2nd Quarter 2021 Highlights:
Operating Revenue: Operating revenue was $33.3 billion in the second quarter of 2021, an increase of $4.1 billion, or 14.1 percent, versus the prior year quarter and 15.8 percent after adjusting for the repeal of the health insurance tax in 2021. The increase was driven by higher premium revenue due to growth in Medicaid and Medicare and, to a lesser extent, rate increases to cover overall cost trend. The increase was further attributable to growth in pharmacy product revenue related to IngenioRx, partially offset by the repeal of the health insurance tax.
Benefit Expense Ratio: The benefit expense ratio was 86.8 percent in the second quarter of 2021, an increase of 890 basis points versus the prior year quarter and an increase of 750 basis points after adjusting for the repeal of the health insurance tax in 2021. The increase was driven by an increase in non-COVID and COVID-related healthcare costs as compared to relatively depressed levels in the same quarter a year ago.
Membership: Medical enrollment totaled approximately 44.3 million members at June 30, 2021, an increase of 1.9 million lives, or 4.4 percent from the prior year quarter. Government Business enrollment increased by 2.1 million lives compared to the prior year quarter, driven by Medicaid, reflecting organic growth, aided by the temporary suspension of eligibility recertification efforts in our markets, and growth in Medicare Advantage. In addition, the acquisition of MMM during the second quarter added 315 thousand Medicaid members and 273 thousand Medicare Advantage members. Commercial & Specialty Business enrollment decreased by 174 thousand lives compared to the prior year quarter primarily attributable to in-group attrition in the group fee-based business as a result of the economic environment, partially offset by growth in our risk-based businesses.
Medicare Supplement lives in the 2nd quarter increased 6,000 compared to end of the 1st quarter 2021 and increased 15,000 compared to the prior year 2nd quarter.
Medicare Advantage membership of 1,824,000, a 286,000 increase compared to the end of the 1st quarter 2021 and an increase of 458,000 compared to 2nd quarter 2020.
Medicare Advantage membership of 1,824,000, a 286,000 increase compared to the end of the 1st quarter 2021 and an increase of 458,000 compared to 2nd quarter 2020.
