SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -
In a news conference Tuesday, members from Vermont's Health Co-op proudly announced the opening of their new facility.
"It is your company and it is your healthcare," said Vermont Health Co-op Chairman Mitch Fleischer.
The organization will offer Vermonters an alternative to their current healthcare plan.
One that people will not just submit a monthly payment to, but a company that they will hold ownership in.
While there was plenty to clap about there's a long way to go.
The desks are empty because they need to hire 25 people.
They also need to obtain an insurance license.
Most importantly co-op leaders say they need to figure out what the health care plan will look like and how much you'll have to pay.
"It's a little early right now for the cost estimates," said Vermont Health Co-op CEO Christine Oliver.
Even before that's known, state leaders say spending money in a Vermont based company will save the state a lot of money.
"We cannot continue to spend money that way that we are spending money on healthcare and expect to grow jobs, economic opportunities and be able to live a quality of life that can be sustained in this state," said Governor Peter Shumlin.
The co-op borrowed $32 million dollars from the federal government and becomes the 23rd such company to open across the country.
And even though they're working out the details, leaders say one thing they know, if it's successful, it won't just benefit employees.
"You become an owner in the co-op and so we all benefit in that together. If we benefit, you benefit," said Oliver.
The details of the healthcare plans should be known by next summer and people can get on board in 2014.
