logo
Medica Launches in St. Louis, Bringing First Nonprofit Health Coverage and Local Partnerships to the Region

Medica Launches in St. Louis, Bringing First Nonprofit Health Coverage and Local Partnerships to the Region

Business Wire4 days ago

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Medica, a nonprofit health insurance plan with a strong track record across the Midwest, is officially launching in the St. Louis region. As the only nonprofit health insurer in the market, Medica offers a new kind of health coverage—one that prioritizes affordability, trusted local care, and personalized service for businesses of all sizes.
'We're here in St. Louis to make health insurance feel different, more personal and more affordable,' said Brian Kuchnicki, Medica's St. Louis market President.
Through partnerships with respected, high-quality healthcare systems like SSM Health and Mercy, Medica will deliver coordinated care that helps members stay healthy, supported, and connected to providers they already know and trust.
'We're here in St. Louis to make health insurance feel different, more personal and more affordable,' said Brian Kuchnicki, Medica's St. Louis market President. 'As a nonprofit, our focus isn't on shareholders—it's on people and the communities we serve. That means offering health plans that are affordable, accessible, and built around the needs of local employers and their employees.'
The launch marks a major milestone in Medica's growth strategy, building on successful partnerships in nearby states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. In those markets, Medica has earned a reputation for responsive service, community investment, and purpose-built health plans.
'We're proud to bring our mission—to better your life with care in the moments that matter—to the St. Louis community,' said Lisa Erickson, CEO and President of Medica. 'We'll do this by building strong relationships with local providers and offering health plans that help employers keep their teams healthy, productive, and supported.'
With commercial plans that span ACA-funded small group, level-funded, fully insured and self-insured large group options, Medica offers the flexibility today's employers need—especially in price-sensitive industries like education, health care, retail, construction, and technology.
In addition to expanding access to care, Medica remains committed to reinvesting in local communities. In 2024 alone, the organization invested $6.8 million into initiatives supporting mental health, food security, and healthy families. Our employees logged over 9,000 volunteer hours across the Midwest—participating in events like this March of Dimes and NAMI walks.
'Medica is celebrating 50 years of nonprofit service, and we are bringing that long-term commitment to the St. Louis region. Our commitment is prioritizing patient care and community health while ensuring that decisions are made with the best interests of members in mind,' adds Kuchnicki.
For more about Medica's plans in St. Louis, visit www.Medica.com/StLouis
About Medica
Medica (www.medica.com) is a mission-driven, member-focused non-profit health plan headquartered in Minnesota. The company serves communities in the heart of America by providing health care coverage and related services in the employer, individual, Medicaid and Medicare markets. It operates in Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Medica's mission to better your life with care in the moments that matter is a testament to member-focused commitment to high quality, affordable health care.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Avangrid Invests In The Next Generation With Its 2025 Summer Internship Program
Avangrid Invests In The Next Generation With Its 2025 Summer Internship Program

Business Wire

time31 minutes ago

  • Business Wire

Avangrid Invests In The Next Generation With Its 2025 Summer Internship Program

ORANGE, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Avangrid, Inc., a leading energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, this week launched its 2025 Summer Internship Program. This year, the company welcomes 71 interns from over 50 universities across the United States and abroad, including participants from Spain and Mexico. Interns will be based at Avangrid offices located in New York, Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Oregon, and will join 20 different departments including IT, Communications, and Networks. 'At Avangrid, attracting and nurturing emerging talent is one of our key priorities,' said Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra. 'Our internship program is designed to help students strengthen their skills and gain real-world experience before entering the workforce. Through workshops, speaker sessions, and peer networking events like Cohort Connects, we aim to equip them with the tools they need for a successful, differentiated and fulfilling career.' Kicking off on June 2, the Internship Experience will demonstrate Avangrid's dedication to career growth by teaching skills such as analytical thinking, project coordination, and professional resilience. New interns will participate in sessions focused on practical, job-ready skills, while returning interns will deepen their learning through speaker sessions with senior leaders who bring those skills to life. 'Offering this unique internship experience to students across the nation is essential,' said Ignacio Estella, Senior Vice President for Talent & Performance, Innovation and Equal Opportunity. 'Our goal is to 'electrify' talent with solid career opportunities in the transformational energy sector with a local and global leader, and to showcase the differentiated career paths that Avangrid can offer to the next generation of professionals.' The Internship Experience follows a 70/20/10 learning model designed to maximize growth: 70% of learning happens through hands-on, business-critical projects; 20% through relationship-building with mentors, peers, and leaders; and 10% through formal training, such as workshops and speaker sessions. Interns conclude the program by presenting a five-minute pitch showcasing their achievements—an opportunity that often leads to full-time roles or entry into Avangrid's Rotational Graduate Program. 'Being part of this program has already been an incredible opportunity,' said June Monasterios, a rising senior at Gannon University and an intern in the Internal Audit team. 'Even in just the first week, I've felt both welcomed and inspired. I'm beginning to understand not only the energy industry, but also how to grow as a professional. It's exciting to be part of a company that truly values sustainability, innovation, and its people.' About Avangrid: Avangrid, Inc. is a leading energy company in the United States working to meet the growing demand for energy for homes and businesses across the nation through service, innovation, and continued investments by expanding grid infrastructure and energy generation projects. Avangrid has offices in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Maine and Oregon, including operations in 23 states with approximately $47 billion in assets, and has two primary lines of business: networks and power. Through its networks business, Avangrid owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England and in 2024. Through its power generation business, Avangrid owns and operates more than 75 energy generation facilities across the United States producing 10.5 GW of power for over 3.1 million customers. Avangrid employs approximately 8,000 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America's best corporate citizens in 2025 for the fifth consecutive year. The company was named among the World's Most Ethical Companies in 2025 for the seventh consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. Avangrid is a member of the group of companies controlled by Iberdrola, S.A. For more information, visit

