I have to choose a new plan

[JayhawkSD]

7. profit vs. nonprofit insurer.

"I prefer to stay with a non-profit insurer (in theory) one that is not listed on the stock exchange."

I would suggest you abandon that criteria. Choose your insurer based on the cost and benefit. Whether it is profit or not does not affect your pocketbook when your health is at stake. There are better ways to make social statements.

What people do not look at in the health care cost is that health insurance companies operate at a very reasonable profit margin - mostly in the 5% to 11% range. Health care providers are an entirely different story. They are the true ripoff artists, operating at obscene profit levels. Hospitals almost always run in the 50% to 60% profit margin area. Doctor groups are close, mostly making 50% profit. Laboratories (testing) typically run a profit margin of 40% or more. Drug companies make profits in the range of 35% to as much as 50% and up.

Inflated provider costs are paid by health insurance companies, who then must increase their premiums so that they can make a profit, usually less than 10% or so, for their stockholders.

Health insurance is not the cost problem in health care cost. Providers are.