Aspirus Arise: Receives Wisconsin Certificate of Authority

Contact: Brett Davis, Brett.Davis@aspirusarise.com; (715) 972-8134

WAUSAU, Wis.—Aspirus Arise Health Plan of Wisconsin (Aspirus Arise) achieved a major

milestone today when it was granted a Certificate of Authority from the Wisconsin

Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI). This means the Wausau-based health

plan, formally unveiled in January, can offer consumers in north-central Wisconsin new

health insurance options.

“Individuals, families, and businesses will have new, affordable, high-quality health

insurance options next year,” said Brett Davis, Aspirus Arise President and CEO. “We

are focused on enhancing the value of health care services in north-central Wisconsin.

Aspirus Arise is pioneering a model of cooperation that focuses on well-being at all

stages of life,” he said.

“The Certificate of Authority is the culmination of an extensive review process by OCI,”

Davis said. As a new insurance company, Aspirus Arise had to file documentation

relating to the corporate structure, financial statements, and the proposed business

plan.

Aspirus Arise is equally owned by Aspirus, a non-profit health system based in Wausau,

and WPS Health Solutions, based in Madison. Leaders from both organizations provide

governance for Aspirus Arise.

Aspirus has more than 7,000 employees, four hospitals in Wisconsin, four in Michigan,

50 clinics, home health and hospice care, pharmacies, critical care and helicopter

transport, medical goods, nursing homes, and high-quality Aspirus Network doctors and

medical specialists.

WPS Health Solutions already had a close working relationship with Aspirus through its

subsidiary, Arise Health Plan, and WPS Health Insurance. For 2016, Arise Health Plan

continues to offer Aspirus Arise individual and small-group health plans.

Aspirus Arise will continue to work with the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of

Insurance and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as it begins selling

individual Marketplace, small-group, large-group, and self-funded plans in 16 counties in

north-central Wisconsin with 2017 effective dates.