“We think our guidance is appropriately prudent at this time given all the changes that will happen in [20]16 around the Affordable Care Act and the changes in taxes and fees in the [ACA],” said Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini on CNBC’s “Closing Bell.”
The health insurer’s net income increased 38 percent from the fourth quarter of 2014 to the fourth quarter of 2015. Aetna’s operating earnings were $1.37 per share — 16 cents higher than analysts anticipated.
In addition, Mr. Bertolini highlighted the company’s upcoming acquisition of Humana. Aetna believes its acquisition of Humana will bring earnings up to $11 per share by 2018.
“When we get done with this transaction, we’ll be able to address markets that comprise 91 percent of the seniors across the United States for Medicare, which will give them a real opportunity to have a national product,” Mr. Bertolini said, according to the report. “More importantly, it will allow us to invest in moving care closer to home, getting higher-quality care at home.”
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