Expertise of National Health Insurer a Benefit to Legislators,
Reform Leaders and Consumers
MILWAUKEE, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortis Health, a leading provider of
individual and small group health insurance products nationwide, has been
named Private Sector Chair for high-risk insurance pools by ALEC's Health and
Human Services (HHS) Task Force. State Sen. Julie Denton, R-Ky., was named
Public Sector Chair. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is a
bipartisan membership association for conservative lawmakers.
High-risk pools, funded through insurance industry assessments, subsidize
health insurance coverage for people who are priced out of the regular market
due to health complications. To date, thirty-one states have implemented risk
pools, and several others are considering legislation to create this effective
program. In their leadership roles, Fortis Health and Sen. Denton will monitor
high-risk pool developments in order to direct the Task Force on essential
legislative action. ALEC's HHS Task Force promotes free-market health care
solutions and welfare reform in the states. With more than 180 public and
private sector members, it is one of ALEC's largest task forces.
"People suffering from chronic health conditions deserve an alternative to
joining the ranks of the uninsured -- and high risk pools provide a safety net
for these individuals," states Ben Cutler, Fortis Health president and CEO.
"Fortis Health is an advocate for reform that ensures access to affordable
health insurance coverage for all Americans. This leadership position with
ALEC acknowledges our expertise and assists us in affecting positive change
for consumer choice."
Sen. Denton said, "After witnessing Fortis Health's energy in shaping
public policy in several states, including my home state of Kentucky, I am
confident they will represent the private sector in a dynamic and influential
manner. I look forward to partnering with them on this task force."
Key thought leader
Fortis Health's appointment is the latest example of the health insurer's
leadership on issues that affect consumer choice. Recently, Fortis Health
played an instrumental role in lobbying for change in Kentucky and New
Hampshire. The company assisted the states in developing new legislation that
renewed competition and consumer choice. In addition, Fortis Health sits on
the boards of the Minnesota and Montana high-risk pools of the National
Association of State Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans (NASCHIP). At the
federal level, Fortis Health sits on the board of the Council for Affordable
Health Care (CAHC), a broad-based coalition focused on providing federal tax
incentives for the purchase of private coverage, including coverage available
through state high-risk pools. Fortis Health's President and CEO, Ben Cutler,
also serves as vice chairman of HIAA (the Health Insurance Association of
America).
Background About ALEC
The mission of the American Legislative Exchange Council is to advance the
Jeffersonian principles of free markets, limited government, federalism and
individual liberty among America's legislators. ALEC is a bipartisan
membership association for conservative state lawmakers, with national staff
headquarters in Washington, D.C.
About Fortis Health
Fortis Health is committed to helping Americans meet their health
insurance needs. In business since 1892, the company is a leader in the
Individual Medical, Small Group, Short-Term and Student Health insurance
markets. Fortis Health provides coverage for more than one million people
nationwide. Its products are underwritten and issued by Fortis Insurance
Company, John Alden Life Insurance Company and Fortis Benefits Insurance
Company. Fortis Health is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., and has
operations offices in Minnesota, Florida, Idaho and Ohio.
Fortis Health is part of Fortis, Inc., a financial services company that,
through its operating companies and affiliates, has built leadership positions
in a number of specialty insurance market segments. Fortis, Inc. is part of
Fortis, a financial services provider active in the fields of insurance,
banking and investment. As of second quarter, 2001, Fortis had total assets in
excess of $400 billion. Fortis ranks 31st based on assets and 73rd based on
revenues on the Fortune "Global 500" and 42nd based on revenues on the Forbes
"International 500" list (July 23, 2001).
Members of the media interested in more information may contact Michelle
Love-Johnson at 262-523-3740 or michelle@seroka.com . Fortis Health can be
found on the Internet at http://www.fortishealth.com
SOURCE Fortis Health
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Related links:
http://www.fortishealth.com
CONTACT:
Michelle Love-Johnson for Fortis Health,
+1-262-523-3740, michelle@seroka.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: Interviews available upon request with Ben
Cutler, Fortis Health CEO and Fortis Health Government Relations
executives.
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