Humana reports 4Q loss, projects strong Medicare Advantage growth

Humana Inc.’s recorded a loss of $71 million for the quarter due to a one-time charge of $188 million associated with its $1 billion investment plan for its Medicare business announced in February last year, Reuters reports. Humana's fourth-quarter benefit expense ratio, or the percentage of payout on claims compared to its premiums, fell by 1 percentage point to 87.5%, but was higher than analysts' estimate of 87.2%, the report says. The health insurer said it expects to add at least 625,000 members to its Medicare Advantage plan this year.