new CO-OP in every State to expand the number of Exchange health plans with a focus on consumer accountability. The CO-OP program contains extensive provisions to protect against fraud, waste, and abuse. Loan recipients are subject to strict monitoring, audits, and reporting requirements for the length of the loan repayment period plus 10 years. Recipients must submit semi-annual program reports and quarterly financial statements. Additionally, CMS will conduct audits, including site visits, as appropriate. CO-OPs must meet a series of milestones as laid out in their loan term agreements before drawing down any money from the program.

CO-OPs will sell coverage through the State’s Affordable Insurance Exchange as well as have the opportunity to sell coverage to small businesses through the State’s Small Business Health Option Programs (SHOP Exchanges).Several successful health insurance cooperatives currently exist around the country, covering nearly 2 million individuals. A number of diverse groups are organizing to take advantage of this new opportunity. In one state, primary care providers are working to create a CO-OP to focus on care for rural areas. In another, a CO-OP steering committee has been formed by interested physicians, technology and business experts, and community groups.

For more information on today’s announcement, read the fact sheet at www.HealthCare.gov/news/factsheets/coops07182011a.html.

Further information on the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan program, including the determinations of the Federal Advisory Board and information for prospective applicants, can be found at: cciio.cms.gov/programs/coop/index.html.

The full text of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking can be found at www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-18342_PI.pdf or www.ofr.gov/inspection.aspx.

CMS will accept comments on the proposed rule until September 16, 2011.

Share

1 comment to HHS Proposes Rules to Allow New Consumer Run Nonprofit CO-OP Health Insurance Plans; $3.8 Billion of Loan Financing Available

  • Editor

    This article is open to comment. We invite you to contribute your thoughts, observations, and comments on this and other articles on HelpingYouCare™. All comments are subject to moderation. Please Register and Login to post comments more easily, without having to re-enter your information each time. Welcome to the HelpingYouCare™ Community!

.............................................................................Back to Top...

Login to Post Comments



Register & Login above to post comments. Click here for Help. To join a Support Group, Register/ Login at CaregiversLikeUs.
ADVERTISEMENT:

The Fifteen Newest Updates on HelpingYouCare® As Of Today

New Posts on HelpingYouCare® by Day or Month

March 2024
M T W T F S S
« Feb    
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Survey/ Opinion Poll

Participate in a brief
Survey/ Opinion Poll »

We publish the results of our periodic Surveys & Opinion Polls, anonymously. See Survey/ Opinion Poll Results ».

Contribute Content

Write and contribute articles, posts, or other content to this Site, or share links to useful information & resources you have found with the HelpingYouCare® Community.
Read How…

If you find any broken links on this Site, we will appreciate your reporting them to us:

Report Broken Links