UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

þ	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file no. 001-14953

HealthMarkets, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

75-2044750

(State or other jurisdiction of

Incorporation or organization)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

9151 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180

(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

(817) 255-5200

(Registrant’s phone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Class A-2 common stock

(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No þ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No þ

Effective April 5, 2006, all of the registrant’s Class A-1 common stock is owned by three private investor groups and members of management. The registrant’s Class A-2 common stock is beneficially owned by its independent insurance agents and is subject to transfer restrictions. Neither the Class-A-1 common stock nor the Class A-2 common stock is listed or traded on any exchange or market. As of June 30, 2012, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of shares of Class A-1 and Class A-2 common stock held by non-affiliates was $-0-. As of February 28, 2013, there were 27,835,626 outstanding shares of Class A-1 common stock and 2,745,028 outstanding shares of Class A-2 common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the annual information statement for the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.

HEALTHMARKETS, INC.

and Subsidiaries

TABLE OF CONTENTS


		Page
	PART I
Item 1.	Business		1
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		17
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments		30
Item 2.	Properties		30
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings		30
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		30

	PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities		30
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data		33
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		34
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		61
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data		61
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure		61
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures		61
Item 9B.	Other Information		62

	PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance		63
Item 11.	Executive Compensation		63
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters		63
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence		63
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services		63

	PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules		64
SIGNATURES			65

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

When we use the terms “HealthMarkets”, “we”, “us”, “our”, and “the Company”, we mean HealthMarkets, Inc. and its subsidiaries. This report and other documents or oral presentations prepared or delivered by and on behalf of the Company contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements based upon management’s expectations at the time such statements are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical information provided or incorporated by reference herein, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, when used in written documents or oral presentations, the terms “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “project,” “will” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition to the assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such statements, factors that could impact the Company’s business and financial prospects include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the caption “Item 1. Business,” “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and those discussed from time to time in the Company’s various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or in other publicly disseminated written documents.

PART I

Item 1.

Business

Introduction

HealthMarkets, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1984, is a holding company, the principal asset of which is its investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, HealthMarkets, LLC. HealthMarkets, LLC’s principal assets are its investments in its separate operating subsidiaries, including its regulated insurance subsidiaries. HealthMarkets conducts its insurance underwriting businesses through its indirect wholly owned insurance company subsidiaries, The MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company (“MEGA”), Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee (“Mid-West”), The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company (“Chesapeake”) and HealthMarkets Insurance Company (“HMIC”), and conducts its insurance distribution business through its indirect insurance agency subsidiary, Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. (“Insphere”).

MEGA is an insurance company domiciled in Oklahoma and is licensed to issue health, life and annuity insurance policies in the District of Columbia and all states except New York. Mid-West is an insurance company domiciled in Texas and is licensed to issue health, life and annuity insurance policies in Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and all states except Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. Chesapeake is an insurance company domiciled in Oklahoma and is licensed to issue health and life insurance policies in the District of Columbia and all states except New Jersey, New York and Vermont. HMIC is an insurance company domiciled in Oklahoma and is licensed to issue health and life insurance policies in the District of Columbia and all states except New York.

Through our insurance subsidiaries, we underwrite and administer a broad range of health and life insurance and supplemental products for individuals, families, the self-employed and small businesses. The focus of our insurance underwriting business is now supplemental products. In 2010, we discontinued the marketing of all health benefit plans underwritten by our insurance subsidiaries in all but a limited number of states. We believe that this shift better positions the Company for the future, particularly in light of changes resulting from the enactment, in March 2010, of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and a reconciliation measure, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Health Care Reform Legislation”). The Company continues to maintain a significant in-force block of health benefits plans and evaluates on an ongoing basis the impact of Health Care Reform Legislation on this block of business and opportunities presented by other lines of business.

In 2009, the Company launched its Insphere insurance agency. Insphere serves as an authorized insurance agency in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Insphere, specializing in the distribution to the small business and middle-income markets, distributes life, health, Medicare and long-term care insurance to these groups through a portfolio of products from nationally recognized insurance carriers. Insphere distributes products underwritten by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries (primarily supplemental products), as well as non-affiliated insurance companies.

Prior to 2010, the Company maintained a dedicated agency sales force that distributed products underwritten exclusively by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. The development of Insphere as an independent career-agent distribution company, and the sale by Insphere agents of third party products, represents a significant shift in the Company’s corporate strategy. In 2011, our Chesapeake insurance subsidiary began contracting with third party producers outside of the Insphere agency sales force to distribute supplemental products, and distribution through these channels expanded in 2012. While the majority of our supplemental product distribution continues to occur through Insphere, we evaluate alternative distribution opportunities (including telesales) on an ongoing basis.

The Company operates four business segments: Commercial Health, Insphere, Corporate, and Disposed Operations. Through our Commercial Health Division, we underwrite and administer a broad range of health and

life insurance supplemental products. Insphere includes net commission revenue, agent incentives, marketing costs and other agency administration costs. Corporate includes investment income not allocated to the other segments, realized gains or losses, interest expense on corporate debt, the Company’s student loan business, general expenses relating to corporate operations and operations that do not constitute reportable operating segments. Disposed Operations primarily includes the remaining run out of residual operations from dispositions of businesses prior to 2010. (See Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information regarding our segments.)

Our principal executive offices are located at 9151 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180-5605, and our telephone number is (817) 255-5200.

On April 5, 2006, we completed a merger (the “Merger”) providing for the acquisition of the Company by affiliates of a group of private equity investors, including affiliates of The Blackstone Group, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners and Credit Suisse-DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (the “Private Equity Investors”). As of December 31, 2012, approximately 87.0% of our common equity securities were held by the Private Equity Investors, with the balance of our common equity securities held by current and former members of management and also beneficially owned by independent insurance agents through the HealthMarkets, Inc. InVest Stock Ownership Plan. As such, we remain subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our periodic filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and if applicable, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are available through our web site at www.healthmarketsinc.com free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

Ratings

The Company’s principal insurance subsidiaries historically have been assigned financial strength ratings from A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”). A.M. Best also assigned an issuer credit rating to HealthMarkets, Inc. In the second quarter of 2012, A.M. Best affirmed the financial strength ratings of MEGA, Mid-West and Chesapeake, and the issuer credit rating of HealthMarkets, as set forth below:


Mega	Financial Strength Rating	“B++” (“Good”)
Mid-West	Financial Strength Rating	“B++” (“Good”)
Chesapeake	Financial Strength Rating	“B++” (“Good”)
HealthMarkets, Inc.	Issuer Credit Rating	“bb” (“Speculative”)

The A.M. Best ratings above carry a “Stable” outlook.

In evaluating a company, independent rating agencies review such factors as the company’s capital adequacy, profitability, leverage and liquidity, book of business, quality and estimated market value of assets, adequacy of policy liabilities, experience and competency of management and operating profile. A.M. Best’s financial strength ratings currently range from “A++” (“Superior”) to “F” (“In Liquidation”). A.M. Best’s ratings are based upon factors relevant to policyholders, agents, insurance brokers and intermediaries and are not directed to the protection of investors. A.M. Best’s issuer credit rating is a current opinion of an obligor’s ability to meet its senior obligations. A.M. Best’s issuer credit ratings range from “aaa” (“Exceptional”) to “rs” (“Regulatory Supervision/Liquidation”).

Commercial Health Division

Through our Commercial Health Division, we underwrite and administer a broad range of supplemental products in addition to health and life insurance products. These products are issued by our subsidiaries, MEGA, Mid-West and Chesapeake and distributed by the Insphere independent agent sales force and third party

distribution channels. The Commercial Health Division generated revenues of $490.7 million, $585.3 million and $798.7 million, representing 86%, 88% and 93% of our total revenue from continuing operations in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Health Insurance Products

The health insurance products historically underwritten by our insurance company subsidiaries are designed to accommodate individual needs and include traditional fee-for-service indemnity (choice of doctor) plans and plans with preferred provider organization (“PPO”) features, in which benefits are structured to encourage the use of providers with which we have negotiated lower fees for the services to be provided. Many of these plans are of a “scheduled benefit” nature and, as such, provide benefits equal to the lesser of the actual cost incurred for covered expenses or the maximum benefit stated in the policy.

These products feature a “menu” of various options (including various deductible levels, coinsurance percentages and limited riders that cover particular events such as outpatient, accidents, and doctors’ visits), enabling the insurance product to be tailored to meet the insurance needs and the budgetary constraints of the policyholder. Historically, our scheduled/basic plans were offered with an optional benefit, the Accumulated Covered Expense (“ACE”) rider, that provides for catastrophic coverage for covered expenses under the contract that generally exceed $100,000 or, in certain cases, $75,000. The rider pays benefits at 100% after the stop loss amount is reached, up to the aggregate maximum amount of the contract for expenses covered by the rider.

After September 23, 2010, the effective date for many aspects of the Health Care Reform Legislation, we discontinued the marketing of all health benefit plans underwritten by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries in all but a limited number of states. This action reflects a number of factors, including (1) the Company’s evaluation of National Health Care Reform Legislation which, among other things, requires a minimum medical loss ratio of 80% for the individual and small group markets beginning in 2011 and eliminates most annual maximums on benefits—an important feature of our “scheduled benefit” products; (2) the Company’s decision to focus on business opportunities that allow us to maximize the value of the Insphere independent agent sales force, with particular focus on the sale of third-party health insurance products and supplemental products underwritten by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries (which are generally not subject to the requirements of the Health Care Reform Legislation); and (3) the fact that in the states where third party health insurance plans distributed by Insphere have been introduced, they have, to a great extent, replaced the sale of the Company’s health benefit plan offerings.

The Company continues to maintain a significant in-force block of health benefit plans. The Company believes it has made all adjustments to this business to the extent required to date by the Health Care Reform Legislation. We expect that maintenance of the Company’s in-force block of health benefit plans, at current levels, will present significant challenges resulting from, among other things, competitive pressure due to the shift in our distribution focus toward third-party product sales and changes resulting from Health Care Reform Legislation. For non-grandfathered plans, changes that we expect to impact our in-force block of health benefit plan business include, but are not limited to, the obligation to add mandated “essential health benefits” (which is expected to significantly increase our claims costs), limitations on the ability to vary premium based on assessment of underlying risk (including elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions and health status rating adjustments), and the creation of public health insurance exchanges with standardized plans available to the individual and small group markets (which, as a result of federal subsidies available to qualified individuals purchasing health insurance through such exchanges, may cause our customers to migrate to such exchanges and result in the loss of business). If maintaining our in-force block of health benefit plans (or portions thereof) is no longer profitable due to these or other changes, we may choose to non-renew coverage of these plans in one or more states subject to applicable state and federal discontinuation or withdrawal requirements. The Company evaluates the impact of the Health Care Reform Legislation on its in-force block of health benefit plans on an ongoing basis.

Over time, we expect the size of our in-force block of health benefit plans to continue decreasing. As a result, we anticipate premium revenue and underwriting profits associated with this in-force block will decline

and may not be replaced in the near term by earnings from other areas of the business. We expect it to take a considerable amount of time to grow the premium revenue and underwriting profits associated with our supplemental product offerings and the net commission revenue generated from Insphere. This transition in our revenue stream will make it difficult to support administrative expenses at current levels. To better align expenses in light of dropping enrollment levels, the Company has been pursuing initiatives to significantly reduce administrative expenses, including but not limited to reductions in its workforce, consolidation of certain administrative functions and the reorganization of Insphere’s field structure to make it more efficient. We expect initiatives of this nature to continue in the future.

Supplemental Products

We have developed and offer supplemental product lines designed to further protect against financial risks to which our target customer is typically exposed. These products may be sold in connection with the sale of health benefit plans or on a stand-alone basis. These products are primarily underwritten by Chesapeake, which offers an extensive supplemental product portfolio available in 47 states. Chesapeake’s supplemental products are marketed under the SureBridge brand and are distributed by Insphere as well as unaffiliated third party producers. In 2012, Chesapeake expanded the number of unaffiliated third party producers selling its supplemental products. The Company evaluates additional distribution opportunities on an ongoing basis, including but not limited to distribution through brokerage channels, strategic partnerships and joint venture arrangements. We expect this trend to continue in the future. Our supplemental product offerings include the following:

•

Dental and vision products: We offer multiple dental and vision products leveraging provider networks to provide varying combinations of coverage or discounts for periodic exams, corrective treatment and, in the case of vision, low co-payments on various lens types and discounts on vision products and services.

•

Disability: Our disability products provide income protection against short term disability (up to 24 months) resulting from an accident or illness, with benefits ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per month.

•

Critical Illness/Specified Disease Products: Our critical illness/specified disease products provide a lump sum benefit (ranging from $5,000 to $60,000) for the first diagnosis of a specified disease/condition (including, but not limited to, cancer, heart attack, stroke and end stage renal disease) or major organ transplant. We also offer a separate cancer policy providing a lump sum benefit (ranging from $10,000 to $60,000) for the first diagnosis of internal cancer.

•

Accident products: Our portfolio includes three products, all of which provide payment directly to the insured. The product structures vary, ranging from products offering smaller benefit payments for a variety of conditions sustained or services received, to those targeting catastrophic accidents (resulting in conditions such as paraplegia or blindness) with lump sum benefits up to $60,000.

•

Hospital indemnity products: Our hospital indemnity products provide a daily benefit (ranging from $250 to $1,000 per day) for medically necessary inpatient confinements.

•

Bundled/Multi-Benefit Products: We have developed supplemental product “packages” that combine benefits from several supplemental products, including an array of benefits, across a number of services and conditions, to meet the most common range of consumer supplemental needs.

In addition, in 2012, Chesapeake began offering simplified issue term life insurance products in partnership with a third party which administers and shares risk on these products. Generally, these products include a 10-year level term product, a 20-year level term product and a 10-year level term product with critical condition rider as well as other available riders.

We believe that Chesapeake offers one of the largest portfolios of individual supplemental products in the market. We expect these products, which are generally not subject to Health Care Reform Legislation, to

continue serving as the focus of our insurance underwriting business and we intend to evaluate opportunities created by new product offerings on an ongoing basis.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

Through our HealthMarkets Insurance Company (“HMIC”) subsidiary, in 2012 we began marketing stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans (“PDPs”) under the Medicare Part D program with coverage effective for January 1, 2013. HMIC participates in the Medicare Part D program under a contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”). During 2012, the Company recognized approximately $873,000 of start-up costs primarily associated with actuarial consultants and marketing costs.

Association Products

Prior to 2010, a substantial portion of the products offered by our insurance subsidiaries were issued to members of independent membership associations that act as the group master policyholder for such products, including the Alliance for Affordable Services (“AAS”) and Americans for Financial Security (“AFS”). These associations provide their members with access to a number of non-insurance benefits and products. Subject to applicable state law, individuals generally may not obtain insurance under an association’s master policy unless they are also members of the association. In 2010, in those states where the Company’s insurance subsidiaries continued to offer their health benefit plans, these plans were offered to the individual market directly and not through associations. Association memberships continue to be offered, on both a stand-alone basis and sold together with third party health benefit plans, through Insphere (See “Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc.” discussion below).

Marketing and Sales

In 2009, the Company launched Insphere in connection with the reorganization of its sales force into an independent career-agent distribution company. (See “Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc.” discussion below). Each of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries maintains a distribution agreement with Insphere for the sale of its insurance and supplemental products. Insphere and its agents are compensated based upon the level of sales production.

Policy Design and Claims Management

The “scheduled benefit” health insurance products underwritten by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries and offered through the second quarter of 2010 are principally designed to limit coverage to the occurrence of significant events that require hospitalization. This policy design, which includes high deductibles, reduces the number of covered claims requiring processing, thereby serving as a control on administrative expenses. We seek to price our products in a manner that accurately reflects our underwriting assumptions and targeted margins.

We have developed an actuarial data warehouse, which is a critical risk management tool that provides our actuaries with rapid access to detailed exposure, claim and premium data. This analysis tool enhances the actuaries’ ability to design, monitor and adequately price the insurance products underwritten by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries.

We maintain an administrative center with underwriting, claims management and administrative capabilities. The Company outsources many of these functions, including new business processing, provider service calls and a larger portion of the claims processing functions, to third parties, including parties who may perform these functions offshore. The Company retains ultimate responsibility for ensuring that these functions are performed in a timely and appropriate manner. With respect to the administrative capabilities that the Company has retained, we continue to evaluate opportunities to subcontract additional services of this nature on an ongoing basis. If the Company determines that these functions can be performed effectively and more efficiently by third parties, it may choose to subcontract these functions.

