One of the lesser-known parts of the new health law is a provision that provides federal loans to help fund health cooperatives. Advocates say these Consumer Operated and Oriented Plans, essentially insurers run by their members, encourage competition especially in the individual and small business health insurance market. Currently there are very few co-ops, but one that is considered a model of success is Group Health. Group Health’s CEO, Scott Armstrong, sat down with KHN’s Bara Vaida. The interview was just before the House of Representatives’ vote to repeal the health law.  Here are edited excerpts from the interview, which included questions about accountable care organizations.

Related Story: How Group Health Is Holding Costs Down: A KHN Interview With CEO Scott Armstrong