HMSA, Kaiser both post profit in third quarter
HMSA's profit rose to
Kaiser earned
HMSA
THIRD-QUARTER NET
YEAR-EARLIER LOSS
KAISER
THIRD-QUARTER NET
YEAR-EARLIER NET
HMSA, with 733,289 members, collected
Administrative expenses totaled
"Every year we see a rise in the cost of the medical care and prescription drugs that our members use and this year is no different," HMSA President and Chief Executive Officer
HMSA posted an operating gain of
HMSA said its third-quarter earnings will help offset a first-quarter loss of
HMSA is making a major change in the way it pays primary care doctors, with a fixed monthly rate for each patient in a practice whether or not the patient visits the doctor. The move is worrisome to some physicians, who say the change could result in less care and hurt patients. HMSA began using the system on a limited basis
Nationally, the move to this new system -- known as "capitated payments" -- is being driven by the Affordable Care Act and the federal
Kaiser, with 249,543 members in
Kaiser -- both an insurer and medical provider -- said its growth in membership is largely due to having primary care physicians who are taking new patients amid a growing doctor shortage.
"We've got doctors available and open to take new patients. It's been a huge positive, and people really appreciate not having restrictions to get their health care needs met," said
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