Provider Network Arrangements and Cost Management Measures

The Company’s insurance subsidiaries utilize a number of cost management programs to help them and their customers control medical costs. These measures include maintaining contracts with selected PPO provider networks through which our customers may obtain discounts on hospital and physician services that would otherwise not be available. Provider networks are made available on a regional basis, based on the coverage and discounts available within a particular geographic region. In situations where a customer does not obtain services from a contracted provider, the Company applies various usual and customary fees, which limit the amount paid to providers within specific geographic areas. We believe that access to provider network contracts is an important factor in controlling medical claims costs, since there is often a significant difference between a network-negotiated rate and the non-discounted rate.

The Company utilizes other means to control medical costs, including providing customers with access to “supplemental” network discounts if savings are not obtained through a primary provider network contract; use of pre- and post-payment fee negotiation services; the use of code editing programs that evaluate claims prior to adjudication for inappropriate billing; and the use of third-party fraud detection and prevention programs. In addition, to control prescription drug costs, the Company maintains a contract with a pharmacy benefits management company that has participating pharmacies nationwide. We also utilize copayments, coinsurance, deductibles and annual limits to manage prescription drug costs.

Insphere

In 2009, the Company formed Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. (“Insphere”), a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of HealthMarkets, LLC. Insphere serves as an authorized insurance agency in 50 states and the District of Columbia, specializing in distribution to small business and middle-income markets. Insphere distributes life, health, Medicare and long-term care insurance through a portfolio of products from nationally recognized insurance carriers. Additionally, Insphere distributes supplemental products issued by the Company’s Chesapeake insurance subsidiary. Insphere operates through independent insurance agents and is managed by licensed insurance agents employed by Insphere. Many of Insphere’s independent agents were previously associated with the Company’s UGA-Association Field Services (formerly the principal marketing division of MEGA) and Cornerstone America (formerly the principal marketing division of Mid-West). Effective January 1, 2010, the field leadership hierarchy of the Insphere sales force was reorganized into separate geographical regions. At the current time, each region is led by a Territory Vice President (“TVP”), with several Agency Managers under each TVP. TVPs and Agency Managers are full-time, salaried employees of Insphere, responsible for agent recruiting, training, and oversight activities. Sales Leaders and writing agents, who operate under Agency Managers, remain independent contractors, responsible for sales production. Insphere continues to refine its agency structure and evaluate opportunities to become more efficient.

As of December 31, 2012, Insphere had offices in 36 states with over 2,600 independent agents, of which approximately 1,800 agents on average write at least one health insurance application each month. We believe that Insphere is one of the largest independent, career agent insurance distribution groups in the country and we are actively seeking to expand the size of the agency. The Company evaluates on an ongoing basis opportunities to enhance Insphere’s growth potential, including but not limited to the introduction of alternative distribution channels (including telesales).

The process of recruiting agents is extremely competitive. We believe that the primary factors in successfully recruiting and retaining effective agents are Insphere’s commission levels and practices regarding advances on commissions, the availability of the HealthMarkets, Inc. InVest Stock Ownership Plan, the quality and diversity of the products available in Insphere’s portfolio, training opportunities, the availability of leads, agent incentives and support. Classroom and field training, with respect to product content, is required and made available to the agents under the direction of Insphere. The support available to agents includes an integrated technology platform designed to support end-to-end agent functions (including business leads, point-of-sale tools and business quoting and enrollment) that optimize the agent experience with Insphere. We believe that the

technology platform made available to agents differentiates Insphere from other sales agencies and helps Insphere attract and retain agents.

Insphere maintains marketing agreements for the distribution of health insurance products for the commercial and senior markets with a number of non-affiliated insurance carriers as well as the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. The products offered by these third-party carriers and the Company’s insurance subsidiaries offer coverage and benefit variations that may fit one consumer better than another. In the markets where Insphere has commenced distribution of these third-party carrier products, these products have, to a great extent, replaced the sale of health benefit plans underwritten by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. Insphere also distributes supplemental products, life and annuity, Medicare and long-term care insurance products for a variety of non-affiliated insurance carriers as well as the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. These products are sold both on a stand-alone basis and to purchasers of health insurance plans underwritten by non-affiliated insurance companies or the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. Insphere continues to evaluate new distribution opportunities on an ongoing basis and intends to continue expanding its portfolio and the size of its field force by developing additional marketing arrangements. Insphere’s marketing agreements are generally non-exclusive and terminable on short notice by either party for any reason. Certain developments with respect to the Health Care Reform Legislation may, for certain product lines, also put Insphere’s renewal commissions at risk.

Insphere generates revenue primarily from base commissions and override commissions received from insurance carriers whose policies are placed or written through Insphere’s independent agents. The commissions are typically based on a percentage of the premiums paid by insureds to the carrier. In some instances, Insphere also receives bonus payments for achieving certain sales volume and other thresholds. Insphere typically receives commission payments on a monthly basis for as long as a policy remains active. As a result, much of our revenue for a given financial reporting period relates to policies sold prior to the beginning of the period and is recurring in nature. Commission rates are dependent on a number of factors, including the type of insurance, policy duration and the particular insurance company underwriting the policy. As a result of certain changes arising from Health Care Reform Legislation, including but not limited to the 80% minimum medical loss ratio requirement, many of the carriers with which Insphere does business, including the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, have reduced commission and override percentages. Compensation levels in 2011 and 2012 were significantly lower than 2010 levels, and the implementation of additional aspects of the Health Care Reform Legislation may result in further reductions. (See “Regulatory and Legislative Matters” discussion below).

Insphere maintains agreements with independent membership associations — Alliance for Affordable Services (“AAS”) and Americans for Financial Security (“AFS”) — pursuant to which Insphere’s agents act as field service representatives for the associations. These agreements provide Insphere with the right (generally on an exclusive basis) to distribute association products for AAS and AFS. In this capacity, Insphere’s agents enroll new association members and provide membership retention services. Insphere receives compensation from the associations, including fees associated with enrollment, member retention services, and membership marketing. Members of the associations pay a monthly fee for membership, in exchange for which they receive savings on a variety of benefits and services, including business benefits (e.g. tax, printing, and legal services), consumer benefits (e.g. rental car, travelers auto insurance, apparel, hotel and amusement park discounts) and health benefits. Insphere evaluates on an ongoing basis association product opportunities.

Disposed Operations

Disposed Operations includes the residual operations from the disposition of businesses prior to 2010 that were not part of the fundamental long term focus of the Company.

Ceded Reinsurance

The Company’s insurance subsidiaries reinsure portions of the coverage provided by their insurance products with other insurance companies on both an excess-of-loss and coinsurance basis. Reinsurance

agreements are intended to limit an insurer’s maximum loss. Historically, we used reinsurance for our health insurance business for limited purposes only. However, the implementation of Health Care Reform Legislation resulted in a number of changes to the Company’s in-force block of health benefit plan business, including the elimination of a number of policy benefit limits. In an effort to mitigate the risk of loss associated with large medical claims, beginning in 2011, the Company’s principal insurance subsidiaries have entered into excess of loss reinsurance agreements with a reinsurer pursuant to which the insurance subsidiary retains liability for up to $1 million per member, per year and the reinsurer is responsible for amounts in excess of $1 million per member, per year. The reinsurance agreement is limited to membership in effect on or after the contract date and covers claims incurred during the contract year and paid through the end of the following year. With respect to life insurance policies, the maximum retention by MEGA, Mid-West and Chesapeake on one individual is generally $200,000. In connection with the sale of our former Life Insurance Division business, substantially all of the insurance policies associated with the Life Insurance Division were reinsured by Wilton Reassurance Company or its affiliates on a 100% coinsurance basis, effective July 1, 2008. The Company also has a small amount of life insurance issued by its Commercial Health division, the majority of which is reinsured on a 50% coinsurance basis. In 2012, Chesapeake began offering simplified issue term life insurance products in partnership with a third party which administers the business and reinsures these products on a 75% coinsurance basis (with Chesapeake retaining the remaining 25%). The Company’s insurance subsidiaries evaluate on an ongoing basis opportunities arising from reinsurance arrangements.

Competition

We compete with other companies in each of our lines of business. With respect to the business of our Commercial Health Division, the market is characterized by many competitors. Our main competitors include health insurance companies, health maintenance organizations and the Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans in the states where we maintain in-force blocks of health benefit plan business or in the few states where we continue to write new business. Competition is based on a number of factors, including quality of service, product features, price, scope of distribution, scale, financial strength ratings and name recognition. Some of our competitors may offer a broader array of products than our insurance subsidiaries, have a greater diversity of distribution resources, have better brand recognition, have more competitive pricing, have lower cost structures or, with respect to insurers, have higher financial strength or claims paying ratings. Organizations with sizable market share or provider-owned plans may be able to obtain favorable financial arrangements from healthcare providers that are not available to us. Some may also have greater financial resources with which to compete. From time to time, companies enter and exit the markets in which we operate, thereby increasing competition at times when there are new entrants. For example, several large insurance companies have entered the market for individual health and supplemental products. Beginning in 2014 — the date that public health insurance exchanges are expected to be effective — we may lose business to competitors who are able to offer their products through an exchange.

With respect to Insphere, we compete for business, for agents and distribution relationships, and for leads with other distributors. The business in which Insphere engages is highly competitive and there are many insurance agencies, brokers and intermediaries who actively compete with Insphere. We also compete with insurance companies that sell their products directly to customers, and do not use or pay commissions to third-party agents or brokers. In addition, the Internet continues to be a source for direct placement of business and creates additional competition for Insphere. Government benefits relating to health, disability and retirement are alternatives to private insurance and may indirectly compete with our businesses. Insphere may also lose business as a result of the introduction of public health insurance exchanges (currently expected to be effective in 2014). Insphere believes that it can remain competitive due to several factors, including its size, the level of training and support provided to its agents, including technology-based support, compensation levels and the availability of the HealthMarkets, Inc. InVest Stock Ownership Plan. We also believe that customers will have a continuing need for assistance from insurance agents, even after the introduction of public health insurance exchanges. However, if Insphere is unable to appropriately address competitive challenges, its business could be adversely affected.

Regulatory and Legislative Matters

National Health Care Reform Legislation

In March 2010, Health Care Reform Legislation was signed into law and, after being challenged, was substantially upheld by the United States Supreme Court in a decision issued in June 2012. The Health Care Reform Legislation has resulted in broad-based material changes to the United States health care system, has had a significant impact on our business, and is expected to continue to impact our business in the future. (See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” discussion beginning on page 15).

Company Health Benefit Plan Sales

As a result of the enactment of Health Care Reform Legislation, as well as the growing emphasis on the distribution of third party products through Insphere, in 2010, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries discontinued marketing all health benefit plans, in all but a limited number of states. (See “Commercial Health Division — Health Insurance Products” discussion above).

State Insurance Regulation

Company Insurance Subsidiaries

Our insurance subsidiaries and the products they offer are subject to extensive regulation in their respective state of domicile and the other states in which they do business. Insurance statutes typically delegate broad regulatory, supervisory and administrative powers to each state’s commissioner of insurance. The method of regulation varies, but the subject matter of such regulation covers, among other things, the amount of dividends and other distributions that can be paid by the insurance subsidiaries without prior approval or notification; the granting and revoking of licenses to transact business; trade practices, including with respect to the protection of consumers; disclosure requirements; privacy standards; minimum loss ratios; premium rate regulation; underwriting standards; approval of policy forms and mandating benefits with respect to certain medical conditions or procedures; claims payment practices, including prompt payment of claims and independent external review of certain coverage decisions; licensing of insurance agents and the regulation of agent conduct; the amount and type of investments that the insurance subsidiaries may hold; minimum reserve and surplus requirements; risk-based capital requirements; and mandatory participation in, and assessments for, risk sharing pools and guaranty funds. Such regulation is intended to protect policyholders rather than investors. The level and scope of these state regulatory activities has been impacted by Health Care Reform Legislation.

To the extent not addressed by federal legislation, various states have, from time to time, proposed and/or enacted changes to the health care system that could affect the relationship between health insurers and their customers. For example, Massachusetts law requires all residents to obtain minimum levels of health insurance and requires employers with 11 or more full time employees to pay an assessment if they do not offer health insurance to these employees. Other states have adopted or proposed laws intended to require minimum levels of health insurance for previously uninsured residents, including “play or pay” laws requiring that employers either offer health insurance or pay a tax to cover the costs of public health care insurance. If changes of this nature do not occur in connection with Health Care Reform Legislation, we expect state legislatures to continue pursuing such initiatives. We cannot predict with certainty the effect that proposed state legislation, if adopted, could have on our insurance businesses and operations.

The states in which our insurance subsidiaries are licensed have the authority to change the minimum mandated loss ratios to which they are subject, the manner in which these ratios are computed and the manner in which compliance with these ratios is measured and enforced. Loss ratios are commonly defined as incurred claims as a percentage of earned premiums. To the extent not already addressed by federal legislation, a number of states have adopted or are considering the adoption of laws that would mandate minimum loss ratios, or increase existing minimum loss ratios, for our health benefit plans. States may also adopt minimum loss ratios

applicable to health benefit plans that are higher than those established by federal legislation, or applicable to supplemental products that are generally not subject to Health Care Reform Legislation. We expect state legislatures to continue pursuing such initiatives, regardless on whether changes in minimum loss ratios occur in connection with national health care reform. Certain of these changes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations by resulting in a narrowing of profit margins or preventing us from doing business in certain states. We evaluate legislative developments regarding mandatory loss ratios and other matters on an ongoing basis. If we determine that the legislative or regulatory environment in a particular state prevents us from doing business in the state on a profitable basis, we may determine that it is in the Company’s best interest to withdraw from certain lines of business or cease doing business in that state.

Many states have also enacted insurance holding company laws that require registration and periodic reporting by insurance companies controlled by other corporations. HealthMarkets, Inc. (our holding company) and our insurance subsidiaries are subject to such laws. Such laws vary from state to state, but typically require periodic disclosure concerning the corporation that controls the controlled insurer and prior notice to, or approval by, the applicable regulator of inter-corporate transfers of assets and other transactions (including payments of dividends in excess of specified amounts by the controlled insurer) within the holding company system. Such laws often also require the prior approval for the acquisition of a significant ownership interest (i.e., 10% or more) in the insurance holding company. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable insurance holding company laws and regulations.

Under the risk-based capital initiatives adopted in 1992 by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”), insurance companies must calculate and report information under a risk-based capital formula. Risk-based capital formulas are intended to evaluate risks associated with asset quality, adverse insurance experience, losses from asset and liability mismatching, and general business hazards. This information is intended to permit regulators to identify and require remedial action for inadequately capitalized insurance companies, but it is not designed to rank adequately capitalized companies. At December 31, 2012, the risk-based capital ratio of each of our insurance subsidiaries exceeded the ratio for which regulatory corrective action would be required. The NAIC and state insurance departments are continually reexamining existing laws and regulations, including those related to reducing the risk of insolvency and related accreditation standards. To date, the increase in solvency-related oversight has not had a significant impact on our insurance business.

Insphere Insurance Solutions

Insphere and its independent agents are authorized to distribute insurance products in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and must maintain applicable agency and/or agent licenses. Licensing laws and regulations vary by individual state and are often complex and are subject to amendment or reinterpretation by state regulatory authorities. State insurance departments have relatively broad discretion to grant, revoke, suspend and renew licenses required by Insphere and/or its agents to conduct business. State insurance departments also have the authority to regulate advertising, marketing and trade practices, monitor agent conduct, impose continuing education requirements and limit the amount and/or type of commission paid to agents. Failure to comply with laws and regulations applicable to insurance agents could subject Insphere and/or its agents to fines and penalties or result in suspension of activity in, or exclusion from, a particular state.

Various state insurance laws and regulations restrict or limit the manner in which health insurance plans and supplemental health products may be offered, marketed or sold. Life products, long-term-care products, disability products and annuities are subject to additional marketing laws and regulations, such as requirements for disclosures or prohibiting certain terminology during marketing presentations. Failure to comply with all applicable marketing laws and regulations could subject Insphere and its agents to fines, penalties, cease and desist orders, and loss of licensure by state insurance departments and by some state attorneys general, as well as result in possible litigation exposure for Insphere and its agents. Insphere evaluates its product offerings on an ongoing basis, and any decision to supplement or revise the product lines offered in the future may present additional regulatory requirements applicable to Insphere and its agents.

