Market Structure of the Health Insurance Industry

Author / Creator

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Available as

Online

Summary

Discusses how current health insurance market structure affects dual policy goals of expanding health insurance coverage and containing health care costs. Describes forces that have shaped the heal...

Discusses how current health insurance market structure affects dual policy goals of expanding health insurance coverage and containing health care costs. Describes forces that have shaped the health insurance industry, including its historical evolution, characteristics of health care and health insurance, determinants of supply and demand for health insurance, and the nature of competition among health insurers. Addresses reasons for high market concentration, along with profitability measures for the industry, and analyzes options for Congress. Includes tables and graphs.

Show More