Competition between non-profit and for-profit health insurers

摘要: This study investigates the effects of tax, regulatory, and reimbursement policies other factors exogenous to health insurance market on relative price (to commercial insurers) paid by Blue Cross plans for hospital care, their administrative expense accounting profits, premiums, ultimately share. We specify estimate a simultaneous equation model assess interrelationships among these variables. conclude that premium tax advantages enjoyed Blues have virtually no effect Blues' premiums or shares. A plan's share has positive discount it obtains from hospitals as does coverage Shield charges state-mandated rate-setting plan. An upper bound covering under but excluding commercials such is seven percentage points. Tests slack in operation yield mixed results.