Here's an Example of a Cooperative Not-For-Profit Health Plan--North Dakota Blue Cross

North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad has proposed establishing not-for-profit cooperative health plans as an alternative to the Medicare-like public health plan President Obama supports.

I will suggest Senator Conrad take a look at this one:

North Dakota Blue Cross Blue Shield

From their website:

"More than 65 years ago, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) began as two separate pre-paid health care plans for hospital and physician services. The two companies merged in 1986 and, in 1998, converted to a not-for-profit mutual insurance company."

A Stable Company:

• "Systems and processes essential to assisting health care providers are strengthening the ties between providers and BCBSND
• "BCBSND follows sound underwriting principles
• "Working to maintain adequate reserve levels to ensure funds are available to pay for member claims and administrative expenses"

In 2008, Blue Cross of North Dakota insured 475,000 people. The company had $1.3 billion in revenue and had a (miserly) net income of seven-tenths of one percent ($8.8 million).

In addition, the plan is overseen by a community Board of Directors representing doctors, hospitals, businesses, and consumers--all North Dakotans.

Senator Conrad, is this what you had in mind?

Earlier post: Health Care Cooperatives--An Old New Idea--So What's a Blue Cross Plan?