DAYTON — The Tri-River Employers Healthcare Coalition, once a strong voice for self-insured employers, has suspended operations for up to 3-1/2 years. It will disband on Dec. 31, 2011, if not reactivated by then.

The coalition played important roles in hospitals' quality-improvement initiatives and insurance negotiations while offering seminars and creating one of the first health plans that emphasized keeping employees healthy. Although it attributed recent financial weakness to "limited participation of businesses," no other entity has filled that void.

"We're concerned about that," interim executive director Steve Jonas said Tuesday, June 17. Discussions with the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce are under way to expand its advocacy work and health plan beyond the Chamber's small-business base.

Other ramifications:

• The Tri-River Healthcare plan will continue to cover about 2,500 employees and their families through Dec. 31, and Jonas said its HealthSpan network provider "is attempting to put something together for next year."

• Employers represented on the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association's Quality Council will stay there.

• By going inactive instead of dissolving, Jonas said Tri-River retains a platform to advocate for employers' interests. "My guess is when an issue arises where there's need for employers to be involved, Tri-River can still step up."

• If the coalition does disband after 2011, its remaining assets will establish an endowment fund with the Dayton Foundation for awarding "grants that support quality and affordable health care."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2129 or klamb@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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