State Financial and Market Conduct Examinations

Our insurance subsidiaries are required to file detailed annual statements with the state insurance regulatory departments and are subject to periodic financial and market conduct examinations by such departments. The Oklahoma Insurance Department (the domiciliary regulator of MEGA, Chesapeake and HealthMarkets Insurance Company (“HMIC”)) and the Texas Department of Insurance (the domiciliary regulator of Mid-West) conduct regularly scheduled financial exams of the insurance subsidiaries. In June 2011 the Oklahoma Department of Insurance concluded a regularly scheduled triennial financial examination of MEGA, Chesapeake and HMIC for the exam period ended December 31, 2009 with no material findings. In September 2012, the Texas Department of Insurance concluded a regularly scheduled financial examination of Mid-West and Fidelity First Insurance Company for the five year period ended December 31, 2011 with no material findings.

State insurance departments periodically conduct, and will continue to conduct, comprehensive or targeted market conduct examinations of HealthMarkets’ insurance subsidiaries. As reported in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, such examinations have included the multistate market conduct examination of MEGA, Mid-West and Chesapeake which was closed effective June 26, 2012 on terms that, after consideration of applicable reserves, did not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to various other market conduct and other regulatory examinations, inquiries or proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, Insphere could be subject to a market conduct examination as a result of its sales activities with respect to a non-affiliated insurance company. State insurance regulatory agencies have authority to levy significant fines and penalties and require remedial action resulting from findings made during the course of such matters. Market conduct or other regulatory examinations, inquiries or proceedings could result in, among other things, changes in business practices that require the Company to incur substantial costs. Such results, individually or in combination, could injure the Company’s reputation, cause negative publicity, adversely affect the Company’s debt and financial strength ratings, place the Company at a competitive disadvantage in marketing or administering its products or impair the Company’s ability to sell insurance policies or retain customers, and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Federal Regulation

In addition to Health Care Reform Legislation, federal legislation and administrative policies in several areas - including the Medicare program, HIPAA, ERISA, pension regulation, age and sex discrimination, financial services regulation, securities regulation, privacy laws, terrorism and federal taxation - affect the insurance business. While the Company has taken what it believes are reasonable steps to ensure that it is in full compliance with these requirements, failure to comply could result in regulatory fines and civil lawsuits.

Medicare

Effective January 1, 2013, HealthMarkets Insurance Company (“HMIC”) began offering stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans (“PDPs”) as a plan sponsor under Medicare Part D. HMIC participates in the Medicare Part D program under contract with CMS, which CMS may choose not to renew. Medicare is a complex and highly regulated federal program that provides eligible persons age 65 and over and some disabled persons under the age of 65 a variety of hospital and medical insurance benefits. CMS performs audits of each Medicare Part D prescription drug plan operating under a Medicare contract to determine the plan’s compliance with federal regulations and contractual obligations. These audits include review of the plan’s administration and management, including marketing, enrollment and disenrollment activities, claims processing and complaint systems and management information and data collection systems. CMS regulations also require submission of annual financial statements. HMIC is also subject to regulation by state insurance commissioners in the jurisdictions in which it does business.

In addition, Insphere and its agents are subject to federal regulations as a result of the marketing of certain Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan products for non-affiliated insurance carriers. The marketing of

these products is regulated by CMS and tends to be more restrictive than the marketing requirements for commercial lines of business.

Failure to comply with applicable Medicare regulations could subject HMIC (as a plan sponsor), or Insphere and its agents (as parties marketing Medicare products) to a variety of fines and penalties, and may prevent these entities from further participation in the Medicare or other federal programs.

HIPAA and Related Regulations

The use, disclosure and secure handling of individually identifiable health information by our business is subject to federal regulations, including the privacy provisions of the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the privacy and security regulations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”). In addition, our privacy and security practices are subject to various state laws and regulations. HIPAA includes requirements for maintaining the confidentiality and security of individually identifiable health information and standards for electronic health care transactions. The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH Act”) was enacted into law as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”). The HITECH Act contains a number of provisions that significantly expand the reach of HIPAA. For example, the law imposes varying civil monetary penalties and creates a private cause of action for HIPAA violations, extends HIPAA’s security provisions to business associates, and creates new security breach notification requirements. In January 2009, the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) proposed new rules that would modify the current ICD-9 medical data code set standards and adopt new standards known as ICD-10 code sets, and would make related changes to the current HIPAA electronic transaction standards. The compliance date of the new ICD-10 code sets is October 1, 2014. In February 2012, the Company implemented the updated electronic transaction standards, compliance with which was necessary by March 1, 2012. The new standards required by these rules have required or will require implementation of new software and changes to our systems and processes, the cost of which may be significant. In January 2013, final HHS regulations implementing the ARRA amendments to HIPAA impose additional obligations and further restrict our ability to collect, disclose and use individually identifiable health information. As have other entities in the health care industry, we have incurred substantial costs in meeting the requirements of the HIPAA regulations and expect to continue to incur costs to maintain compliance. HIPAA and other federal and state privacy regulations continue to evolve as a result of new legislation, regulations and judicial and administrative interpretations. Consequently, our efforts to measure, monitor and adjust our business practices to comply with these requirements are ongoing. In addition to obligations on the part of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, Insphere serves as a business associate of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries as well as non-affiliated insurance companies with which it does business. Insphere’s relationship with these non-affiliated insurance companies has added complexity to the Company’s privacy compliance obligations. Failure to comply could result in regulatory fines and civil lawsuits. Knowing and intentional violations of these rules may also result in federal criminal penalties.

In addition to imposing privacy requirements, HIPAA also requires certain guaranteed issuance and renewability of health insurance coverage for individuals and small employer groups (generally 50 or fewer employees) and limits exclusions based on pre-existing conditions. These aspects of HIPAA are regulated not only by federal laws and regulations, but also by state laws implementing HIPAA’s requirements. The Company and its agents are required to comply with these HIPAA requirements when marketing products to individuals or at a place of business.

CAN SPAM Act and Do Not Call Regulations

From time to time, the Company utilizes, either directly or through third party vendors, e-mail and telephone calls to identify prospective sales leads for use by our agents. The federal CAN SPAM Act of 2003, administered and enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, establishes national standards for sending bulk, unsolicited commercial e-mail. The Company is also required to comply with federal “Do Not Call” regulations, enforced by the Federal Communications Commission, and other federal and state regulations regarding telemarketing, which require, among other things, that insurers and insurance agencies develop their own “do not call” lists and reference state and federal “do not call” registries before making calls to market insurance

products. The Do Not Call regulations also contain prohibitions on unsolicited facsimiles. Insphere’s agents are trained to comply with these requirements when marketing insurance products and association memberships. Failure to comply could result in enforcement actions by state attorneys general, regulatory fines and penalties and civil lawsuits.

USA PATRIOT Act

The International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorist Financing Act of 2001 was enacted into law as part of the USA PATRIOT Act. The law requires, among other things, that financial institutions adopt anti-money laundering programs that include policies, procedures and controls to detect and prevent money laundering, designate a compliance officer to oversee the program and provide for employee training, and periodic audits in accordance with regulations proposed by the U.S. Treasury Department. The Office of Federal Asset Control requirements prohibit business dealings with entities identified as threats to national security. We have licensed software designed to help maintain compliance with these requirements and we continually evaluate our policies and procedures to comply with these regulations.

Iran Threat Reduction and Syrian Human Rights Act of 2012

The recently enacted Iran Threat Reduction and Syrian Human Rights Act of 2012 (“ITRA”) expands the scope of U.S. sanctions against Iran. Under Section 219 of the ITRA, companies subject to SEC reporting obligations must disclose in their periodic reports specified dealings or transactions with Iran or with individuals and entities targeted by certain U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Controls (“OFAC”) sanctions engaged in by the reporting company or any of its affiliates during the period covered by the relevant periodic report. During 2012, the Company did not engage in any transactions with Iran or with persons or entities related to Iran.

At December 31, 2012, affiliates of The Blackstone Group (“Blackstone”) held approximately 53.89% of the Company’s outstanding equity securities and certain members of the Board of Directors of the Company are affiliated with Blackstone. As a result, Blackstone may be deemed an “affiliate” (as that terms in defined under Exchange Act Rule 12b-2) of the Company. Blackstone’s Annual Report on Form 10-K includes disclosures pursuant to the ITRA regarding two of its portfolio companies — TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (“TRW”) and Travelport Limited (“Travelport”) — that may be deemed to be affiliates of Blackstone. Because of the broad definition of “affiliate” under the Exchange Act Rule 12b-2, these Blackstone portfolio companies, through Blackstone’s ownership of HealthMarkets, Inc., may also be deemed to be affiliates of ours. Accordingly, we note that the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 filed by TRW states that one of its non-U.S. subsidiaries sold products to customers that could be affiliated with, or deemed to be acting on behalf of, the Industrial Development and Renovation Organization, which has been designated as an agency of the Government of Iran, that gross revenue attributable to such sales was approximately $8,326,000 and that net profit from such sales was approximately $377,000. TRW’s disclosure further states that these activities were not prohibited by U.S. law at the time they were conducted and that those activities have been discontinued other than limited wind-down activities (which are permissible). Additionally, we note that the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 filed by Travelport states that as part of its global business in the travel industry, it provides certain passenger travel-related global distribution system and airline IT services to Iran Air and airline IT services to Iran Air Tours, that these services are either exempt from applicable sanctions prohibitions or specifically licensed by OFAC, that subject to any changes in the exempt/licensed status of such activities, it intends to continue these business activities and that gross revenue and net profit attributable to such activities in 2012 were approximately $127,000 and $45,000, respectively. We have not independently verified the disclosures described in this paragraph.

Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), regulates how goods and services are provided to or through certain types of employer-sponsored health benefit plans. ERISA is a set of laws and regulations subject to periodic interpretation by the United States Department of Labor (“DOL”) as well

as the federal courts. ERISA places controls on how our insurance subsidiaries may do business with employers who sponsor employee health benefit plans. We believe that many of our products are not subject to ERISA because they are offered to and used by individuals, self-employed persons or employers with less than two participants who are employees as of the start of any plan year. However, some of our products or services may be subject to the ERISA regulations.

Legislative Developments

The federal and state governments continue to consider legislative and regulatory proposals that could materially impact health insurance companies and various aspects of the current health care system. To the extent not already addressed in connection with the Health Care Reform Legislation, some of the more significant legislative and regulatory developments that could potentially affect our business include requiring employers to provide health insurance to employees; establishing a minimum level of coverage required to satisfy health insurance mandates; establishing minimum loss ratios that require insurers to pay a minimum amount of claim payments as a percentage of premiums received; mandating coverage of certain conditions or specified procedures, drugs and devices; standardizing individual health insurance so as to restrict the ability of health insurers to significantly vary coverage, including the health care services considered to be “covered” or “excluded,” deductible and cost-sharing levels and coverage limits; and extending malpractice and other liability exposure for decisions made by health insurers

In addition, in 2012, the NAIC adopted final revisions to the Annual Financial Reporting Model Regulation which address corporate governance and internal control over financial reporting issues, similar to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, with which certain of our insurance subsidiaries must comply.

We expect the trend of increased legislative activity to continue and cannot predict with certainty the effect that such proposals, if adopted, could have on our health insurance business and operations. Changes in health care policy could significantly affect our business. Certain of the proposals, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Employees

We have approximately 640 employees at December 31, 2012. As discussed above in “Commercial Health Division – Health Insurance Products,” the Company has been pursuing initiatives to significantly reduce administrative expenses and initiatives of this nature may continue in the future. We believe that the Company’s relations with its remaining employees are generally good.

Executive Officers of the Company

The Chairman of the Company and all other executive officers listed below are elected by the Board of Directors of the Company at its Annual Meeting each year to hold office until the next Annual Meeting or until

their successors are elected or appointed. None of these officers have family relationships with any other executive officer or director.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The following factors could impact our business and financial prospects:

Certain elements of the Health Care Reform Legislation could potentially have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations

In March 2010, Health Care Reform Legislation was signed into law and, after being challenged, was substantially upheld by the United States Supreme Court in a decision issued in June 2012. The Health Care Reform Legislation has resulted in broad-based material changes to the United States health care system, has had a significant impact on our business, and is expected to continue to impact our business in the future. While not all-inclusive, material provisions of the Health Care Reform Legislation include the following:

•

Establishment of a minimum medical loss ratio of 80% for the individual and small group markets beginning in 2011, with rebates to customers required for medical loss ratio amounts under the minimum;

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Expansion of dependent coverage to include adult children up to age 26;

•

Elimination of most annual and all lifetime caps on benefits;

•

Elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions for certain dependents;

•

Requirements that limit the ability of health insurance providers to vary premium based on assessment of underlying risk;

•

Payment of first dollar preventive care benefits for non-grandfathered business;

•

Establishment of specific benefit design requirements, rating and pricing limits and guaranteed issue requirements;

•

Obligation to add coverage for mandated “essential health benefits” to non-grandfathered plans as of January 1, 2014;

•

Creation of public health insurance exchanges (currently expected to be effective in 2014, subject to implementation at the state or federal level) with standardized plans available to the individual and small group markets. The availability of federal subsidies for qualified individuals may make plans offered through such public exchanges an attractive option for our existing customers and cause them to cancel their coverage with us;

•

Prohibitions on most policy rescissions;

•

Significant federal and possibly state annual taxes and/or assessments on health insurance providers which may not be deductible for income tax purposes; and

•

Limitations on the deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code for health insurance providers.

With respect to the minimum loss ratio requirements that became effective in 2011, the mandated minimum loss ratio of 80% for the individual and small group markets has adversely affected the revenues of our insurance subsidiaries and our business generally and has required us to issue rebates to customers. Historically, the Company has experienced significantly lower medical loss ratios and the Company continues to evaluate whether its insurance subsidiaries can operate profitably at an 80% minimum medical loss ratio. As a result of these requirements, our insurance subsidiaries have reduced the level of commissions paid to the agents who distribute their health benefit plans. The 80% minimum medical loss ratio for the individual market is subject to adjustment by the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”), on a state-by-state basis, if HHS determines that the requirement is disruptive to the market. For 2012, HHS approved a lower medical loss ratio standard in four states: Georgia, Iowa, Maine and New Hampshire. The minimum medical loss ratio requirement could, at an appropriate time in the future, compel us to non-renew coverage of our existing individual health customers in one or more states subject to applicable state and federal discontinuation or withdrawal requirements.

The mandated medical loss ratio requirements and health care reform more generally also have adversely affected the level of base and override commissions that Insphere receives from the Company’s insurance subsidiaries and third party insurance carriers. In order to comply with the 80% minimum medical loss ratio requirement, many of these carriers, including the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, have reduced commissions and overrides. Compensation levels in 2011 and 2012 were significantly lower than 2010 levels. As a result of reductions, Insphere has lowered the level of commissions paid to its agents for the sale of products underwritten by these carriers. The implementation of additional aspects of the Health Care Reform Legislation, including but not limited to the introduction of health insurance exchanges (currently expected to be effective in 2014), may result in further reductions in commission and other compensation levels paid to producers, including Insphere.

To the extent required by the Health Care Reform Legislation, the Company has made the adjustments to its in-force block of business issued prior to March 24, 2010, including but not limited to removal of lifetime caps on benefits, extension of dependent coverage through age 26, meeting new HHS reporting requirements and adopting limitations on most policy rescissions. These changes generally became effective on January 1, 2011 (for most of our plans — the effective date of the new plan year), although certain states required an earlier effective date. In addition to the changes discussed above, plans issued on or after March 24, 2010 are subject to more extensive benefit changes, including but not limited to first dollar preventive care benefits and no annual limits on essential health benefits covered by the policies. The Company made all state form and rate filings necessary to include these new requirements and, effective in September 2011, made required rate and form changes for new policies marketed after that date.

Certain provisions of the Health Care Reform Legislation have already become effective, and the Company has dedicated material resources, made material changes to its business and incurred material expenses (including, but not limited to, additional claims expenses) as a result. Other provisions become effective at various dates over the next several years. Due to the complexity of this legislation, gradual implementation and pending status of certain guidance and regulations, the full impact of Health Care Reform Legislation on our business is not yet fully known. The Company’s review of these requirements, and their potential impact on the Company’s business, is ongoing. In addition, a number of state legislatures have enacted or are contemplating significant health insurance reforms or similar legislation, either in response to the Health Care Reform Legislation or independently (to the extent not addressed by federal legislation). These reforms could further increase our costs, require us to revise the way in which we conduct business, result in the elimination of certain products or business lines (including, potentially, non-renewal of our existing non-grandfathered and/or grandfathered health benefit plan business in one or more states subject to applicable state and federal discontinuation or withdrawal requirements), impose additional state-level fees or taxes, lead to lower revenues and expose us to an increased risk of liability. Any delay or failure to conform our business to the requirements of the Health Care Reform Legislation and state health insurance reforms could disrupt our operations, lead to regulatory issues, damage our relationship with existing customers and our reputation generally, adversely affect our ability to attract new customers and result in other adverse consequences. Depending on the outcome of certain potential developments, certain elements of the Health Care Reform Legislation and/or state health care reform legislation could, in the future, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, including but not limited to impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.

