start-up companies

Of the 24 consumer oriented and operated plans now open for business, one has closed, another is struggling and at least nine other startup insurance companies are projected to have financial problems, The Washington Post reported

Big-name insurers definitely have the upper hand when it comes to succeeding on the health insurance exchanges, given their large financial reserves and membership as well as ample underwriting experience to better predict plan pricing and design needs. But that's not stopping smaller, startup insurance companies with lofty goals for selling plans on the marketplaces.

Hoping to trigger new and innovative healthcare ideas addressing patient engagement, provider effectiveness and wellness, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is launching a three-month entrepreneurial program for 10 local start-up companies.