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• Harsdorf and EDC host workshop today on health care co-ops

By Debbie Griffin, RiverTown staff

State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf, R-River Falls, and the St. Croix Valley Economic Development Corporation will host a discussion noon-2:30 p.m. Friday at the Coachman Supper Club, 503 Hwy. 63, in Baldwin, to talk about health-care cooperatives.

Anyone interested can attend. Hosts ask for an RSVP to Harsdorf at 800-862-1092 or sen.hardsdorf@legis.wisconsin.gov in order to plan space accordingly.

The workshop will focus on the questions: How can health-care cooperatives benefit the region, businesses and families? What is required to establish a regional co-op? How does a health-care cooperative operate?

Harsdorf said, "As I talk to people across the district, affordable health care is key. It's a top concern."

She co-authored the 2003 legislation that allows co-ops, and the first statewide one has been up and running for a year. Harsdorf explained how that one is for farmers and agriculture but other types are possible.

Some regional cooperatives have formed on the other side of the state and emphasized that those differs from a state cooperative, according to Harsdorf.

While legislation makes them possible, the senator clarifies that the co-ops aren't government programs, so they require an entity to organize and create them. Because they're cooperatives, the people putting them together decide what they offer.

"The decisions are made by the members," she said.

Harsdorf said forming a regional cooperative requires a three-year commitment from each member, plus money for a stop-loss fund that protects against excessive claims and ensures financial stability.

The Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives helps put together co-ops. The head of WFC, Bill Oemichen, will speak at Friday's workshop.

The WFC merged with the Minnesota Association of Cooperatives in 2004, forming the WFCMAC. It serves about 200 cooperatives throughout both states.

The WFCMAC Web site explains that the organization handles many services for a variety of cooperatives like farming, housing, health and many more. Learn more at www.wfcmac.coop.

Harsdorf said the basic intent of health-care or other cooperatives is to give individuals and small business the same bargaining power as bigger entities.

She said Friday's talk will undoubtedly raise more questions but that the cooperative model holds promise.

"This is just a very early information meeting to see if there's interest," said Harsdorf.