IBSA Derma at IMCAS Asia 2025: spotlight on the future of aesthetic medicine in the 10th Anniversary Year of NAHYCO® Technology
IBSA Derma at IMCAS Asia 2025: spotlight on the future of aesthetic medicine in the 10th Anniversary Year of NAHYCO® Technology

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

IBSA Derma at IMCAS Asia 2025: spotlight on the future of aesthetic medicine in the 10th Anniversary Year of NAHYCO® Technology

IBSA Derma, the dermoaesthetic division of Swiss company IBSA, will participate in the 18th IMCAS Asia Congress in Bangkok, gathering over 3,000 professionals from across the region to explore the future of aesthetic and regenerative medicine. With the presence in the Congress and a dedicated scientific symposium, the company reaffirms its commitment to advancing bioremodeling approaches and promoting a holistic, science-driven vision of authentic beauty. This year marks a key milestone for IBSA Derma: 10 years of NAHYCO® Technology, a patented innovation in hyaluronic acid science that continues to shape the future of tissue regeneration. BANGKOK, June 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IBSA Derma – the dermoaesthetic division of IBSA – once again confirms its leadership in the international aesthetic medicine landscape by participating in the 18th edition of IMCAS Asia, taking place from June 6 to 8 in Bangkok, Thailand. With over 3,000 attendees expected, the event represents a key opportunity for physicians and experts to share the latest innovations and cutting-edge advancements in aesthetic procedures and treatments, staying at the forefront of this dynamic field. As part of the congress, IBSA Derma will host a scientific symposium titled "The Future of Tissue Regeneration with NAHYCO® Technology. Feeling and Seeing the Results with Profhilo® Line" scheduled for Saturday, June 7, from 3:00 to 4:00 pm ICT in Room 1 - Level 2. Internationally renowned speakers – Dr. Lam Bee Lan and Prof. Ofir Artzi – will lead the session, focusing on the evolving approaches in regenerative aesthetic medicine, with particular attention to the clinical impact of hybrid cooperative complexes (HCCs) of hyaluronic acid and their role in tissue regeneration across different anatomical layers affected by aging. HCCs represent a new frontier in hyaluronic acid-based product formulation, made possible through NAHYCO® Technology, IBSA's patented thermal process that celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. This technological breakthrough is the foundation of the Profhilo® line and continues to be a milestone of IBSA Derma's innovation pathway. The Company's presence at IMCAS Asia is part of a broader strategic plan for expansion across the APAC region, an increasingly dynamic and high-potential market. In this context, IBSA Derma strengthened its regional presence last year with the opening of its regional hub in Singapore and the launch of a dedicated platform for Asian Key Opinion Leaders to share their clinical insights and expertise. "The strong growth we are experiencing in the APAC region stems from our solid collaboration with local distributors, which enable us to better understand the specific dynamics and cultural nuances of each market" – says Loy Derris, Business Development Director Dermoaesthetic Division North Asia. "Over the past 18 months, we have achieved remarkable results in countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, and India, and we have recently entered the Thai market with great momentum. Looking ahead we are also looking enthusiastically toward promising new markets like Taiwan" – declares Magallon Riza Marie, Senior Strategic Marketing and Operational Lead Dermoaesthetic APAC Region. "Being at IMCAS Asia for the second year in a row is a valuable opportunity to strengthen our dialogue with physicians in the APAC Region and promote our concept of authentic beauty that embraces a holistic and overall wellness-oriented approach" – states Elisa Brozzelli, Brand Activation Manager Dermoaesthetic Division. IBSA Derma will also be present at Booth 8 - Level 2, where visitors can learn more about the latest solutions and innovations in aesthetic medicine. About IBSA IBSA (Institut Biochimique SA) is a Swiss pharmaceutical multinational with 20 subsidiaries across Europe, China, and the United States. Its products are available in over 90 countries, and its R&D activities focus on 10 therapeutic areas. In 2025, IBSA will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its acquisition by current President and CEO, Arturo Licenziati, who has transformed the company into a multinational corporation employing over 2,300 personnel worldwide. IBSA's growth and development can be attributed to its ability to innovate by refining well-known molecules, as well as to its commitment to looking to the future responsibly and transparently, thanks to the dedication and dynamism of its people. About IBSA Derma IBSA has used its experience and expertise in the pharmaceutical field to branch out and develop medical devices for aesthetic medicine based on hyaluronic acid, thus creating a dedicated division: IBSA Derma. Through scientific expertise, continuous research, technological development and a modern production process, IBSA has become one of the leading pharmaceutical companies to produce hyaluronic acid for aesthetic medicine applications. IBSA Derma distinguishes itself in this vast market because it controls the entire product lifecycle, from the biofermentation production of the raw material to the ready-to-use final product in prefilled syringes. View source version on Contacts For further information: Giulia Drei, PR and Communication SpecialistDermoaesthetic Sign in to access your portfolio

