First Health Insurance Co-op Gets State Approval

Arches Health Plan, a non-profit health insurance company and co-op owned solely by its members, has received a certificate of authority from the Utah Insurance Department. The certification allows Arches Health Plan to provide health insurance in the state of Utah.

“Our insurance model is the way health care in Utah will get better,” said Linn Baker, Arches chief executive officer. “We will promote and encourage a collaborative relationship between physicians and patients, which will enable Utahns to receive the type of medical care and benefits they deserve and need. This approach will give physicians more flexibility and families more affordable health insurance options.”

The certificate of authority authorizes Arches to operate as a health maintenance organization and recognizes it as a licensed issuer of health insurance in the state. Arches will begin offering health insurance policies to individuals and families and small and large groups in 2014. Open enrollment will begin Oct. 1, 2013.

Arches will operate as an insurance co-op, which means it will be democratically controlled by its members rather than outside investors. Operating as a co-op allows the plan to be motivated primarily by service and meeting members’ needs rather than profit. Additionally, Arches enables more direct partnership between physicians and patients in their diagnosis and treatment decisions. This patient-centered care model, in combination with the fact that Arches is member-owned, will allow for superior health care at the most competitive price possible.