The Company’s review of the requirements of the Health Care Reform Legislation described above, and its potential impact on the Company’s health insurance product offerings, is ongoing.

The Health Care Reform Legislation could increase our cost structure and impede our ability to obtain premium rate increases necessary to offset these costs.

Several aspects of the Health Care Reform Legislation are expected to increase our costs, including but not limited to the elimination of most annual and all lifetime caps on the dollar value of benefits, the elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions and the obligation to add coverage for mandated “essential health benefits” to non-grandfathered plans. Premium increases will be necessary to mitigate the impact these and other provisions

of the Health Care Reform Legislation will have on our cost structure. Premium increases are generally subject to the approval of state insurance departments. In addition, HHS rules establish a federal premium rate review process for annual premium rate increases (generally, of 10% or more), which could make it more difficult to obtain approval of premium rate increases. The inability of our insurance companies to increase premiums rates to offset increases in their cost structure could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in government regulation could increase the costs of compliance or cause us to discontinue marketing our products, or otherwise cease doing business, in certain states.

We conduct business in a heavily regulated industry. In addition to the Health Care Reform Legislation discussed above, to the extent not addressed by federal legislation, various states have, from time to time, proposed and/or enacted changes to the health care system that could affect the relationship between health insurers and their customers (see Item 1. Business — “Regulatory and Legislative Matters” for additional information). To the extent not already addressed in connection with the Health Care Reform Legislation, some of the more significant legislative and regulatory developments that could potentially affect our business include requiring employers to provide health insurance to employees; establishing a minimum level of coverage required to satisfy health insurance mandates; establishing minimum loss ratios that require insurers to pay a minimum amount of claim payments as a percentage of premiums received; mandating coverage of certain conditions or specified procedures, drugs and devices; standardizing individual health insurance so as to restrict the ability of health insurers to significantly vary coverage, including the health care services considered to be “covered” or “excluded,” deductible and cost-sharing levels and coverage limits; and extending malpractice and other liability exposure for decisions made by health insurers

We expect the trend of increased legislative activity to continue and cannot predict with certainty the effect that such proposals, if adopted, could have on our business. Certain of the proposals, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We evaluate regulatory and legislative developments on an ongoing basis. If we determine that the legislative or regulatory environment in a particular state prevents us from doing business in the state on a profitable basis, we may determine that it is in the Company’s best interest to withdraw from certain lines of business or cease doing business in that state (subject to applicable state and federal discontinuation or withdrawal requirements).

Failure to comply with extensive state and federal regulations could subject us to fines, penalties and suspensions, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to extensive governmental regulation and supervision (see Item 1. Business — “Regulatory and Legislative Matters” for additional information). Most insurance regulations are designed to protect the interests of policyholders rather than stockholders and other investors. This regulation, generally administered by a department of insurance in each state in which we do business, relates to, among other things, licensing of insurers and their agents; sales and marketing practices; training and oversight of agents; handling of consumer complaints and grievances; approval of policy forms and premium rates; standards of solvency, including risk-based capital measurements, which are a measure developed by the NAIC and used by state insurance regulators to identify insurance companies that potentially are inadequately capitalized; restrictions on the nature, quality and concentration of investments; restrictions on transactions between insurance companies and their affiliates; restrictions on the size of risks insurable under a single policy; requiring deposits for the benefit of policyholders; requiring certain methods of accounting; prescribing the form and content of records of financial condition required to be filed; and requiring reserves for losses and other purposes.

State insurance departments also conduct periodic examinations of the affairs of insurance companies through, among other things, financial and market conduct examinations, and require the filing of annual and other reports relating to the financial condition of insurance companies, holding company issues and other matters. Regulatory agencies have imposed substantial fines against us in the past, and may impose substantial

fines against us in the future if they determine that we have not complied with applicable laws and regulations (see Note 16 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

There is also substantial federal regulation of our business. Laws and regulations adopted by the federal government, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, HIPAA, the USA PATRIOT Act and the CAN SPAM Act of 2003 and Do Not Call regulations, establish administrative and compliance requirements applicable to the Company.

Our business depends on compliance with applicable laws and regulations and our ability to maintain valid licenses and approvals for our operations. Regulatory authorities have broad discretion to grant, renew or revoke licenses and approvals. Regulatory authorities may deny or revoke licenses for various reasons, including the violation of regulations. In some instances, we follow practices based on our interpretations of regulations, or those that we believe to be generally followed by the industry, which may be different from the requirements or interpretations of regulatory authorities. If we do not have the requisite licenses and approvals and do not comply with applicable regulatory requirements, the insurance regulatory authorities could preclude or temporarily suspend us from carrying on some or all of our activities or otherwise penalize us which, depending on the nature of the penalty, could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our failure to comply with new or existing government regulation could subject us to significant fines and penalties. Our efforts to measure, monitor and adjust our business practices to comply with current laws are ongoing. Failure to comply with enacted regulations could result in significant fines, penalties or the loss of one or more of our licenses.

Current or future state and federal regulations could impede our ability to obtain effective leads or increase the cost of leads and adversely affect our business

We utilize, either directly or through third party vendors, e-mails and telephone calls to identify prospective sales leads for use by Insphere and its agents. Lead generation activities are subject to state and federal regulations, including, but not limited to, the federal CAN SPAM Act of 2003 (which establishes national standards for sending bulk, unsolicited commercial e-mail), the federal “Do Not Call” regulations and state regulations regarding telemarketing (which require companies including insurers and insurance agencies to develop their own “do not call” lists and reference state and federal “do not call” registries before making calls to market insurance products, and prohibit unsolicited facsimiles) (see Item 1. Business — “Regulatory and Legislative Matters” for additional information). Failure to comply could result in enforcement actions by state attorneys general, regulatory fines and penalties and civil lawsuits. We believe that the ability of Insphere and its agents to obtain effective and cost efficient “qualified” sales leads plays a significant role in the generation of new business and efforts to recruit and retain effective agents. There is significant competition for such leads and certain aspects of the Health Care Reform Legislation, including but not limited to the introduction of public health insurance exchanges (currently expected to be effective in 2014) may make it more difficult for the Insphere to obtain such leads in the future or may make such leads significantly more expensive. To the extent that laws currently in effect, or passed in the future, make it more difficult or costly to obtain effective and cost efficient qualified leads, or eliminate our ability to purchase or generate such leads, our business could be materially and adversely affected.

We must comply with restrictions on customer privacy and information security, including taking steps to ensure compliance by our business associates with HIPAA.

The use, disclosure and secure handling of individually identifiable health information by our business is subject to state and federal law and regulations, including the privacy provisions of the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the privacy and security regulations promulgated under HIPAA (See Item 1. Business — “Regulatory and Legislative Matters” for additional information). The HIPAA regulations establish significant criminal penalties and civil sanctions for non-compliance. The HIPAA regulations require, among other things, that we enter into specific written agreements with business associates to whom individually identifiable health information is disclosed. Although our contracts with business associates provide for appropriate protections of such information, we may have limited control over the actions and practices of our business associates. The

Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH Act”). enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”), contains a number of provisions that significantly expand the reach of HIPAA, including imposition of varying civil monetary penalties, creation of a private cause of action for HIPAA violations, extension of HIPAA’s security provisions to business associates and creation of new security breach notification requirements. In January 2013, final HHS regulations implementing the ARRA amendments to HIPAA impose additional obligations and further restrict our ability to collect, disclose and use individually identifiable health information. Additionally, as part of the Administrative Simplification provisions of the Health Care Reform Legislation, health plans are required to provide eligibility and health claim status for HIPAA transactions in 2013 and to certify compliance with these requirements by December 31, 2013. The Company is currently evaluating its ability to comply with such certification. Compliance with HIPAA, the HITECH Act and other state and federal privacy and security regulations have required us to implement changes in our programs and systems to maintain compliance and may in the future result in significant expenditures due to necessary systems changes, the development of new administrative processes and the effects of potential noncompliance by our business associates. In addition to obligations on the part of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, Insphere serves as a business associate of the non-affiliated insurance companies with which it does business. Insphere’s relationship with these non-affiliated insurance companies has added complexity to the Company’s privacy compliance obligations. Failure to comply could result in regulatory fines and civil lawsuits. Knowing and intentional violations of these rules may also result in federal criminal penalties.

The outcome of comprehensive or targeted market conduct examinations could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We recently concluded a multi-state market conduct examination of our principal insurance subsidiaries, MEGA, Mid-West and Chesapeake (the “Insurance Companies”). See Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Insurance Companies have periodically been the subject of other market conduct examinations conducted by state insurance departments. As reported in Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, such examinations have included the market conduct examination of MEGA, Mid-West and Chesapeake by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, resulting in a 2006 regulatory settlement agreement, and subsequent re-examination of certain key provisions of the regulatory settlement agreement commencing in January 2009, which was settled on August 26, 2009.

The Insurance Companies are subject to various other pending market conduct and other regulatory examinations, inquiries or proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. State insurance regulatory agencies have authority to levy significant fines and penalties and require remedial action resulting from findings made during the course of such matters. Market conduct or other regulatory examinations, inquiries or proceedings could result in, among other things, changes in business practices that require the Company to incur substantial costs. Such results, singly or in combination, could injure our reputation, cause negative publicity, adversely affect our debt and financial strength ratings, place us at a competitive disadvantage in marketing or administering our products or impair our ability to sell or retain insurance policies, and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

We may lose business to competitors

We compete, and will continue to compete, for customers with many other companies, including insurance companies, insurance agencies and other financial services companies. Current or potential competitors may offer a broader array of products than we do, have a greater diversity of distribution resources, have better brand recognition, have more competitive pricing and have lower cost structures. Some may also have greater financial resources with which to compete. With respect to our Commercial Health division, other insurers may have higher financial strength or claims paying ratings, or may be able to obtain more favorable financial arrangements from healthcare providers that are not available to us, which may make their health benefit plan offerings more attractive than our own. Other companies enter and exit the markets in which we operate, thereby increasing competition at times when there are new entrants. For example, we currently believe that Chesapeake offers one of the largest portfolios of individual supplemental products in the market. However, as a result of the

Health Care Reform Legislation, we expect the supplemental business to become a greater area of focus for other insurance carriers. Competitors in the supplemental market may include insurance carriers who have substantially greater revenues, capital resources or product and geographic market coverage. Entry into the supplemental market, or expansion of existing supplemental business, by such competitors could adversely affect our ability to successfully market supplemental products on a competitive basis and decrease revenues arising from the sale of supplemental products. Our Commercial Health Division and Insphere may also lose business as a result of the introduction of public health insurance exchanges (currently expected to be effective in 2014). With respect to our Commercial Health Division, we may lose business to competitors who are able to offer their products through an exchange. With respect to Insphere, the availability of public health insurance exchanges may render a customer’s need for an independent insurance agent less necessary. If we are unable to appropriately address these competitive challenges, our business could be adversely affected.

Failure to recruit and retain agents could prevent us from competing successfully and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We compete not only for the business of customers, but also for agents and distribution relationships with other distributors and insurance companies. We distribute our products as well as the products of non-affiliated insurance companies through independent agents contracted with Insphere as well as independent third party producers outside the Insphere agency sales force. Insphere’s business is highly competitive and there are many insurance agencies, brokers and intermediaries who actively compete with us. We also compete with insurance companies that sell their products directly to customers and do not use or pay commissions to third-party agents or brokers. In addition, the Internet continues to be a source for direct placement of business and creates competition for Insphere. We compete for productive agents with other distributors based on a number of factors, including compensation structure, level of training and support services and product offerings. It may be difficult to successfully compete for agents with companies that have greater revenues, capital resources, product and geographic market coverage or name recognition than ours.

The Health Care Reform Legislation may adversely affect Insphere’s ability to recruit and retain agents. As a result of certain changes arising from this legislation, including the 80% minimum medical loss ratio requirement, many of the carriers with which Insphere does business, including the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, have reduced commissions and overrides. Compensation levels in 2011 and 2012 were significantly lower than 2010 levels, and we anticipate that the implementation of additional aspects of the Health Care Reform Legislation may result in further reductions. (see Item 1. Business — “Regulatory and Legislative Matters” for additional information). The impact of these adjustments has been significant and, as a result, Insphere has lowered the level of commissions paid to its agents for the sale of products underwritten by these carriers. This could potentially make it more difficult for Insphere to recruit agents and/or retain agents who are unable to earn sufficient income at the reduced commission levels.

Insphere’s business model requires near term growth in the number of productive selling agents within its sales force and the retention of these agents. Any inability by Insphere to recruit, retain and expand the number of productive insurance agents within its sales force could adversely affect Insphere’s business prospects and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in our relationship with membership associations, or changes in association product benefits, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Historically, a substantial portion of the products offered by our insurance subsidiaries were issued to members of independent membership associations that act as the master policyholder for such products. The associations provide their members with access to a number of benefits and products, including health insurance underwritten by the HealthMarkets insurance subsidiaries. Subject to applicable state law, individuals generally may not obtain insurance under an association’s master policy unless they are also members of the association. In the limited number of states where the Company’s insurance subsidiaries currently continue to offer its health benefit plans,

these plans are now offered to the individual market directly and not through the associations. In addition, Insphere maintains agreements with independent membership associations - AAS and AFS - pursuant to which Insphere’s agents act as field service representatives for the associations. These agreements provide Insphere with the right (generally on an exclusive basis) to distribute association products for AAS and AFS. In this capacity, Insphere’s agents enroll new association members and provide membership retention services. Insphere receives compensation from the associations, including fees associated with enrollment, member retention services, marketing and administrative services.

An adverse change in our relationship with these associations, including but not limited to a termination of our agreements with these associations, could be fundamentally disruptive to our in-force block of health benefit plan business issued to members of independent membership associations and could result in the termination or non-renewal of some or all of this business. Such a change could also adversely affect Insphere’s efforts to market association products. Changes in the nature of the association products offered, including benefits, could also adversely affect Insphere’s business.

Negative publicity regarding our business practices and about the health insurance industry in general may harm our business and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The health and life insurance industry and related products and services we provide attracts negative publicity from consumer advocate groups and the media. Negative publicity regarding the industry generally or our Company in particular may result in increased regulation and legislative scrutiny as well as increased litigation, which may further increase our costs of doing business and adversely affect our profitability by impeding our ability to market our products and services, requiring us to change our products or services or increasing the regulatory burdens under which we operate. Certain of the matters referred to in Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for example the litigation filed by the City Attorney for Los Angeles on behalf of the State of California, have generated adverse publicity for the Company. Matters of this nature in the future could result in the loss of reputation and business for the Company and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our failure to secure and enhance cost-effective healthcare provider network contracts may result in a loss of insureds and/or higher medical costs and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our results of operations and competitive position could be adversely affected by our inability to enter into or maintain satisfactory relationships with networks of hospitals, physicians, dentists, pharmacies and other healthcare providers. The failure to secure cost-effective healthcare provider network contracts, the inability to maintain “rental” access to health care provider networks, or the refusal of health care providers to honor the discounts obtained through such networks, may result in a loss of insureds or higher medical costs. In addition, the inability to contract with provider networks, the inability to terminate contracts with existing provider networks and enter into arrangements with new provider networks to serve the same market, and/or the inability of providers to provide adequate care, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

HealthMarkets’ inability to obtain funds from its insurance subsidiaries may cause it to experience reduced cash flow, which could affect the Company’s ability to pay its obligations to creditors as they become due.

We are a holding company, and our principal assets are investments in separate operating subsidiaries, including our regulated insurance subsidiaries. Our ability to fund our cash requirements is largely dependent upon our ability to access cash from our subsidiaries through the payment of dividends. Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to regulations that limit their ability to transfer funds to us. If we are unable to obtain funds from our insurance subsidiaries, we will experience reduced cash flow, which could affect our ability to pay our obligations to creditors as they become due.

Failure to accommodate redemption requests by agents participating in the HealthMarkets, Inc. InVest Stock Ownership Plan could result in dissatisfaction and attrition among our contracted independent agents.

Historically, we have generally accommodated requests to purchase Class A-2 shares upon the withdrawal of a participant from the HealthMarkets, Inc. InVest Stock Ownership Plan, but we are under no obligation to do so. Any repurchase of shares requires the Company’s consent, which may be withheld in our sole discretion. The ability to accommodate redemption requests is subject to a variety of factors, including the number of requests received and the Company’s capital position. The volume of redemption requests generally has been low. If the number of redemption requests increases as a result of an event that is perceived by agents to have a negative effect on the Company’s financial condition or operations (e.g. adverse publicity regarding the health insurance industry in general or our business specifically), the number of redemption requests could increase and the Company may elect not to accommodate such requests, which could result in dissatisfaction and substantial attrition among the agents within the Insphere distribution force as well as litigation risk.

