Competition In Health Insurance
2008 Update - Competition in Health Insurance: A Comprehensive Study of US Markets
The 2008 update of Competition in Health Insurance: A Comprehensive Study of U.S. Markets presents new data on the degree of competition in different regions of the country. It is intended to help identify areas where consolidation among health insurers may have harmful impacts on consumers, providers of care and the economy. Market shares and concentration (HHI) measures are presented for 314 metropolitan areas and 42 states. This study finds the vast majority of markets are highly concentrated and are dominated by one or two health insurers. These findings, coupled with higher insurance premiums, higher profits, lower scope of benefits and high barriers to entry, leads to the conclusion that health insurers are exercising market power in many parts of the country.
This study is free to AMA members. Non members can purchase the study for $150. to order the study, visit the AMA Bookstore online or call (800) 621-8335. If you are calling, please mention AMA Bookstore Item #OP427108.
The study is an important tool for the AMA's advocacy agenda, including challenging health insurer mergers and pushing for antitrust relief for physicians.
