Private health insurance in 1974: a review of coverage, enrollment, and financial experience.

ABSTRACT

In 1974, more than three-fourths of the civilian population had substantial economic protection through private health insurance against the costs of hospital and surgical care. Smaller proportions were covered at least in part for other health care costs, usually after payment of deductibles and coinsurance. Consumers got back 87 percent of their premium dollars in the form of benefits. The rise in premium income in 1974 lagged 4 percentage points behind the growth in claims incurred. The result was a net underwriting loss of $359.7 million or 1.3 percent of premium income. Most consumers bought their health insurance protection through insurance companies, although Blue Cross-Blue Shield plans served about two-fifths of the insured population for hospital-associated care. In addition, about 6 percent received health care through independent prepayment and self-insured plans.