Fact Sheet Sheds Ligt on Health Cooperatives’ Limitations

Cover Missouri publication outlines co-ops’ potential role in health reform

(ST. LOUIS) - Health care reform is on the mind of many Americans these days, and the debate in Washington, D.C. is often difficult to understand.

To clarify one aspect of the debate, Cover Missouri has released “An Examination of Health Cooperatives: Do They Have a Place in Health Reform?” Health cooperatives, or co-ops, have been proposed in one of the health reform bills as an independent, consumer-driven health coverage option to compete with existing insurance companies. This fact sheet explains what co-ops are, how they operate, and the role they may play in Americans’ health care future.

Cover Missouri publications are intended to stimulate discussion about health care coverage and suggest ways Missourians can shape dialog on the subject. The Cover Missouri website includes additional information and resources on this important subject, including a brochure, Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Health System Reform, available by request or on the Cover Missouri website.

"An Examination of Health Cooperatives: Do They Have a Place in Health Reform?" is available at the link below.

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