Hilary Beard's Blog

Recently, I interviewed health-activist Paul Glover, who is attempting to replicate in Philadelphia the low-cost health insurance cooperative he founded for New York State residents. The Ithaca Health Alliance, based in Ithaca, New York, allows any citizen of New York State to purchase a minor-medical plan for a reasonable cost: $100 annually for adults and $50 for children. The benefit is designed to cover "everyday emergencies," he says, including such expenses as stitches, burns, broken bones, ambulance rides and some dental work.

"Members are covered for those categories of medical emergencies anywhere in the world from any health provider," says Glover. "We usually pay bills overnight to the maximum specified."

Members who are also Ithaca residents can obtain discounts from area health practitioners. What's more, they can seek care at their own free clinic, where services are actually free, and members can receive traditional medical as well as complementary and alternative procedures.

To learn more about the Ithaca Health Alliance, go here. To support Philadelphia's fledgling co-op or to learn how to start a one in your community, visit HealthDemocracy.org.