Maine Community Health Options
The Affordable Care Act-created consumer operated and oriented plans (CO-OPs) have not fared well, experiencing disappointing enrollment numbers and financial struggles that forced some out of business.
But Maine Community Health Options (MCHO) far surpassed its 15,500 enrollment goal in 2014, its first full year of operation, by signing up more than 40,000 members. The plan has expanded to sell plans in New Hampshire.
MCHO says it owes its success, in part, to its adaptability. When it found it couldn't handle all the customer calls it was receiving, the CO-OP responded by designating employees to focus solely on outreach and education. It also has a member-led board of directors and by featuring a broad network that focuses on timely treatment for its members.
MCHO says it keeps its premiums in check with a lean administration and high-touch services, and has focused aggressively on enrollment outreach.