Unfavorable economic conditions could adversely affect our business.

General economic, financial market and political conditions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Concerns over inflation, energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the global mortgage market, a declining global real estate market, high unemployment, and the loss of consumer confidence and a reduction in consumer spending have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and the markets going forward. These market conditions expose us to a number of risks, including risks associated with the potential financial instability of our customers. If our customer base experiences cash flow problems and other financial difficulties, it could, in turn, adversely impact the sale of the Company’s insurance products and Insphere’s distribution of third party products. For example, customers may modify, delay or cancel plans to purchase products, or may choose to reduce their level of coverage. In addition, if our customers experience financial difficulties, they may not be able to pay, or may delay payment of, premiums owed for insurance products. Further, our customers or potential customers may force us to compete more vigorously on factors such as price and service to retain or obtain their business. A significant decline in the sale of our products and the inability of current and/or potential customers to pay their premiums as a result of unfavorable economic conditions may adversely affect our business, including our revenues, profitability and cash flow. In addition, general inflationary pressures may affect the costs of health care, increasing the costs of paying claims.

In addition, we are subject to extensive laws and regulations that are administered and enforced by a number of different governmental authorities, including, but not limited to, state insurance regulators, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and state attorneys general. In light of the difficult economic conditions, some of these authorities have adopted, or are considering the adoption of enhanced or new regulatory requirements intended to prevent future crises or to otherwise assure the stability of institutions under their supervision. These authorities may also seek to exercise their supervisory or enforcement authority in new or more robust ways. All of these possibilities, if they occurred, could affect the way we conduct our business and manage our capital, either of which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The value of our investments is influenced by varying economic and market conditions and a decrease in value could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and liquidity.

Our investment portfolio is comprised of short term investments and investments classified as securities available for sale. Available for sale securities are carried at fair value, and the unrealized gains or losses are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, unless the decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary. For our available for sale investments, if a decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary, the security is deemed to be other than temporarily impaired (“OTTI”) and it is written down to fair value. OTTI losses attributed to credit loss are recorded in earnings while OTTI losses attributed to other factors are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income

(loss)” and have no effect on earnings. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, we review our investment securities to determine if declines in fair value below cost are other than temporary. This review is subjective and requires a high degree of judgment. We conduct this review on a quarterly basis (or more frequently if certain indicators arise), using both quantitative and qualitative factors, to determine whether a decline in value is other than temporary. In its review, management considers the following indicators of impairment: fair value significantly below cost; decline in fair value attributable to specific adverse conditions affecting a particular investment; decline in fair value attributable to specific conditions, such as conditions in an industry or in a geographic area; decline in fair value for an extended period of time; downgrades by rating agencies from investment grade to non-investment grade; financial condition deterioration of the issuer and situations where dividends have been reduced or eliminated or scheduled interest payments have not been made.

The economic environment and potential volatility of the securities markets increase the difficulty of assessing investment impairment and the same influences tend to increase the risk of potential impairment of these assets. Given the potential for volatile market conditions and the significant judgments involved, there is continuing risk that material declines in fair value may occur and material other than temporary impairments may result in realized losses in future periods which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Adverse securities and credit market conditions could have a material adverse affect on our liquidity or our ability to obtain credit on acceptable terms.

The securities and credit markets from time to time have experienced extreme volatility and disruption. In some cases, the markets have exerted downward pressure on the availability of liquidity and credit capacity for certain issuers. We need liquidity to make payments for benefits, claims and commissions and pay operating expenses. Our primary sources of cash on a consolidated basis have been premium revenue from policies issued, investment income, third-party commission revenue, and fees and other income. In the event we need access to additional capital to pay our operating expenses, pay capital expenditures or fund acquisitions, our ability to obtain such capital may be limited and the cost of any such capital may be significant. Our access to additional financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the overall availability of credit to our industry, our credit ratings and credit capacity, as well as the possibility that customers or lenders could develop a negative perception of our long- or short-term financial prospects. Similarly, our access to funds may be impaired if regulatory authorities or rating agencies take negative actions against us. If a combination of these factors were to occur, our internal sources of liquidity may prove to be insufficient, and, in such case, we may not be able to successfully obtain additional financing on favorable terms.

Failure of our insurance subsidiaries to maintain their current insurance ratings could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our principal insurance subsidiaries are currently rated by A.M. Best. These ratings are subject to periodic review by the ratings agencies and there can be no assurances that we will be able to maintain these current ratings. A downward adjustment in rating by A.M. Best of our insurance subsidiaries could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. If our ratings are lowered from their current levels, our competitive position could be materially adversely affected and it could be more difficult for us to market our products. Rating agencies may take action to lower our ratings in the future due to, among other things, perceived concerns about our liquidity or solvency, the competitive environment in the insurance industry, which may adversely affect our revenues, the inherent uncertainty in determining reserves for future claims, which may cause us to increase our reserves for claims, the outcome of pending litigation and regulatory investigations, which may adversely affect our financial position and reputation and possible changes in the methodology or criteria applied by the rating agencies. In addition, rating agencies have come under recent scrutiny over their ratings practices and could, as a result, become more conservative in their methodology and criteria, which could adversely affect our ratings. Finally, rating agencies or regulators could increase capital requirements for the Company or its subsidiaries which in turn, could negatively affect our financial position.

We may not have enough statutory capital and surplus to continue to write business.

Our continued ability to write business is dependent on maintaining adequate levels of statutory capital and surplus to support the policies we write. Our new business writing typically results in net losses on a statutory basis during the early years of a policy. The resulting reduction in statutory surplus, or surplus strain, limits our ability to seek new business due to statutory restrictions on premium to surplus ratios and statutory surplus requirements. New business opportunities may also require increased levels of statutory capital and surplus. If we cannot generate sufficient statutory surplus to maintain minimum statutory requirements through increased statutory profitability, reinsurance or other capital generating alternatives, we will be limited in our ability to realize additional premium revenue from new business writing, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations or, in the event that our statutory surplus is not sufficient to meet minimum premium to surplus and risk-based capital ratios in any state, we could be prohibited from writing new policies in such state.

Failure to accurately estimate medical claims and healthcare costs may have a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

If we are unable to accurately estimate medical claims and control healthcare costs, our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected. We estimate the cost of future medical claims and other expenses using actuarial methods based upon historical data, medical inflation, product mix, seasonality, utilization of healthcare services and other relevant factors. We establish premiums based on these methods. The premiums we charge our customers generally are fixed for the applicable contract period, and costs we incur in excess of our medical claim projections generally are therefore not recovered.

Our reserves for current and future claims may be inadequate and any increase to such reserves could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We calculate and maintain reserves for current and future claims using assumptions about numerous variables, including our estimate of the probability of a policyholder making a claim, the severity and duration of such claim, the mortality rate of our policyholders, the persistency or renewal of our policies in-force and the amount of interest we expect to earn from the investment of premiums. The adequacy of our reserves depends on the accuracy of our assumptions. The Company’s estimates with respect to claims liability and related benefit expenses are subject to an extensive degree of judgment and we cannot be certain that our actual experience will not differ from the assumptions used in the establishment of reserves. Any variance from these assumptions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Litigation or settlements thereof may result in financial losses or harm our reputation and may divert management resources.

Current and future litigation with private parties or governmental authorities may result in financial losses, harm our reputation and require the dedication of significant management resources. We are regularly involved in litigation. The litigation naming us as a defendant ordinarily involves our activities as an insurer. In recent years, many insurance companies, including us, have been named as defendants in class actions relating to market conduct or sales practices.

For our general claim litigation, we establish reserves based on experience to satisfy judgments and settlements in the normal course. Management expects that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to general claim litigation, after consideration of the reserves maintained, will not be material to the consolidated financial condition of the Company. Nevertheless, given the inherent unpredictability of litigation, it is possible that an adverse outcome in certain claim litigation involving punitive damages could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Given the expense and inherent risks and uncertainties of litigation, we regularly evaluate litigation matters pending against us, including those described in Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, to

determine if settlement of such matters would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The costs associated with any such settlement could be substantial and, in certain cases, could result in an earnings charge in any particular quarter in which we enter into a settlement agreement. Although we have recorded litigation reserves which represent our best estimate on probable losses, our recorded reserves might prove to be inadequate to cover an adverse result or settlement for extraordinary matters. Therefore, costs associated with the various litigation matters to which we are subject and any earnings charge recorded in connection with a settlement agreement could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to achieve certain operational and strategic initiatives may adversely affect our business.

Our future success depends in large part upon our management team’s ability to execute our strategy to position us for the future. This strategy includes, without limitation, the growth of our Insphere agency business through traditional and alternative distribution channels (including telesales) and the need to make this business more efficient; the growth of our supplemental product business underwritten by Chesapeake and related distribution opportunities of this business including, but not limited to, distribution through brokerage channels, strategic partnerships and joint venture arrangements; opportunities created by new product offerings, such as the commencement in 2012 of the marketing of stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans (“PDPs”) under the Medicare Part D program by our HealthMarkets Insurance Company subsidiary; and initiatives to reduce administrative expenses, including, but not limited to, adjusting the workforce to reflect current business levels and consolidating certain administrative functions. We have made and may in the future continue to make substantial investments in pursuit of this strategy. There can be no assurance that we will achieve this strategy, and any failure to achieve this strategy could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Acquisitions, divestitures and other significant transactions may adversely affect our business.

We continue to evaluate the profitability of our existing businesses and operations. From time to time, we review potential acquisitions and divestitures in light of our core businesses and growth strategies. The success of any such acquisition or divestiture depends, in part, upon our ability to identify suitable buyers or sellers, negotiate favorable contract terms and, in many cases, obtain governmental approval. For acquisitions, success is also dependent upon efficiently integrating the acquired business into the Company’s existing operations. For divestures, in the event the structure of the transaction results in continuing obligations by the buyer to us or our customers, a buyer’s inability to fulfill these obligations could lead to future financial loss on our part. In addition, any divestiture could result in significant asset impairment charges, including those related to goodwill and other intangible assets. In addition, potential acquisitions or divestitures present financial, managerial and operational challenges, including diversion of management attention from existing businesses, difficulty with integrating or separating personnel and financial and other systems, increased expenses, assumption of unknown liabilities, indemnities and potential disputes with the buyers or sellers.

Insphere Insurance Solutions is a relatively new business and its long-term success is uncertain.

The Company formed Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. in 2009. The success of this line of business depends on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the ability of Insphere to maintain applicable licenses, recruit and retain productive agents, maintain and expand satisfactory relationships with insurance carriers, the implementation and maintenance of various information technology and administrative systems, platforms and processes necessary to successfully run the business, and the regulatory and legislative environment. To date, Insphere has generated significant revenues but has not been profitable. The ongoing implementing regulations of the Health Care Reform Legislation is expected to present additional challenges to profitability and Insphere more generally. Like any business in a relatively early stage of development, the progress and success of Insphere entails substantial uncertainty. If the Company’s attempt to develop the Insphere business does not progress as planned, the Company may be materially and adversely affected by, among other things, capital, investments, and operating expenses that have not led to the anticipated results.

A rapid reduction in the size of our in-force block of health benefits plans could result in a reduction in underwriting profits, which may not be replaced in the near term by earnings from other areas of our business, which may cause the Company to impair its goodwill and intangible assets.

In 2010, the Company discontinued the sale of its “scheduled benefit” health insurance products and discontinued marketing all health benefit plans underwritten by its insurance subsidiaries, in all but a limited number of states. These actions reflect a number of factors, including (1) the Company’s evaluation of National Health Care Reform Legislation which, among other things, requires a minimum medical loss ratio of 80% for the individual and small group markets beginning in 2011 and eliminates most annual caps on benefits - an important feature of our “scheduled benefit” products; (2) the Company’s decision to focus on business opportunities that allow us to maximize the value of the Insphere independent agent sales force, with particular focus on the sale of third-party health insurance products underwritten by non-affiliated insurance companies and supplemental products underwritten by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries (which are generally not subject to the requirements of the Health Care Reform Legislation); and (3) the fact that in the states where third party health insurance plans distributed by Insphere have been introduced, they have, to a great extent, replaced the sale of the Company’s health benefit plan offerings.

The Company continues to maintain a significant in-force block of health benefit plans, and continues to underwrite and distribute its own health benefit plans in a limited number of states. We expect that maintenance of the Company’s in-force block of health benefit plans, at current levels, will present significant challenges resulting from, among other things, competitive pressure due to the shift in our distribution focus toward third-party product sales and changes resulting from Health Care Reform Legislation. For non-grandfathered plans, changes that we expect to impact our in-force block health benefit plan business include, but are not limited to, the obligation to add mandated “essential health benefits” (which is expected to significantly increase our claims costs), limitations on the ability to vary premium based on assessment of underlying risk (including elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions and health status rating adjustments), and the creation of public health insurance exchanges with standardized plans available to the individual and small group markets (which, as a result of federal subsidies available to qualified individuals purchasing health insurance through exchanges, may cause our customers to migrate to such exchanges and result in the loss of business). If maintaining our in-force block of health benefit plans (or portions thereof) is no longer profitable due to these or other changes, we may choose to non-renew coverage of these plans in one or more states subject to applicable state and federal discontinuation or withdrawal requirements. The Company evaluates the impact of the Health Care Reform Legislation on its in-force block of health benefit plans on an ongoing basis.

Over time, we expect the size of our in-force block of health benefit plans to continue decreasing. As a result, we anticipate that premium revenue and underwriting profits associated with this in-force block will decline and may not be replaced in the near term by earnings from other areas of the business. We expect it to take a considerable amount of time to grow the premium revenue and underwriting profits associated with our supplemental product offerings and the net commission revenue generated from Insphere. This transition in our revenue stream will make it difficult to support administrative expenses at current levels. To better align expenses in light of dropping enrollment levels, the Company has been pursuing initiatives to significantly reduce administrative expenses, including but not limited to reductions in its workforce, consolidation of certain administrative functions and the reorganization of Insphere’s field structure to make it more efficient, and we expect initiatives of this nature to continue in the future. However, if developments occur that accelerate the reduction of our in-force block, including concerted efforts by agents to replace this business or a decision by the Company to non-renew its existing health benefit plan business in one or more states subject to applicable state and federal requirements, we may be unable to reduce expenses in a manner that keeps pace with dropping enrollment levels, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, any adverse impact could cause the Company to impair its goodwill and intangible assets.

Insphere faces risks related to its relationships with non-affiliated insurance carriers.

Insphere contracts with non-affiliated carriers to distribute products underwritten by such carriers. These contracts generally provide that either party may terminate the contract for convenience by providing the other

party with a relatively short period of advance notice. In any particular market, carriers could terminate their contracts with us (or refuse to contract with us), demand lower commissions or take other actions, including litigation, which could adversely affect our business. We are also dependent on non-affiliated carriers to pay Insphere in a timely and accurate manner and to provide Insphere with data required to support the sale of third party products and to timely and accurately pay its agents. The failure by a non-affiliated carrier to provide Insphere with the data and support necessary for Insphere to sell the carrier’s products and to pay its agents, resulting from a failure in data systems or otherwise, could materially and adversely affect Insphere’s business. Our business is also vulnerable to a non-affiliated carrier’s failure to administer underwritten business in an appropriate manner, which could lead to customer dissatisfaction and the lapse or cancellation of insurance policies for which Insphere receives commissions. Insphere could also be materially and adversely affected if a non-affiliated carrier with which it does business experiences a downgrade in its financial strength ratings which, for the affected carrier, could reduce Insphere’s level of business and commissions.

A failure of our information systems to provide timely and accurate information, or a failure to properly maintain the integrity of our data, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Effective information systems, and the integrity and timeliness of the data we use to run our business, are critical to our operations and requires an ongoing commitment of time and resources. We outsource a number of functions related to information systems support and dependence on these third parties makes us vulnerable to any failure in performance by these parties. Additionally, we are potentially vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks that bypass our information technology security systems. If a security breach were to occur, it could result in the loss, misappropriation or release of confidential data or intellectual property, disrupt our information systems and business more generally and cause negative publicity and reputational damage. The failure to maintain an effective and efficient information system, disruptions in our information systems or the failure to maintain data integrity could cause disruptions in our business operations that include, but are not limited to, (a) failure to comply with prompt pay laws; (b) loss of existingcustomers; (c) difficulty in attracting new customers; (d) disputes (including litigation) with customers, providers and agents; (e) regulatory problems; (f) increases in administrative expenses; and (g) other adverse consequences. There can be no assurance that our information systems will remain effective, timely and secure, and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our reliance on outsourcing arrangements subjects us to risk and may disrupt or adversely affect our operations.

