Eighteen states will let the government run their high-risk health insurance pools, according to The Washington Post’s “18 states refuse to run insurance pools for those with preexisting conditions” by David Hilzenrath.  Beginning in 2014, health insurers like Assurant Health will not be able to deny health insurance coverage or charge increased premiums to people with preexisting medical conditions.  A provision in the health-care bill has extended this coverage temporarily beginning this year.  High-risk health insurance pools will run coverage programs for these high risk people almost immediately.  Some states already have high-risk pools, but for those who don’t and those whose current programs don’t meet the new federal requirements, a decision had to be made whether to run the pools themselves or let the government do it.

Five billion dollars has been allocated to run these high-risk pools, but many governors don’t think the money they will be given is going to last very long.  Because of this and other reasons, at least eighteen states are leaving it up to the Department of Health and Human Services to run the high-risk pools.  Many of these states have Republican governors, though not all do.  It’s possible that the federal government will hire a nonprofit health insurance company to run the high-risk pools for those states not running their own.  High-risk pools are expensive to run and many people, like the actuary for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, think the federal government’s $5 billion could be spent by next year.  If that happens, state and federal governments could have to increase premiums, decrease benefits, or limit enrollment.  Maybe the government will come up with more money for these pools…it remains to be seen.

From company press release “Assurant Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-year 2009 Operating Results,” it’s clear that Assurant health had a good year despite a decrease from the previous year.  Assurant believes that their results stand high in this difficult economy and while they strive to do better, they are proud of their accomplishments.

Assurant’s 2009 operating ROE was 10.1%.  They are proud to maintain a double digit ROE through tough times, but are still focused on creating opportunities for growth and increasing company profitability.  New cost saving ideas have already been implemented so they expect 2010 to show even more profitability.  With a joint goal of helping customers and improving value for shareholders, Assurant health looks to remain one of the top health insurance providers in the United States.

Assurant Health is one of the top health insurance companies in the United States, insuring over a million people.  As a leading insurer of individuals, families, and small employers Assurant has its own stance on the health care reform topic that seems to be on everyone’s minds lately.  This comes from their Newsroom article “Assurant Health: Our View on Healthcare Reform.”  Assurant Health believes that Americans should have a better health care system.  They are a member of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), a group working towards effective health care reform.

While Assurant believes strongly that health care reform is a critical necessity, they don’t think the government alone should be changing everything.  They would like to see the policy makers work with health insurers, doctors, patients, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and medical supply companies to share in the reform efforts.  Assurant Health would like to see all income levels and health conditions covered by high quality and affordable health care.  They believe a competitive marketplace is the best way to achieve this health care reform.