The last few years for KPS Health Plans have been under a cloud of financial doubt.

The cloud has not stopped anyone from doing the work required. It had, though, initiated a rehabilitation process that stopped a slide into receivership before it could start. Then Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn took on oversight of the process. That responsibility now lies with state deputy insurance commissioner James Odiorne.

The rehabilitation plan for KPS went into effect in 2000 after the insurance company dropped below the $3 million level of reserves, as required by law. Since then, most of the movement has been positive and KPS has pulled itself out the red.

Within months after the plan started, the company began recording income on the good side of the bottom line. Today things remain promising. So much so that in March KPS started offering their complete range of services in King County.

It has also broadened the range of plans it offers throughout its service area.

Elizabeth Gilje, the president of KPS, brought in after the financial troubles started, said consumers are never hurt by more choices, especially when they’re limited in the first place.

“There are few choices for consumers in the individual and family health insurance market,” she said. “We think the variety of options we offer will be essential for King County families.”

KPS is continuing to see he draw back old subscribers and providers and bring in new ones. One of the new ones is the Washington Trucking Association, which has 1,200 members.

KPS was established in 1946 by members of the Kitsap County Medical Society. The company is a licensed Health Care Service Contractor and operates in Kitsap, Mason, Jefferson, Thurston and Clallam counties.

For more information about KPS Health Plans’ providers and services, visit www.kpshealthplans.com or call (800) 628-3753. KPS is located at 400 Warren Avenue in Bremerton.

(Editor’s Note: Temple A. Stark is a a free-lance writer. He can be reached at writer@templestark.com).