Marketplace Choice

More Competition, New Choices for Consumers, Small Business and Larger Employers

It’s no secret that consumers and small businesses have long been frustrated by the lack of affordable health insurance choices. This is true across the United States, but particularly true in states like Iowa and Nebraska where one or two large health insurance carriers dominate the market, leaving little room for options or alternatives for individuals, families and smaller businesses. Larger businesses are always seeking sophisticated alternatives, too, in order to remain competitive and to offer excellent benefits to their employees.

Small Businesses

CO-OPs will have the option to sell coverage to small businesses, helping give them the control over their health coverage that many of their larger competitors have now. Small business owners will be able to go through a new competitive insurance marketplace for small businesses known as a Small Business Health Option Program or “SHOP.” CoOportunity Health will offer a portfolio of products for small businesses available either through the SHOP or directly from one of our distributors. Plans will become available no later than October 2013 for coverage effective dates beginning January 1, 2014.

Individuals & Families

CO-OPs will sell coverage for individuals through the new federal or state-based insurance marketplaces called Affordable Insurance Exchanges. CoOportunity Health will offer a portfolio of products for individuals and families available through the Iowa and Nebraska Exchanges, from a federal Exchange (if not developed or ready at the state level), or directly from one of our select distributors. Plans will become available in October 2013 for coverage effective dates beginning January 1, 2014.

Larger Employers

While not the primary market for CoOportunity Health, larger employers will find the CO-OP a low-cost, high-value option for its employees. With low administrative costs and flexible, innovative product designs, CoOportunity Health could be a great option for larger companies.