Multi-Share Plan: A local solution for the working uninsured

In keeping with the Obama administration's commitment to extending access to care, a multi-share plan offers flexible solutions adaptable to many communities. One such solution is the Galveston County 3 Share Plan, which grew from a desire to improve the health of its local population while minimizing the financial burdens of unsponsored care in the community. This health benefits program is offered to employees of small businesses, features a low monthly premium that is split three ways between the employees, their employer, and a local hospital system.

While employees suffer the financial and health costs of not having insurance, small business owners suffer productivity costs while health care providers suffer the financial costs of providing care to unsponsored patients. These correlated pressures coupled with sharing of the cost of the Plan, creates a mutual commitment towards the sustainability of the program.This presentation will include the results of an in-depth study on the impact of the Galveston 3-Share health benefit plan on small business employers, employees, and providers in Galveston County.

Specific attention will be given to examining the formula that will increase the probability of successfully implementing a multi-share plan in a community. Presentation objectives: 1) to describe the Galveston 3 Share Plan, how it was developed and the formula used to develop similar programs in other Texas communities; and 2) to evaluate the success of the Plan in achieving its goals.