Bounceback: Blues thrive as markets cool toward HMOs.
Enrollment in Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) plans has grown by almost seventeen million since 1994, and recent financial performance indicators are positive for most plans in the Blues system. These gains have been achieved by for-profit, nonprofit, and mutually owned plans. A journalistic analysis of distinctive features contributing to recent successes is offered, combining observations of financial analysts, health services researchers, and BCBS officials. Long-term stability, broad provider networks, and conservative financial management have given the Blues advantages vis-à-vis many managed care organizations that have lost market share in the same period.
Cunningham
Robert
R
Sherlock Company, Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, USA.
Sherlock
Douglas B
DB
D054598:Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D004465:Economic Competition; D019981:Health Care Sector / Q000639:trends*; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D010067:Ownership; D014481:United States