HealthPartners reports strong membership growth

• Reserves, administrative costs decrease - HealthPartners reported that administrative costs (excluding taxes and assessments) have declined for more than five years in a row to 5.6 percent of revenue, according to documents filed with the Minnesota Department of Commerce. At the same time, reserves decreased to cover 1.6 months of medical expenses.
  
  "HealthPartners administrative costs are among the very lowest in the country; it's one way we're working hard to make healthcare more affordable," said Mary Brainerd, HealthPartners president and CEO.
  
  
• Tax increase - HealthPartners taxes increased 23 percent. The increase includes a 32 percent increase in assessments to cover losses for high risk Minnesotans enrolled in the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Assessment (MCHA), a state health plan that guarantees individuals access to health insurance.
• No increase in drug costs - HealthPartners costs for prescription drugs rose less than one half of one percent in 2008. Generic drug use is the primary factor behind slowing drug cost increases. Generic drug use is at an all-time high of 74 percent among HealthPartners members. Generic drugs cost about $135 less per prescription than brand name drugs.
• Stable investments - HealthPartners financial results reflect its conservative investment philosophy with limited exposure to the equity market.