Historically, we have maintained an administrative center with underwriting, claims management and administrative capabilities performed in-house. Over the last several years, we have outsourced many of these functions, including new business processing, provider service calls and a larger portion of the claims processing functions, to contracted third parties, including parties who may perform these functions offshore. We evaluate opportunities to subcontract additional services of this nature on an ongoing basis and may outsource additional functions in the future. The Company retains ultimate responsibility for ensuring that these functions are performed in a timely and appropriate manner. Dependence on third parties for these services may make our operations vulnerable to the third party’s failure to perform as agreed. If these third parties fail to satisfy their obligations to us, including obligations with respect to the security and confidentiality of information and data of the Company and/or its customers, our operations may be adversely affected. Reliance on third parties also makes us vulnerable to changes in the vendors’ business, financial condition and other matters outside of our control. The failure to adequately monitor and regulate the performance of our third party vendors could subject us to additional risk. Violations of laws or regulations by third party vendors could increase our exposure to liability or otherwise increase the costs associated with the operation of our business. Some of our outsourced services are being performed offshore, which could expose us to risks inherent in conducting business outside of the United States, including international economic and political conditions and additional costs associated with complying with foreign laws. If an outsourced relationship is terminated, we may not be able to find a replacement in a timely manner or on acceptable financial terms, and may incur significant costs in connection with the transition to a new vendor.

Natural disasters or other catastrophic events could severely damage or interrupt our systems and operations and result in an adverse effect on our business.

Natural disasters or other catastrophic events such as fire, flood, hurricane, earthquake, tornado, power loss, virus, telecommunications failure, break-in or similar event could severely damage or interrupt our systems and operations, result in loss of data, and/or delay or impair our ability to service our customers. We have in place a disaster recovery plan which is intended to provide us with the ability to maintain our operations in the event of a natural disaster. However, there can be no assurance that such adverse effects will not occur in the event of a disaster. Any such disaster or similar event could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

If we are unable to retain key executives or appropriately manage succession, our business could be adversely affected.

We have experienced high turnover in our senior management team in recent years. Although we have employment arrangements in place with our key executives, these do not guarantee that the services of these executives will continue to be available to us, and we would be adversely affected if we fail to adequately plan for future turnover of our senior management team.

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

None

Item 2.

Properties

Our executive offices are located at 9151 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180-5605 comprising in the aggregate approximately 281,000 square feet of office space.

In addition, we lease office space at various locations in 35 states for our Insphere agent field offices comprising in the aggregate approximately 218,000 square feet.

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

See Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

PART II

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Shares of the Company’s Class A-1 and Class A-2 common stock are not listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange or any other exchange and are not readily tradable or salable in any public market. As of March 6, 2013, there were approximately 27 holders of record of Class A-1 common stock and 58 holders of record of Class A-2 common stock.

On March 18, 2013, the Company filed a Form 15 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to voluntarily deregister its Class A-2 common stock and suspend its reporting obligations with the SEC with respect to its Class A-1 and Class A-2 common stock. This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the accompanying audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012, and the Company’s Information Statement to be filed in connection with the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, portions of which will be incorporated herein by reference, will be the Company’s last filings with the SEC. The Form 15 is expected to become effective no later than 90 days after being filed.

Set forth below is a summary of the Company’s sale of shares of HealthMarkets, Inc. Class A-1 common stock during 2012, 2011, and 2010:


	2012
	Shares Issued (shares)		Consideration Received ($)		Average Per Share ($)
Sale of shares to Executive Officers		10,433		108,503		10.40
Sale to employee participants in the InVest Stock Ownership Plan		74,729		769,315		10.29
Issuance of unvested restricted shares to Company Officers		120,000		0		0.00

		205,162		877,818		4.28


	2011
	Shares Issued (shares)		Consideration Received ($)		Average Per Share ($)
Sale of shares to Executive Officers		7,850		72,613		9.25
Sale to employee participants in the InVest Stock Ownership Plan		89,635		840,799		9.38
Issuance of unvested restricted shares to Company Officers		0		0		0.00

		97,485		913,412		9.37


	2010
	Shares Issued (shares)		Consideration Received ($)		Average Per Share ($)
Sale of shares to Executive Officers		76,140		558,868		7.34
Sale to employee participants in the InVest Stock Ownership Plan		190,955		1,888,782		9.89
Issuance of unvested restricted shares to Company Officers		686,547		0		0.00

		953,642		2,447,650		2.57

Such sale of securities was made in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (and/or Regulation D promulgated there under) for transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. The proceeds of such sale were used for general corporate purposes.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Set forth below is a summary of the Company’s purchases of shares of HealthMarkets, Inc. Class A-1 and A-2 common stock during each of the months in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2012:


	Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities — Class A-1
Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)		Average Price Paid per Share ($)		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under the Plan or Program
01/1/12-01/31/12		0		0.00		0		0
02/1/12-02/28/12		0		0.00		0		0
03/1/12-03/31/12		73,516		10.40		0		0
04/1/12-04/30/12		2,380		10.40		0		0
05/1/12-05/31/12		20,212		10.33		0		0
06/1/12-06/30/12		27,288		10.33		0		0
07/1/12-07/31/12		0		0.00		0		0
08/1/12-08/31/12		61,262		10.29		0		0
09/1/12-09/30/12		44,763		10.29		0		0
10/1/12-10/31/12		6,396		10.29		0		0
11/1/12-11/30/12		42,898		10.15		0		0
12/1/12-12/31/12		17,003		10.15		0		0

Totals		295,718		10.30		0		0

(1)

The number of shares purchased other than through a publicly announced plan or program includes 136,425 Class A-1 shares purchased from the ISOP and 159,293 Class A-1 shares purchased from current or former employees of the Company. These shares were reflected as treasury shares on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at the time of purchase.


	Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities — Class A-2
Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased(1)		Average Price Paid per Share ($)		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under the Plan or Program
01/1/12-01/31/12		1,949		9.58		0		0
02/1/12-02/28/12		0		0.00		0		0
03/1/12-03/31/12		197,619		10.40		0		0
04/1/12-04/30/12		60,119		10.40		0		0
05/1/12-05/31/12		80,145		10.33		0		0
06/1/12-06/30/12		124,798		10.33		0		0
07/1/12-07/31/12		3,200		10.33		0		0
08/1/12-08/31/12		100,203		10.29		0		0
09/1/12-09/30/12		53,583		10.29		0		0
10/1/12-10/31/12		22,868		10.29		0		0
11/1/12-11/30/12		43,114		10.15		0		0
12/1/12-12/31/12		40,813		10.13		0		0

Totals		728,411		10.32		0		0

(1)

The number of shares purchased other than through a publicly announced plan or program includes 602,620 Class A-2 shares purchased from ISOP and 125,791 Class A-2 shares purchased from former participants in the ISOP. These shares were reflected as treasury shares on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at the time of the purchase.

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

The following selected consolidated financial data as of and for each of the five years in the year ended December 31, 2012 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company. The following data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included herein.


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
	(In thousands, except per share amounts and operating ratios)
Income Statement Data:
Revenues from continuing operations	$	568,277		$	665,197		$	861,653		$	1,083,397		$	1,424,965
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		(6,651	)		23,448			95,117			34,006			(85,380	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(7,255	)		13,747			58,640			20,661			(53,671	)
Income from discontinued operations		321			79			66			162			216
Net income (loss)	$	(6,934	)	$	13,826		$	58,706		$	20,823		$	(53,455	)
Per Share Data:
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations:
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.24	)	$	0.46		$	1.97		$	0.70		$	(1.78	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.24	)	$	0.44		$	1.91		$	0.68		$	(1.78	)
Earnings per share from discontinued operations:
Basic earnings per share	$	0.01		$	0.00		$	0.00		$	0.01		$	0.01
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.01		$	0.00		$	0.00		$	0.01		$	0.01
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.23	)	$	0.46		$	1.97		$	0.71		$	(1.77	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(0.23	)	$	0.44		$	1.91		$	0.69		$	(1.77	)
Operating Ratios:
Health Ratios:
Loss ratio		70	%		66	%		50	%		60	%		65	%
Expense ratio		16			18			22			34			36

Combined health ratio		86	%		84	%		72	%		94	%		101	%

Balance Sheet Data:
Total investments, cash and cash equivalents	$	652,140		$	1,071,913		$	1,065,302		$	1,155,247		$	1,127,945
Total assets		1,258,117			1,673,593			1,711,790			1,850,547			1,916,713
Total policy liabilities		590,388			629,596			704,997			856,528			973,046
Total debt (excluding student loan credit facility)		190,920			553,420			553,420			481,070			481,070
Long term leases		11,208			11,431			11,912			9,678			10,428
Student loan credit facility		52,450			60,050			68,650			77,350			86,050
Stockholders’ equity		269,927			271,791			230,019			248,581			197,925
Stockholders’ equity per share	$	8.82		$	8.87		$	7.42		$	8.24		$	6.68
Cash dividends per share	$	0.00		$	0.00		$	3.94		$	0.00		$	0.00

Loss ratio. The loss ratio is defined as benefits, claims and settlement expenses as a percentage of earned premiums.

Expense ratio. The expense ratio is defined as underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses as a percentage of earned premiums.

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with HealthMarkets’ consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This discussion contains certain statements which may be considered forward-looking. Actual results and the timing of events may differ significantly from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

Additionally, the Company may also disclose financial information on a non-GAAP basis when management uses this information and believes this information will be valuable to investors in measuring the quality of our financial performance, identifying trends in our results and providing more meaningful period-to-period comparisons.

Business Summary

Through our insurance subsidiaries, we issue primarily health and life insurance and supplemental products covering individuals, families, the self-employed and small businesses. In 2012, our HealthMarkets Insurance Company subsidiary began marketing stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans under the Medicare Part D program to the senior market, with coverage effective for January 1, 2013. Insphere serves as an authorized insurance agency in 50 states and the District of Columbia, specializing in the distribution to the small business and middle-income market. Insphere distributes life, health and Medicare insurance through a portfolio of products from nationally recognized insurance carriers. Insphere distributes products underwritten by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, as well as non-affiliated insurance companies.

The Company is generally focused on business opportunities that allow us to maximize the value of the Insphere independent agent sales force, with particular focus on the sale of supplemental products underwritten by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries and third-party health insurance products underwritten by non-affiliated insurance companies. In 2010, we discontinued the sale of the Company’s traditional “scheduled benefit” health insurance products and discontinued marketing all health benefit plans underwritten by our insurance subsidiaries in all but a limited number of states. We believe that this shift better positions the Company for the future, particularly in light of changes resulting from the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and a reconciliation measure, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Health Care Reform Legislation”). The Company continues to maintain a significant in-force block of health benefits plans and evaluates on an ongoing basis the impact of Health Care Reform Legislation on this block.

The Company operates four business segments: the Commercial Health Division, Insphere, Corporate and Disposed Operations. Through our Commercial Health Division, we underwrite and administer a broad range of health and life insurance and supplemental products. Insphere includes net commission revenue, agent incentives, marketing costs and other administrative expenses. Corporate includes investment income not allocated to the other segments, realized gains or losses, interest expense on corporate debt, the Company’s student loan business, general expenses relating to corporate operations and operations that do not constitute reportable operating segments. Disposed Operations includes the remaining run out of residual operations from the disposition of other businesses prior to 2010. (See Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information regarding our segments.)

Results of Operations

The table below sets forth certain summary information about our consolidated operating results for each of the three most recent fiscal years:


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Revenue:
Health premiums	$	457,216		$	543,092	$	735,538
Life premiums and other considerations		1,525			1,565		1,913

		458,741			544,657		737,451
Investment income		23,852			28,028		42,246
Commissions and other income		85,883			83,570		76,906
Net impaired losses recognized in earnings		0			0		(765	)
Realized gains (losses), net		(199	)		8,942		5,815

Total revenues		568,277			665,197		861,653
Benefits and Expenses:
Benefits, claims, and settlement expenses		322,635			359,424		366,644
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		70,982			96,703		160,740
Other expenses		168,673			163,540		209,070
Interest expense		12,638			22,082		30,082

Total benefits and expenses		574,928			641,749		766,536

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		(6,651	)		23,448		95,117
Federal income tax expense		604			9,701		36,477

Income (loss) from continuing operations		(7,255	)		13,747		58,640
Income from discontinued operations (net of income tax)		321			79		66

Net income (loss)	$	(6,934	)	$	13,826	$	58,706

Revenue

The majority of our 2012 revenue was earned on health premiums derived from our inforce block of indemnity and preferred provider organization (“PPO”) policies as well as supplemental products premiums. Premiums on health insurance and supplemental products are recognized as earned over the period of coverage on a pro rata basis. We also earned revenue on premiums from traditional life insurance policies, which are recognized as revenue when due.

The decrease in premium reflects the change in the Company’s strategic focus related to underwriting health insurance products. In connection with the launch of Insphere, the Company currently markets its health insurance products in only a limited number of states.

Effective in 2011, if the medical loss ratios of our fully insured health products (calculated in accordance with the Health Care Reform Legislation and implementing regulations) fall below certain targets, our insurance subsidiaries will be required to rebate ratable portions of their premiums annually. Rebate payments for 2012 are to be paid by August 1, 2013. As a result, the decrease in earned premium also reflects the recording of an accrual for the estimated medical loss ratio rebate. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company accrued $8.6 million and $26.9 million, respectively, for the medical loss ratio rebate.

Investment income includes investment income derived from our investment portfolio and interest received on student loans.

Commission and other income consist primarily of commission and bonus revenue generated from the sale of third-party insurance products, association memberships and ancillary services.

Benefits, Claims and Settlement Expenses

Benefits expense consists primarily of payments to physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers under health policies, and includes an estimated amount for incurred but not reported and unpaid claims. The decrease in benefits expense primarily reflects the decline in the number of policies in-force based on the change in the Company’s strategic focus related to underwriting health insurance products.

Underwriting, Acquisition and Insurance Expenses

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses consist of marketing and direct expenses incurred across all insurance lines in connection with issuance, maintenance and administration of in-force insurance policies, including amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, commissions paid to agents, administrative expenses and premium taxes. Benefits and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses have continued to decrease in tandem with the decrease in premiums. Prior to 2010, the Company initiated certain general and administrative cost reduction programs. These cost reduction efforts are still ongoing. Beginning in 2010, the Company’s focus has been on selling third-party products rather than the health benefit plans underwritten by its insurance companies. As a result, the majority of our marketing costs have been incurred by Insphere. These marketing costs incurred by Insphere are recorded on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations in “Other Expenses.”

Other Expenses

Other expenses consists of costs incurred with our Insphere operations, general expenses relating to corporate operations and direct expenses incurred in connection with the sale of association memberships. Insphere expenses include agent compensation, other agent incentives, employee compensation, lead costs, costs associated with our field offices and other expenses related to the continuing development of Insphere. Other expenses also include expenses incurred with the Company-matching feature of the HealthMarkets, Inc. InVest Stock Ownership Plan.

Business Segments

The following is a comparative discussion of results of operations for our business segments and divisions. Allocations of investment income and certain general expenses are based on a number of assumptions and estimates, and the reported operating results for our business segments would change if different allocation methods were applied. Certain assets are not individually identifiable by segment and, accordingly, have been allocated by formulas. Segment revenues include premiums and other policy charges and considerations, net investment income, commission revenue, fees and other income. Management does not allocate income taxes to segments. Transactions between reportable segments are accounted for under respective agreements, which provide for such transactions generally at cost.

Revenue from continuing operations and income (loss) from continuing operations before federal income taxes (“Operating income”) for each of our business segments and divisions were as follows:


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
*Revenue from continuing operations:*
Commercial Health Division	$	490,735		$	585,269		$	798,666
Insphere		91,360			73,723			46,170
Corporate		14,177			24,009			24,737
Intersegment Eliminations		(28,153	)		(19,397	)		(10,327	)

Total revenues excluding disposed operations		568,119			663,604			859,246
Disposed Operations		158			1,593			2,407

Total revenue from continuing operations	$	568,277		$	665,197		$	861,653


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
*Income (loss) from continuing operations before federal income taxes:*
Commercial Health Division	$	67,202		$	106,666		$	249,861
Insphere		(43,957	)		(53,694	)		(81,335	)
Corporate		(30,708	)		(31,251	)		(76,432	)

Total operating income (loss) excluding disposed operations		(7,463	)		21,721			92,094
Disposed Operations		812			1,727			3,023

Total income (loss) from continuing operations before federal income taxes	$	(6,651	)	$	23,448		$	95,117

Assets by operating segment at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are set forth in the table below:


	December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Commercial Health Division	$	361,320	$	400,908	$	482,227
Insphere		50,849		62,194		77,139
Corporate		463,880		830,253		769,105

Total assets excluding assets of Disposed Operations		876,049		1,293,355		1,328,471
Disposed Operations		382,068		380,238		383,319

Total assets	$	1,258,117	$	1,673,593	$	1,711,790

Disposed Operations assets at December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 primarily represent reinsurance recoverable of $363.8 million, $356.8 million and $356.7 million, respectively, associated with the Company’s former Life Insurance Division.

