Analysis: 15 million in U.S. could be added to Medicaid, SCHIP

Analysts estimate that 15 million people could gain access to Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program because of federal policy changes likely to be enacted in the coming months (Source: "Health Insurers Prime for New Business with Democratic Rule,” Wall Street Journal, Nov. 6, 2008).

According to research from Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., health insurance companies could see a small decline in profit margins, but would actually see their revenue grow slightly under an Obama administration compared with the status quo, or if Sen. John McCain had won the White House.

"We do see opportunity. I think it's also fair to say we expect some increasing regulation," said H. Edward Hanway, chief executive of Cigna Corp., the country's fourth-largest insurer based on number of members. "We're very focused on being an active voice at the table and talking about what kind of reform makes sense."