The impact of ownership conversions on HMO performance

Int J Health Care Finance Econ. 2004 Dec;4(4):327-42. doi: 10.1023/B:IHFE.0000043761.95636.96.

Abstract

Recently, several Blue Cross plans that sponsor Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), among other insurance products, have sought regulatory approval to convert from a not-for-profit to a for-profit entity. We examine the impact of not-for-profit HMOs converting to for-profit status in a fixed-effects framework using HMO level data from InterStudy. Our findings indicate conversions to for-profit status do not significantly impact HMO prices, profit margins, use of hospital days or ambulatory visits, and the provision of Medicare and Medicaid products.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans / economics
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Plans / organization & administration*
  • Health Maintenance Organizations / economics
  • Health Maintenance Organizations / organization & administration*
  • Health Maintenance Organizations / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Services Research
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Organizations, Nonprofit / economics
  • Organizations, Nonprofit / organization & administration*
  • Ownership / classification*
  • Ownership / economics
  • Regression Analysis
  • United States