Commercial Health Division

Through our Commercial Health Division, we underwrite and administer a broad range of health and life and supplemental products for individuals, families, the self-employed and small businesses. Our health insurance products are designed to accommodate individual needs and include basic hospital-medical expense plans, plans with preferred provider organization features, catastrophic hospital expense plans, as well as other supplemental types of coverage. Our supplemental products are designed to further protect against risks to which our customer is typically exposed and are sold on a stand-alone basis as well as in connection with the sale of other insurance products. The supplemental products include dental, vision, disability, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity/specified disease products.

Set forth below is certain summary financial and operating data for the Commercial Health Division for each of the three most recent fiscal years:


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenues:
Earned premium revenue	$	458,713	$	544,661	$	736,809
Investment income		11,015		13,999		21,579
Commission and other income		21,007		26,609		40,278

Total revenues		490,735		585,269		798,666
Expenses:
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses		323,530		360,087		369,764
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		95,179		111,009		164,834
Other expenses		4,824		7,507		14,207

Total expenses		423,533		478,603		548,805

Operating income	$	67,202	$	106,666	$	249,861

Other operating data:
Loss ratio		70.5%		66.1%		50.2%
Expense ratio		20.7%		20.4%		22.4%

Combined health ratio		91.2%		86.5%		72.6%

Operating margin		14.7%		19.6%		33.9%

Loss Ratio. The loss ratio is defined as benefits expense as a percentage of earned premium revenue.

Expense Ratio. The expense ratio is defined as underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses as a percentage of earned premium revenue.

Operating Margin. Operating margin is defined as operating income as a percentage of earned premium revenue.

Year Ended December 31, 2012 versus December 31, 2011

The Commercial Health Division reported a 16% decrease in earned premium revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the prior year due to an 18% decrease in policies in-force. This decrease is primarily the result of the Company’s emphasis on the distribution of health insurance products underwritten by non-affiliated carriers. Partially offsetting the decrease in health insurance premium is the increase in supplemental products premiums of $21.6 million. Supplemental product premiums increased to $64.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 from $42.5 million for the same period in 2011. Premium also reflects the accrual for the medical loss ratio rebate of $8.6 million and $26.9 million in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The Commercial Health Division also experienced an increase in the loss ratio for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase is primarily the result of the minimum loss ratio (“MLR”) requirements as enacted by Health Care Reform Legislation. Other factors increasing the loss ratio are the escalating cost of medical services and increased utilization as a result of the new preventive insurance benefits required by Health Care Reform Legislation. Prior to Health Care Reform Legislation, the Company could mitigate the effect of these factors through premium rate increases, which increased the loss ratio over time. As a result of the new MLR requirements and corresponding regulatory pressure, it is more difficult to obtain premium rate increases, which prevents us from maintaining our loss ratios at their former levels.

The decrease in underwriting, acquisition and insurance expense reflects the variable nature of commission expenses and premium taxes included in these amounts which generally vary in proportion to earned premium revenue. Additionally, the Company continues to address other cost saving measures to reduce fixed costs associated with this segment.

Other income and other expenses continued to decrease in 2012 compared to the prior year. Other income largely consists of fee and other income received for sales of association memberships prior to the formation of Insphere, for which other expenses are incurred for bonuses and other compensation provided to the agents. The majority of these association memberships were sold along with health policies and as premium continues to decrease we expect the revenue and expense generated from these association memberships to also decrease.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 versus December 31, 2010

The Commercial Health Division reported earned premium revenue of $544.7 million in 2011 compared to $736.8 million in 2010, a decrease of $192.1 million or 26.1%, which is primarily due to a decrease in policies in force. Total policies in force decreased by 22% during 2011 as compared to 2010. The decrease in policies in-force is primarily due to the Company’s decision to discontinue the marketing of its health benefit plans in all but a limited number of states. The Company continues to offer its supplemental products underwritten by Chesapeake and is focused on growing this line of business. However, the premium generated by the supplemental business has not been enough to offset the decline in premium associated with the Company’s health benefit plans. The decrease in premium in 2011 also reflects the accrual of $26.9 million for the medical loss ratio rebate.

The Commercial Health Division reported operating income of $106.7 million in 2011 compared to operating income of $249.9 million in 2010, a decrease of $143.2 million or 57.3%. The decrease in operating income during the current year period is generally attributable to an increase in the loss ratio as discussed more fully below, partially offset by a reduction in underwriting acquisition and insurance expenses.

During 2011 and 2010, the Company updated its loss reserve analysis to reflect more recent patterns of paid claims. The impact on the operating margin as a result of the update of its loss reserve analysis was larger in 2010 than in 2011. The 2010 favorable impact was $40.8 million compared to the favorable impact of $7.8 million for 2011. Additionally, the 2010 claim development also reflects the Company’s refinement of a previously estimated claim liability, established in the fourth quarter of 2009, arising from a review of claim processing for state mandated benefits. As a result of this refinement, during 2010, the Company recognized a decrease in claim liabilities of $19.6 million.

Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expense decreased by $53.8 million, or 32.7% to $111.0 million in 2011 from $164.8 million in 2010. This decrease reflects the variable nature of commission expenses and premium taxes included in these amounts which generally vary in proportion to earned premium revenue. Additionally, the Company continues to decrease its administrative costs, which are being reflected as a decrease in the expense ratio. Other factors contributing to the decrease in underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses include a decrease in the overall effective commission rate as a result of the decrease in new business. Generally, first year commission rates paid to agents are higher than renewal year commission rates. Additionally, with the formation of Insphere and the sale of third-party health insurance products, the Commercial Health Division has significantly decreased the amount of marketing and acquisition costs.

Commission and other income and Other expenses both decreased in the current period compared to the prior year period. Commission and other income largely consists of fee and other income received for sales of association memberships prior to the formation of Insphere, for which Other expenses are incurred for bonuses and other compensation provided to the agents. Association memberships are generally sold with a health insurance policy and as the number of health insurance policies decrease, the income and expense will generally decrease.

Insphere

During the second quarter of 2009, we formed Insphere, an authorized insurance agency in 50 states and the District of Columbia specializing in small business and middle-income market life, health, long-term care and retirement insurance. Insphere distributes products underwritten by our insurance subsidiaries, as well as non-affiliated insurance companies.

Set forth below is certain summary financial and operating data for Insphere for the twelve months ended December 31, for each of the three most recent years:


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(Dollars in thousands)
Revenue:
Commission revenue from non-affiliates	$	52,803		$	44,293		$	35,136
Commission revenue from affiliates		24,743			15,154			4,917
Commission revenue from association memberships		11,442			12,112			4,498
Investment income		1,164			1,024			442
Other income		1,208			1,140			1,177

Total revenue		91,360			73,723			46,170
Expenses:
Commission expenses		47,222			39,127			22,410
Agent incentives and leads		27,454			27,513			37,322
Other expenses		60,641			60,777			67,773

Total expenses		135,317			127,417			127,505

Operating loss	$	(43,957	)	$	(53,694	)	$	(81,335	)

Insphere generates revenue primarily from base commissions and override commissions received from insurance carriers whose policies are purchased through Insphere’s independent agents. The commissions are typically based on a percentage of the premiums paid by the insured to the carrier. In some instances, Insphere also receives bonus payments for achieving certain sales volume thresholds. Insphere typically receives commission payments on a monthly basis for as long as a policy remains active. As a result, much of our revenue for a given financial reporting period relates to policies sold prior to the beginning of the period and is recurring in nature. Commission rates are dependent on a number of factors, including the type of insurance product and the particular insurance company underwriting the policy.

The Company continues to evaluate new distribution opportunities and continues efforts to expand its portfolio and the size of its field force by developing additional marketing arrangements. We believe the implementation of these new opportunities, along with the current cost reduction program, will help mitigate future operating losses.

Year Ended December 31, 2012 versus December 31, 2011

For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company earned commission revenue of approximately $88.9 million and $71.6 million, respectively. Approximately 83% and 91% of commission revenue from non-affiliates was generated from four carriers during 2012 and 2011, respectively. Insphere continues to report an increase in commission revenue over the prior year. The increase in commission from non-affiliates is primarily due to the increased sales of Medicare products as well as an increase in commission on renewal premiums from policies sold prior to 2012.

The 63% increase in commission revenue from affiliates is the result of the continued emphasis placed on selling the Company’s supplemental products underwritten by our insurance subsidiary, Chesapeake.

Additionally, these products carry a higher commission rate as a percentage of premium compared to health insurance products.

Commission expense includes commissions and overrides paid to our independent agents. Commission expense continues to increase in total consistent with the increase in commission revenue. Commission expense as a percentage of commission revenue decreased slightly by 160 basis points during 2012 compared to the prior year. The decrease is primarily due to the greater mix of renewal business with higher margins for the Company partially offset by the increase in supplemental commission revenue which has lower first year margins.

Agent incentives primarily include production and agent recruiting bonuses paid to our independent agents as well as lead generation costs incurred to facilitate the production of commission revenue. Agent incentives generally increase in tandem with commission revenue; however during 2012, the Company reduced the cost incurred on certain agent events and as a result the agent incentives expense was comparable to the prior year.

Other expenses associated with Insphere are related to home office employee compensation, costs associated with our field offices, depreciation and amortization, and other administrative expenses. The Company reduced certain administrative costs compared to the prior year, but overall this category remained flat primarily as a result of the incremental increase in administrative expenses associated with the purchase and ongoing activities of the insurance agency call center discussed below.

In July 2012, the Company’s Insphere subsidiary closed an asset purchase agreement with Repp Gartner Financial, Inc. (“Repp Gartner”) — a San Diego, California based insurance agency call center — pursuant to which Insphere acquired certain assets of Repp Gartner. This transaction enables Insphere to add a call center distribution channel to its business. The initial purchase price for the purchased assets was approximately $6.1 million, with additional earn-out payments possible based on the achievement of commission revenue targets attributable to such new call center distribution channel. In addition to the purchase price, Insphere recorded a liability for unearned revenue in the amount of $1.0 million and intangible assets in the amount of $6.2 million and goodwill of $819,000. The intangible assets may increase in the future as the Company refines its estimate for the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration of the additional earn-out payments discussed above. The Company anticipates completing this in the first quarter ending March 31, 2013.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 versus December 31, 2010

For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company earned commission revenue of approximately $71.6 and $44.6 million, respectively. For 2011 and 2010, respectively, approximately 91% and 93% of commission revenue from non-affiliates was generated from four carriers.

Insphere did not begin writing business until the fourth quarter of 2009 and as a result the revenue for the 2011 is significantly greater than the comparable period in 2010. Partially offsetting Insphere’s revenue growth from sales in 2011 is the impact of certain elements of Health Care Reform. Beginning in 2011, in response to Health Care Reform, both the Company’s insurance subsidiaries and certain third-party carriers decreased the level of commissions paid to Insphere. Commission revenue for 2010 also reflects certain one-time payments from third-party carriers for achieving certain production thresholds and consideration for contract renegotiation fees. The results for 2011 do not reflect similar amounts of these one-time payments.

Commission expense includes commissions and overrides paid to our independent agents. Commissions are generally based on a percentage of the premiums paid by the insured to the carrier. The increase in commission expense from $22.4 million incurred during the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 to $39.1 million incurred during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, primarily trends with commission revenue. However, beginning in the third quarter of 2010, Insphere increased its commission rates paid to its agents to incorporate some of the costs previously included in Agent incentives.

Agent incentives primarily include production and agent recruiting bonuses paid to our independent agents as well as lead generation costs incurred to facilitate the production of commission revenue. The decrease in Agent incentives as a percentage of Commission revenue from the prior year reflects the adjustment to commission rates to incorporate some of these costs as discussed above. In addition, beginning in the last half of 2010, the agents started sharing some of the costs of purchasing customer leads which reduced some of the lead generation costs for the Company.

Other expenses associated with Insphere are related to employee compensation, costs associated with our field offices, depreciation and amortization, and other administrative expenses. Other expenses also reflect the significant amount of development to build-out technology to support multiple carriers and enhance the Insphere distribution channel by equipping our agents with efficient technology to cross-sell products. Other expenses have decreased from prior year as a result of both cost cutting initiatives and a reduction in costs associated with the development of Insphere.

During the second and third quarters of 2010 the Company made the decision to wind down its broker-dealer operations, Insphere Securities, Inc., and to consolidate some of its agent sales offices, as a result of which it closed various leased facilities. During 2010, Insphere recorded lease impairment charges in the amount of $1.3 million and other wind down costs of $1.7 million. The wind-down charges incurred by Insphere Securities, Inc. related to employee termination costs, write-down of fixed assets and intangible assets and operations termination costs. These charges are reflected in “Other expenses” in the table above.

Corporate

Corporate includes investment income not otherwise allocated to the other segments, realized gains and losses on sales, interest expense on corporate debt, the Company’s Student Loan business, general expense relating to corporate operations and operations that do not constitute reportable operating segments. Corporate continues to report operating losses primarily as a result of the decreased earnings on its investment portfolio not exceeding the debt service costs and other general corporate expenses.

Set forth below is a summary of the components of operating income (loss) at Corporate for each of the three most recent fiscal years:


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Operating income (loss):
Investment income		$8,940		$9,317		$15,358
Net investment gains and (losses) recognized in earnings		(163)		8,942		5,050
Interest expense on corporate debt		(12,623)		(22,080)		(30,081)
Student loan operations		(252)		(174)		(324)
Variable stock-based compensation (expense) benefit		(606)		(619)		1,682
General corporate expenses and other		(26,004)		(26,637)		(68,117)

Operating loss		$(30,708)		$(31,251)		$(76,432)

Year Ended December 31, 2012 versus December 31, 2011

The changes for the period are primarily due to the following items related to our investments and debt:

•

The $377,000 decrease in investment income for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the prior year is due to the sale of invested assets (primarily short-term investments) throughout 2011 to generate cash for paying the Company’s term loan in full in February 2012. As a result, our average amount of investment income generating assets was lower in 2012 compared to 2011.

•

During 2011, the Company sold various fixed maturities to increase liquidity to repay the Company’s term loan due in the first quarter of 2012. As a result of the sales the Company realized significant gains on many of the investments sold in 2011.

•

Interest expense on corporate debt decreased as a result of the repayment of the Company’s term loan in February 2012. Additionally, the Company had an interest rate swap agreement that expired on April 11, 2011 which caused the Company to pay a fixed rate higher than the current variable rate incurred on the debt during the first quarter of 2011.

•

General corporate expenses remained comparable in 2012 as compared to 2011.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 versus December 31, 2010

Corporate continues to report operating losses primarily as a result of the decreased earnings on its investment portfolio, which earnings do not exceed the debt service costs and other general corporate expenses. The changes for the period are primarily due to the following items:

•

Investment income decreased by $6.0 million due to a decrease in the amount of assets invested in higher yielding fixed maturities. As fixed maturities in the bond portfolio are sold or mature, the Company reinvested these in short-term investments in preparation to repay its $362.5 million term loan.

•

Realized gains, net increased by $3.1 million over prior year. The increase in realized gains during 2011 is the result of the sale of various fixed maturities to increase liquidity to repay the Company’s term loan which matured in 2012. The Company repaid this debt in full on February 29, 2012.

•

Net investment impairment losses recognized in earnings decreased by $765,000 as we recognized no impairment losses on other-than-temporary impairments in 2011 as compared to one impairment loss recorded in 2010 on one security. The impairment charges in 2010 resulted from other than temporary reductions in the fair value of these investments compared to our cost basis (see Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information).

•

Interest expense on corporate debt decreased by $8.0 million in 2011 compared to 2010, primarily due to the lower interest rate environment experienced in 2011 and the maturity of the remaining interest rate swap in April 2011.

•

For the benefit of our independent agents and certain designated employees, we maintain a stock-based compensation plan – the HealthMarkets, Inc. InVest Stock Ownership Plan (the “ISOP”). In connection with this plan, we record a non-cash variable stock-based compensation benefit or expense based on the performance of the fair value of our common stock. Variable stock-based compensation expense increased by $2.3 million primarily as a result of the increase in share price during 2011.