3 reasons your Obamacare premiums are going up next year
3 reasons your Obamacare premiums are going up next year

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

3 reasons your Obamacare premiums are going up next year

If you happen to be one of the roughly 24 million people in America who buy their health insurance through the Affordable Care Act's marketplaces, you're probably in for some sticker shock next year. Many families could be on the hook for hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of dollars more in premium payments thanks to the expiration of Biden-era coverage subsidies. A little-talked-about change in the GOP's tax bill could also bump up costs by ending a practice among insurers known as 'silver loading,' which juiced the amount of financial help households could qualify for when buying a health plan. Meanwhile, higher premiums and new red tape contained in the GOP's bill are expected to push younger, healthier customers out of the market. As a result, carriers are already signaling their intention to raise their rates by more than usual next year to deal with the cost of a smaller and sicker customer base. Here's what you need to know about the potential triple whammy. The Biden administration temporarily upgraded the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by offering insurance shoppers much larger tax credits to help them buy coverage. Those changes dropped some premiums to zero and decreased out-of-pocket costs for lower-income families, and for the first time, capped monthly payments for households earning more than 400% of the poverty line, limiting costs to 8.5% of their income. The enhanced insurance subsidies are set to expire next year, which means premiums will spike. As the Urban Institute calculated last year, that could leave some lower-income households paying 80% more. People with incomes above 400% of the poverty line — $62,000 for an individual, or $128,000 for a family of four — will no longer receive any help. This year, that would have meant paying an extra $2,900, according to Urban's calculations. These changes are going to be particularly important for freelancers and small-business owners who tend to rely on the individual insurance market, as well as service industry workers who don't receive health coverage through their jobs. For most of this past decade, many marketplace customers have been able to get a free bronze plan or very cheap gold-level coverage courtesy of a quirk that developed after Trump tried to cut funding to Obamacare during his first term. Those days will likely soon be over, thanks to the new tax bill. The backstory is a bit technical: Under the ACA, lower-income households who buy coverage from the marketplace get big discounts that shrink their out-of-pocket expenses like copays and deductibles. The federal government was supposed to pay insurers directly to cover these so-called 'cost-sharing reductions.' But Trump cut off that flow of payments in 2017, seizing on what was essentially a legal hole in the Affordable Care Act after Republicans failed to repeal the statute. The president's move was expected to seriously weaken the markets. Instead, states and insurers found a workaround known as silver loading that made coverage cheaper for many Americans while adding to the federal government's expense. Rather than try to make up for the lost payments by upping the prices of all of their health plans, carriers only increased the cost of the silver plans that are used to calculate the value of the tax credits enrollees could receive. This allowed insurers to recoup their costs and increased the subsidies that households were eligible for, with the side effect that people could suddenly get free bronze or cheaper gold insurance. As part of their tax and spending bill, Republicans are planning to save some money by restoring the old cost-sharing reduction payments. In essence, they'll be restoring this aspect of the Affordable Care Act to how it was originally supposed to work, but it will also make the law's tax credits a bit less generous and kill the option of buying those super-cheap bronze or gold plans. By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's Terms and Privacy Policy The coming cuts to Obamacare's subsidies are expected to lead many young and healthier enrollees to drop their coverage. The same goes for parts of the GOP bill that will likely make buying and maintaining ACA coverage more difficult, such as ending the ability to automatically re-enroll in your health plan from year to year. As a result, experts anticipate that insurers will have to increase the unsubsidized price of coverage by more than usual this coming year, since older, sicker patients cost more to insure. Already, there are signs of that happening. According to a review by the think tank KFF, insurers in Vermont, Oregon, Washington, and Washington, D.C., are requesting an additional 4% increase in their rates for next year, specifically because they expect the market to shrink when Biden's enhanced subsidies expire. Those price hikes won't affect households that get subsidized coverage, which caps their premium payments at a share of their income. But they will be felt by households that earn above 400% of the poverty mark, since they'll no longer receive tax credits. If you're middle-income and self-employed, be prepared for a big pop in your insurance bill. Jordan Weissmann is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance. Sign up for the Mind Your Money newsletter Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store