A new survey from Salt Lake City-based Leavitt Partners asked 251 industry experts to share their thoughts on how the recent uptick in payer consolidation could affect healthcare market dynamics moving forward. Participants included Leavitt Partners’ clients, peers and high-level industry associates. Leavitt administered the survey April 11-18.
Below are five survey findings.
1. Nearly 80 percent of respondents believe consolidated payer markets generally do not result in lower product prices.
2. About 74 percent of respondents said they do not believe payer consolidation generally benefits consumers.
3. About 45 percent of respondents said the foremost driver of payer consolidation is the opportunity to enhance their negotiating leverage.
4. Just over half of respondents said compliance with regulatory standards will most discourage payer consolidation.
5. During the next 10 years, 60 percent of respondents believe payer consolidation will increase.
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