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As The U.S. Population Ages, Health Insurers Are Seeking Out The Opportunities Among The Challenges Sep 06
Standard & Poors, Sep 2006
Abstract
The U.S. health insurance industry has much to be happy about, having enjoyed a favorable regulatory environment and beneficial cost trends so far this decade. However, the number of citizens who are 65 or older, whose ranks will rise rapidly starting in 2011, adds a layer of uncertainty about how health insurers will fare. When the health care system becomes strained by higher costs related to aging, will employers finally offer more than perfunctory resistance to rate increases without reducing benefits? Or will they continue to follow the model that has helped health insurers prosper: push back on benefits and stimulate growth in consumer-directed health plans? The second strategy would risk a revived backlash among employee/consumers because of their higher...
Companies mentioned in this report are: UnitedHealth Group Inc.,Humana Inc.,Aveta Inc.,CareMore Holdings Inc.
Standard and Poors RatingsXpress Credit Research provides in-depth coverage of international corporates, financial institutions, insurance companies, utilities, sovereigns and structured finance programs. RatingsXpress Credit Research lets users determine the credit rating of holdings and identify key factors underlying an issuer's creditworthiness, distinguishes the different risk exposures for new and existing deals, and provides an understanding of how their analysts interpret key regulatory, political and environmental events and their economic impact.
Research Type: Commentary
Criteria articles describe the thought process and methodology Standard & Poor's analysts use in determining ratings. These commentary pieces discuss both the quantitative (economic and financial) and qualitative (business analysis and caliber of management) aspects of the analysis, as well as legal issues.
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