Forum Post: Workers Cooperatives
Posted 12 years ago on Nov. 8, 2011, 2:06 p.m. EST by ronimacarroni
(1089)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
I think most of the problems the US has can be solved with workers cooperatives. Many people have tried credit unions and found out they like it better than banks. Imagine if this caught on for health insurance. Then we would not have to bicker about price hikes, "Obamacare" or any of that.
I'm surprised we don't see more effort placed into combination type food and clothing co-ops. Buying clubs can lower prices significantly and I'm not sure if it's just a lack of initiative or some view it is an inconvenience.
Sorry if I hijacked the health care theme - I was just typing out loud...
How would the credit union model translate to health insurance in your vision?
Interestingly, I know of 2 doctor's offices who now offer a "prepaid plan" where you pay monthly and get a complete physical, X number of sick visits and some diagnostic testing all for one low monthly fee.
One of them, in Brooklyn, ran afoul of state insurance laws. Shame.
People thinking creatively getting squashed by regulation. But regulation never seems to deter the big guys.
I am with you 100% I am sure corporations hate the idea thats why the idea is never talked about.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7565584850785786404
Indeed. Also medical insurance is one of those industries that gains little from the strictly profit based models. Medical insurance co-ops would be beneficial for the doctors, the patients and the tax payers.
Co-ops are beneficial to every one involved exept the wannabe 1% who cream all the profits at the expense of the worker.
b0mp