Small Businesses See Promise in ‘Three-Share’ Health Insurance Model
Health experts see signs of success in the "three-share" health insurance model that provides coverage for employees of small businesses, but they note that limits remain on the amount of coverage that can be provided, Kaiser Health News reports.
Under the model, a monthly premium is divided equally among the employer, the worker and the community. The premium can help pay for health insurance coverage or preventive care services, physicals and immunizations.
In 2009, the federal government issued $71 million in grants to 13 states, five of which are using part of the funding to launch or expand three-share programs.
An Example in Colorado
In Pueblo, Colo., small businesses with a median hourly wage of $15 or less that have not offered health benefits in the previous year can participate in the county' three-share program.
Enrollees receive annual maximum benefits of $30,000 and no-cost mammograms, immunizations and nutrition consultations with a registered nurse.
The program so far has enrolled 100 workers out of the county's 25,000 uninsured residents (Galewitz, Kaiser Health News, 3/16). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.