AHIP Exam AHM-520 Topic 5 Question 109 Discussion

A health plan may experience negative working capital whenever healthcare expenses generated by plan members exceed the premium income the health plan receives.

Ways in which a health plan can manage the volatility in claims payments, and therefore reduce the risk of negative working capital, include:

1. Accurately estimating incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims

2. Using capitation contracts for provider reimbursement