As per the health plan securities and exchange comission filings, most of mericas health plans saw a decreased in 3rd quarter profits in 2008, compared to prior years. Despite this, profits made are in the millions per quarter.
2008 3rd quarter net income
WellPoint $821 million
coventry $85 million
humana $183 million
united health group $920 million
cigna $171 million
Aetna $277 million
( these amounts are all in just one quarter!! ).
You can know begin to understand all the forces that contribute to our nations healthcare crisis. Money is continuously being taken out of healthcare, and given tio stockholders as opposed to being uised for care. Increased profits result from higher premiums, deductibles and/or reduced services in the form of denials.