CONTACTS:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OLDWICK - JULY 13, 2017 02:02 PM (EDT)
A.M. Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B (Fair) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “bb+” of Lewer Life Insurance Company (Lewer Life) (Kansas City, MO).
The revised outlooks reflect Lewer Life’s long and established niche in the student health insurance marketplace, evolving business strategy and improved operating results. Lewer Life has demonstrated flexibility, innovation and the ability to respond to rapidly changing markets and regulations. As a result of the pressures imposed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on the international student health insurance market, Lewer Life strategically exited from its relationship with a single carrier and negotiated an arrangement with two carriers offering ACA-exempt products to help mitigate concentration and regulatory risks. However, there may be challenges with future premium growth due to competitive pressures and an expected decline in foreign student population. In recent years, Lewer Life has undertaken business diversification initiatives, including the assumption of dental and vision premiums from another carrier. The company has reported continued premium growth through a combination of marketing efforts and increased international student populations at existing client schools. Lewer Life reported a historically high level of net income and capital growth, and maintained strong risk-adjusted capitalization in 2016.
Partially offsetting rating factors include a relatively small level of absolute capital, a significant dependence on reinsurance and a concentration in international student health insurance business.
This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on A.M. Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see A.M. Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Understanding Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best’s Credit Ratings and A.M. Best Rating Action Press Releases.
A.M. Best is the world’s oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source.