Some 80,000 people subscribed to the plan last year. That number has dwindled to 40,500 this year. Most of the lost subscribers left because KPS stopped covering Medicaid beneficiaries and low-income residents in the state's Healthy Options and Basic Health plans. Other lost subscribers include public employees and retirees enrolled in KPS through a state board. The company hopes to expand those strong lines of business throughout its coverage area, Gilje said.
Physicians appear to support the plan.
Some 377 physicians contract with KPS today, up from 315 last year. Gilje feels good about where the company is headed, but she didn't pretend the company is back on its feet. Company officials are working to draw up new articles and bylaws that will change KPS into a nonprofit corporation with stock. The new rules should reduce the liability physicians have invested in the company. The KPS board of directors is changing, too.