Xerox may soon print support for healthcare co-ops

NORWALK, USA: Xerox is helping the expansion of affordable health insurance by serving as the operational backbone for two new health cooperatives, which will provide alternative coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Connecticut-based HealthyCT and Wisconsin-based Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative (CGHC) are organizing regional health plans that are expected to compete with established players by offering an alternative option for consumers seeking health insurance. As part of healthcare reform, federal government loans are being provided to various states to establish a Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) program.

Xerox shared it will focus on managing and processing benefit claims for the CO-OPs and their members, leveraging Healthation's core administrative platform to fulfill claims administration, premium collection and enrollment.

"Given the focus on our members, it was important that we partner with a third-party administrator who has the ability to provide an outstanding customer experience to our members and providers," said Bob De Vita, chief executive officer at CGHC. "We chose Xerox as our partner because of their vast experience and superior technology."

The CO-OP sponsors - consumer-run groups, membership associations and other nonprofit organizations - are moving forward in offering health coverage and need reliable technology to support their members' needs with the flexibility to grow as the CO-OP grows, said Jeff Hechemy, group president of healthcare payer and pharmaceutical services at Xerox.

The post-healthcare reform landscape is experiencing a radical transformation, and health plans are expected to reduce costs, streamline processes, improve member engagement and create new products, he said. Xerox will provide all third-party administration functions for the CO-OPs, including full business-process administration and customer care for phone inquiries.