According to an annual market study of California's health plans, hospital systems, and physician organizations, there is less turmoil in the market today than in 2000. But according to author Allan Baumgarten, "It is unclear if the relative calm is genuine or masks significant underlying problems."
Baumgarten's report, California Managed Care Review 2002, presents a comprehensive picture of the organizations that finance, deliver, and organize health care for most Californians. Commissioned by the California HealthCare Foundation, the report provides a comprehensive data resource on health care organizations' financial results, enrollment trends, market share, and measures of utilization and effectiveness of care.
The analysis, which includes more than 50 tables and graphs, is based on publicly reported data on health plans and hospitals as well as interviews with some 40 leaders from California health plans, hospital systems, state associations, purchasers, and government agencies.
The market study specifically addresses:
- Vital statistics on health plans, hospital systems, physician organizations, and purchasers;
- California HMO enrollment and finances;
- HMO utilization and effectiveness of care measures; and
- Differences within the state including how physicians and hospitals organize, the role of Medi-Cal and Medicare, the involvement of private purchasers and how health plans compete with each other.