America’s health insurance landscape presents two fundamentally different approaches: one where profit drives decisions and another where people come first.
For-profit insurers operate with a primary responsibility to generate returns for shareholders. This means that decisions about coverage, rates, and care options are filtered through the lens of maximizing profit margins and stock values. When premiums are collected, a significant portion flows upward to executive bonuses and investor dividends rather than back into member benefits.
Not-for-profit insurance represents a different vision. Born from community needs rather than market opportunities, these organizations often measure success through member well-being and health outcomes. With no shareholders demanding quarterly returns, most dollars get reinvested into expanding coverage, reducing out-of-pocket costs, and adding investments in community health initiatives.
“For 40 years, MetroPlusHealth has stood as a steadfast advocate for New Yorkers, demonstrating that health care can—and should—be a human right, not a privilege.”
– Talya Schwartz, M.D., President and CEO, MetroPlusHealth
What This Means For You:
Most monies fund your care, not shareholder profits
Monies get reinvested into comprehensive coverage and lower costs
Staff who live in your community and understand your needs
Health initiatives tailored to community needs, thanks to reinvested monies
Coverage decisions made by health care professionals with community input
For-Profit Health Insurance
A portion of monies and premiums serve shareholder interests
Coverage decisions influenced by profit considerations
Call centers are often outsourced to cut costs, with representatives unfamiliar with local resources
Programs designed primarily to reduce company costs
Coverage decisions influenced by financial analysts and profit projections
Follow The Money: Where Your Premium Dollars Go
With not-for-profit health insurance, your money directly benefits you and your community. Bottom line: when profit isn’t the priority, YOU become the priority.
Our latest video series highlights the vital role not-for-profit organizations play in shaping healthier, more equitable communities.
Hear directly from some of New York City’s not-for-profit leaders about how their mission-driven work is making a tangible impact on our communities, leading to a better quality of life for all.
The conversation—and the impact—don’t stop here. Follow us on social media to stay connected.
Learn what happens when communities lose coverage—and why consistent care saves lives.
“If you need care, you shouldn’t have to think about the fact that you need that care.”
José A. Pagán
PhD Professor and Chair, Department of Public Health Policy & Management, NYU School of Global Public Health and Chair of the Board of Directors, NYC Health + Hospitals
Fair housing doesn’t just happen. It takes a bold not-for-profit movement to make it a reality.
“Housing needs to be fair and equitable to everyone regardless of your income, regardless of what you look like. We tell our members every day that health care starts at home.”
Rob Solano
PhD, Co-Founder & Executive Director
Churches United For Fair Housing (CUFFH)
Stronger Together
Leaders across the city share how people-first partnerships drive projects.
From affordable housing to education to health care, true progress starts with putting people first. Working alongside those who share a vision for justice, access, and dignity means we can do more than address problems—we can transform systems for the better.
Rita Joseph
New York City Council Member
Long-term well-being requires more than access—it requires trust, equity, and respect. Collaborating with not-for-profit health care partners who understand the value of grassroots leadership and inclusive development helps us move from survival to sustainability in our neighborhoods.
Dr. Mark Gonzalez
Deputy Director, We Stay/Nos Quedamos
When organizations work hand-in-hand with communities—not just for them—we see lasting change. Our shared commitment to meeting people where they are and addressing their real, everyday needs is what makes this work so impactful. Together, we’re building a healthier, more responsive New York.