Conning -- Affordable Care Act Implementation Drives Changes to Health Insurance Markets

--Insurers respond to changing industry landscape

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May 16, 2016, 10:30 ET

HARTFORD, Conn., May 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Affordable Care Act implementation has resulted in significant change to the health insurance markets—some of which was expected by insurers, and some unanticipated, according to a new study by Conning, Inc.

"Health insurers continue to assess the changing landscape through the Affordable Care Act implementation and are responding accordingly, dealing with challenges and pursuing the opportunities presented," said Terence Martin, a Director, Insurance Research at Conning. "The structural changes brought about by this complex Act created significant temporary market dislocation, and spurred large scale acquisition announcements. The objective of reducing the number of uninsured was accomplished at least in part, creating growth opportunities for insurers. However, many of the insurers that pursued the new individual exchange market are reporting significant losses there, prompting rate increases and causing insurers to question ongoing participation in selected state markets."

The Conning study, "Health Insurance in the ACA Environment: A Study of Contrasts" reviews the Affordable Care Act's impacts on insurers, products, and consumers. The study analyzes insurer financial results and competitive conditions, and presents the opportunities that insurers may find in this post-ACA environment.

"Insurers have already responded to the new competitive environment in a number of ways," said Steve Webersen, Head of Insurance Research at Conning, Inc. "After many insurers spent significant resources preparing for the launch of the individual market exchanges, the industry focus has turned to scale, leading to the mega-merger announcements of last year. Insurers will refine their strategies around both individual and group comprehensive as the dust settles from the ACA implementation, and Medicaid specialist firms will ride the growth and positive performance of their new enrollees."

"Health Insurance in the ACA Environment: A Study of Contrasts," is available for purchase from Conning by calling (888) 707-1177 or by visiting the company's web site at www.conningresearch.com.

About Conning^®
Conning (www.conning.com) is a leading investment management company for the global insurance industry, with over $103 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2016, through Conning, Inc., Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc., Conning Investment Products, Inc., Conning Asset Management Limited, Conning Asia Pacific Limited, and Octagon Credit Investors, LLC that are all direct or indirect subsidiaries of Conning Holdings Limited (collectively "Conning") which is one of the family of companies owned by Cathay Financial Holding Co., Ltd., a Taiwan-based company. The company's unique combination of asset management, risk and capital management solutions and insurance research helps clients achieve their financial goals through customized business and investment strategies. Founded in 1912, Conning provides clients with innovative solutions, leveraging its global capabilities, investment experience, proprietary research and risk management technology. Headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut, Conning also has offices in New York, London, Cologne, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.