Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan Programs (CO-OPs)

Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan Programs (CO-OPs) are nonprofit health insurance organizations owned and run by their members—those who buy coverage and often work there. Created to increase competition and improve options, CO-OPs aim to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare coverage by focusing on consumer needs rather than profit. They operate similarly to traditional insurance companies but are governed democratically by their members. Funded initially through government grants, many CO-OPs serve local communities, offering an alternative to larger for-profit insurers.