The Impact of Ownership Conversions on HMO Performance

Recently, several Blue Cross plans that sponsor Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), among other insurance products, have sought regulatory approval to convert from a not-for-profit to a for-profit entity. We examine the impact of not-for-profit HMOs converting to for-profit status in a fixed-effects framework using HMO level data from InterStudy. Our findings indicate conversions to for-profit status do not significantly impact HMO prices, profit margins, use of hospital days or ambulatory visits, and the provision of Medicare and Medicaid products.