•

General corporate expenses and other decreased by $41.5 million from the prior year. The 2010 results include approximately $37.4 million of additional salary expense and stock compensation compared to the 2011. These charges are primarily related to reductions in the Company’s work force and the previously announced changes to the Company’s executive management team during 2010.

Disposed Operations

Disposed Operations primarily includes the remaining run out of residual operations from dispositions of businesses prior to 2010. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the operating income from Disposed Operations was $812,000, $1.7 million and $3.0 million, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We regularly monitor our liquidity position, including cash levels, principal investment commitments, interest and principal payments on debt, capital expenditures and compliance with regulatory requirements. We maintain liquidity at two levels: our insurance subsidiaries and our holding company.

Our regulated domestic insurance subsidiaries generate significant cash flows from operations. Liquidity requirements at the insurance subsidiaries generally consist of claim and benefit payments to policyholders and operating expenses, primarily for employee compensation and benefits. The Company meets such requirements by maintaining appropriate levels of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, using cash flows from operating activities and selling investments. After considering expected cash flows from operating activities, we generally invest cash at our regulated subsidiaries that exceeds our expected short-term obligations in longer term, investment-grade, marketable debt securities to improve our overall investment return. These investments are made after consideration of return objectives, regulatory limitations, tax implications and risk tolerances. Cash in excess of the capital needs of our domestic regulated insurance entities is paid to their non-regulated parent company, typically in the form of dividends, when and as permitted by applicable regulations.

The holding company generates cash flows primarily through dividends from its subsidiaries. Cash flows generated from dividends and through the issuance of long-term debt, further strengthen our operating and financial flexibility. Liquidity requirements at the holding company level generally consist of servicing debt, funding the start up costs of Insphere, reinvestments in our businesses through the expansion of our products and services and the repurchase of shares of our common stock.

Consolidated Cash Flows

Historically, our primary source of cash on a consolidated basis has been premium revenue from policies issued. The primary uses of cash on a consolidated basis have been for the payment for policy benefits, claims and commissions under those policies, as well as operating expenses, primarily employee compensation and benefits.


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Cash Provided By (Used In):
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(6,934	)	$	13,826		$	58,706
Non-cash charges		41,169			33,932			67,688
Other operating activities		(75,278	)		(25,448	)		(159,877	)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(41,043	)		22,310			(33,483	)
Investing activities		418,956			(539	)		171,220
Financing activities		(379,763	)		(17,346	)		(142,269	)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(1,850	)		4,425			(4,532	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		17,299			12,874			17,406

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	15,449		$	17,299		$	12,874

Operating Activities

Cash flows provided by/used in operating activities are principally net income/loss, net of depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses. In 2012, the Company’s operating activities used cash flows primarily as a result of a net loss, the declining block of health insurance business, and establishing a current tax recoverable. Additionally, the increase in “Other operating activities” in 2012 primarily reflects the payment of $26.0 million of the 2011 MLR rebates. In 2011, we generated cash flows from earnings as well as the recognition of some sales production bonuses earned in 2010 and received in 2011. For 2010, the Company’s operating activities used cash flows primarily as a result of the declining block of health insurance business in addition to the costs incurred with the development of Insphere.

Investing Activities

Cash flows from investing activities primarily consist of net investment purchases or sales and net purchases of property and equipment, including capitalized software. Investing activities for 2012 consisted primarily of the

redemption of short-term securities for the purposes of paying off the Company’s term loan of $362.5 million. Investing activities for 2010 includes the redemption of invested assets used to pay a dividend in the amount of $118.5 million to shareholders during the year.

Financing Activities

Cash flows used in financing activities primarily consist of repayment of long term debt, repurchases of treasury stock, repayment of the student loan credit facility and dividends to shareholders. In 2012, cash flows provided by investing activities consist primarily of proceeds from the sale and maturity of invested assets for use in the repayment of the Company’s term loan of $362.5 million. Cash flows provided by financing activities also consist of proceeds from shares issued to the ISOP. In 2010, cash flows used in financing activities were primarily related to dividend payments to shareholders of $118.5 million.

Holding Company

HealthMarkets, Inc. is a holding company, the principal asset of which is its investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, HealthMarkets, LLC (collectively referred to as the “holding company”). The holding company’s ability to fund its cash requirements is largely dependent upon its ability to access cash, by means of dividends or other means, from HealthMarkets, LLC. HealthMarkets, LLC’s principal assets are its investments in its separate operating subsidiaries, including its regulated domestic insurance subsidiaries.

Set forth in the table below is the aggregate cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments held at HealthMarkets, Inc. and HealthMarkets, LLC:


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments at:
HealthMarkets, Inc.	$	73,302	$	74,244	$	67,171
HealthMarkets, LLC.		42,255		376,061		101,235

Total	$	115,557	$	450,305	$	168,406

Set forth below is a summary statement of aggregate cash flows for HealthMarkets, Inc. and HealthMarkets, LLC for each of the three most recent years:


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments on hand at beginning of year	$	450,305	$	168,406	$	242,165
Sources of cash:
Dividends from domestic insurance subsidiaries		59,500		308,500		96,900
Dividends from non-insurance and offshore insurance subsidiaries		7,500		13,750		31,600
Proceeds from other financing activities		4,849		4,227		6,998
Net tax treaty payments from subsidiaries		21,433		29,009		50,292
Net investment activities		0		0		18,966

Total sources of cash		93,282		355,486		204,756


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Uses of cash:
Cash to operations	$	(20,292	)	$	(20,147	)	$	(39,890	)
Contributions/investment in subsidiaries		(5,000	)		0			0
Interest on debt		(6,463	)		(12,472	)		(18,756	)
Repayment of debt		(362,500	)		0			0
Financing activities		(23,212	)		(30,363	)		(91,697	)
Dividends paid to shareholders		0			0			(118,454	)
Purchases of HealthMarkets common stock		(10,563	)		(10,605	)		(9,718	)

Total uses of cash		(428,030	)		(73,587	)		(278,515	)

Cash and cash equivalents on hand at end of year	$	115,557		$	450,305		$	168,406

Sources of Cash and Liquidity

•

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the holding company received an aggregate of $67.0 million, $322.3 million, and $128.5 million, respectively, in cash dividends from its subsidiaries. The amount in 2011 includes an extraordinary dividend in the amount of $159.4 million paid from the Company’s MEGA insurance subsidiary.

•

In 2012, 2011 and 2010, the holding company received $4.9 million, $4.2 million, and $7.0 million, respectively, in proceeds from other financing activities largely consisting of proceeds to acquire shares in the ISOP.

Uses of Cash and Liquidity

•

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the holding company paid $10.6 million, $10.6 million and $9.7 million, respectively, to repurchase shares of its common stock from former officers and former and current participants of the ISOP.

•

In 2012 the Company paid in full the remaining principal on the term loan in an amount of $362.5 million.

•

In 2012, 2011 and 2010, the holding company paid $6.5 million, $12.5 million and $18.8 million, respectively in interest on outstanding debt.

•

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, the holding company used $23.2 million, $30.4 million and $91.7 million, respectively, in financing activities, primarily all of which was used to fund Insphere operations.

•

During 2012, the holding company made a $5.0 million capital contribution to its HealthMarkets Insurance Company subsidiary.

•

During 2010, the holding company paid a special cash dividend of $118.5 million.

2010 Dividend to Shareholders

Effective February 25, 2010, the Board of Directors of HealthMarkets, Inc. declared a special dividend in the amount of $3.94 per share for Class A-1 and Class A-2 common stock to holders of record as of the close of business on March 1, 2010, payable on March 9, 2010. In connection with the special cash dividend, the Company paid dividends to stockholders in the aggregate of $118.5 million with an additional $661,000 of dividends associated with restricted stock options to be paid upon vesting of those restricted stock options and $399,000 dividend equivalents credited to the employee participant accounts in the ISOP.

Regulatory Requirements

The state of domicile of each of the Company’s domestic insurance subsidiaries imposes minimum risk-based capital requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for determining the amount of risk-based capital specify various weighting factors that are applied to financial balances and premium levels based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance is determined by a ratio of a company’s regulatory total adjusted capital, as defined, to its authorized control level risk-based capital, as defined. Companies’ specific trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of which requires specified corrective action.

Generally, the total stockholders’ equity of domestic insurance subsidiaries (as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices) in excess of minimum statutory capital requirements is available for transfer to the parent company. However, the amount of equity available for dividends in any given year without prior approval from state regulatory authorities is subject to certain limitations as discussed below under Dividend Restrictions.

The required minimum aggregate statutory capital and surplus of our principal domestic insurance subsidiaries were as follows at December 31, 2012:


	Minimum		Actual
	(In millions)
Mega	$	37.4	$	93.3
Mid-West	$	15.8	$	57.4
Chesapeake	$	12.0	$	23.3

At December 31, 2012, the risk-based capital ratio of each of our insurance subsidiaries exceeded the ratio for which regulatory corrective action would be required.

Dividend Restrictions

We conduct a significant portion of our business through our insurance subsidiaries, which are subject to regulations and standards established by their respective states of domicile. Most of these regulations and standards conform to those established by the NAIC. These standards require our insurance subsidiaries to maintain specified levels of statutory capital, as defined by each state, and restrict the timing and amount of dividends and other distributions that may be paid to their parent company. Generally, the amount of dividend distributions that may be paid by a regulated subsidiary, without prior approval by state regulatory authorities, is limited based on the entity’s level of statutory net income and statutory capital and surplus. These limitations are based upon the greater of 10% of statutory surplus at the end of the preceding year or the preceding year’s statutory gain from operations.

Our domestic insurance companies paid dividends of $59.5 million, $308.5 million and $96.9 million, respectively, to HealthMarkets, LLC in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The dividend amount for 2012 includes $30.0 million of extraordinary dividends paid from the Company’s Mid-West insurance subsidiary. The dividend amount for 2011 includes $159.4 million of extraordinary dividends paid from the Company’s MEGA insurance subsidiary.

During 2013, the Company’s domestic insurance companies are eligible to pay additional aggregate dividends in the ordinary course of business to HealthMarkets, LLC of approximately $43.0 million without prior approval by statutory authorities. However, as it has done in the past, the Company will continue to assess the results of operations of the regulated domestic insurance companies to determine the prudent dividend capability of the subsidiaries. This is consistent with our practice of maintaining risk-based capital ratios at each of our domestic insurance subsidiaries in excess of minimum requirements.

Contractual Obligations and Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The following table sets forth additional information with respect to our outstanding debt:


			December 31,
	Maturity Date		2012		2011
	(In thousands)
2006 credit agreement:
Term loan		2012	$	0	$	362,500

Grapevine Note		2021		72,350		72,350

Trust preferred securities:
UICI Capital Trust I		2034		15,470		15,470
HealthMarkets Capital Trust I		2036		51,550		51,550
HealthMarkets Capital Trust II		2036		51,550		51,550

Total			$	190,920	$	553,420
Student Loan Credit Facility		various		52,450		60,050

Total			$	243,370	$	613,470

In April 2006, we borrowed $500.0 million under a term loan credit facility and issued $100.0 million of Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Notes. The Company made principal payments on the term loan and, at December 31, 2011, $362.5 million remained outstanding. On February 29, 2012, the Company paid in full the remaining principal and interest on the term loan in an amount of $363.3 million.

Grapevine Finance LLC issued $72.4 million of senior secured notes to an institutional purchaser which matures in July 2021. The net proceeds were distributed to HealthMarkets, LLC. The note bears interest at an annual rate of 6.712%. The interest is to be paid semi-annually on January 15th and July 15th.

In April 2006, HealthMarkets Capital Trust I and HealthMarkets Capital Trust II (“Trusts”) issued $100.0 million of floating rate trust preferred securities and $3.1 million of floating rate common securities and invested the proceeds in $100.0 million principal amount of HealthMarkets, LLC’s floating rate junior subordinated notes due June 15, 2036. The notes accrue interest at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 3.05%.

In April 2004, UICI Capital Trust I completed the private placement of $15.0 million amount of floating rate trust preferred securities and $470,000 of floating rate common securities and invested the proceeds in an equivalent face amount of the Company’s floating rate junior subordinated notes due 2034. The notes will mature on April 29, 2034 and accrue interest at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 3.50%, payable quarterly.

At December 31, 2012, the Company had indebtedness outstanding under a secured student loan credit facility which indebtedness is represented by Student Loan Asset-Backed Notes issued by a bankruptcy-remote special purpose entity. Indebtedness outstanding under the Student Loan Credit Facility is secured by student loans and accrued interest and by a pledge of cash, cash equivalents and other qualified investments.

Set forth below is a summary of our consolidated contractual obligations at December 31, 2012:


	Payment Due by Period
	Total		Less than 1 Year		1-3 Years		3-5 Years		More than 5 Years
	(In thousands)
Corporate debt	$	190,920	$	0	$	0	$	0	$	190,920
Student Loan Credit Facility		52,450		6,350		10,550		9,650		25,900
Future policy benefits(1)		462,099		25,351		48,922		43,790		344,036
Claim liabilities(1)		89,841		82,676		6,625		421		119
Student loan commitments(2)		29,443		1,877		5,607		6,628		15,331
Goldman Sachs Real Estate Partners, L.P.		1,617		0		1,617		0		0
Blackstone Strategic Alliance Fund L.P.		407		407		0		0		0
Operating lease obligations		11,208		4,478		5,059		1,640		31

Total	$	837,985	$	121,139	$	78,380	$	62,129	$	576,337

(1)	In connection with various reinsurance agreements, the Company entered into coinsurance arrangements pursuant to which the reinsurers agreed to assume liability for $340.6 million of future policy benefits and $23.7 million of claim liabilities associated with such businesses.

(2)

The Company has outstanding commitments to fund student loans through 2026 for an aggregate amount of $29.4 million. However, based upon utilization rates and policy lapse rates, the estimated commitment is $389,000. In 2010, the Company’s arrangement with a third-party bank previously originating these loans terminated. To date, the Company does not have an arrangement with a new lender and as a result, additional student loan funding is not available at this time.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to health and life insurance claims, bad debts, investments, intangible assets, income taxes, financing operations and contingencies and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience, as well as various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe the following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, which are discussed in more detail below:

•

the valuations of certain assets and liabilities require fair value estimates;

•

recognition of premium revenue;

•

recognition of commission revenue;

•

the estimate of claim liabilities;

•

the realization of deferred acquisition costs;

•

the carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets;

•

the amortization period of intangible assets;

•

stock-based compensation plan forfeitures;

•

the realization of deferred taxes;

•

reserves for contingencies, including reserves for losses in connection with unresolved legal and regulatory matters; and

•

other matters that affect the reported amounts and disclosure of contingencies in the financial statements.

Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Therefore, actual results could differ from those estimates and could have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements

We account for our investments and certain other assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), which requires us to categorize such assets and liabilities into a three-level hierarchy. As discussed in more detail below, the determination of fair value for certain assets and liabilities may require the application of a greater degree of judgment resulting from volatile market conditions, as the ability to value assets can be significantly impacted by a decrease in market activity. We evaluate the various types of securities in our investment portfolio to determine the appropriate level in the fair value hierarchy based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. We employ control processes to validate the reasonableness of the fair value estimates of our assets and liabilities, including those estimates based on prices and quotes obtained from independent third party sources. Our procedures generally include, but are not limited to, initial and ongoing evaluation of methodologies used by independent third parties and monthly analytical reviews of the prices against current pricing trends and statistics.

Where possible, we utilize quoted market prices to measure fair value. For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, we use the quoted market price as fair value and include these prices in the amounts disclosed in Level 1 of the hierarchy. When quoted market prices in active markets are unavailable, we determine fair values using various valuation techniques and models based on a range of observable market inputs including pricing models, quoted market price of publicly traded securities with similar duration and yield, time value, yield curve, prepayment speeds, default rates and discounted cash flow. In most cases, these estimates are determined based on independent third party valuation information, and the amounts are disclosed in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Generally, we obtain a single price or quote per instrument from independent third parties to assist in establishing the fair value of these investments.

If quoted market prices and independent third party valuation information are unavailable, we produce an estimate of fair value based on internally developed valuation techniques, which, depending on the level of observable market inputs, will render the fair value estimate as Level 2 or Level 3. On occasions when pricing service data is unavailable, we may rely on bid/ask spreads from dealers in determining the fair value. When dealer quotations are used to assist in establishing the fair value, we generally obtain one quote per instrument. The quotes obtained from dealers or brokers are generally non-binding. When dealer quotations are used, we use the mid-mark as fair value. When broker or dealer quotations are used for valuation or price verification, greater priority is given to executable quotes. As part of the price verification process, valuations based on quotes are corroborated by comparison both to other quotes and to recent trading activity in the same or similar instruments.

To the extent we determine that a price or quote is inconsistent with actual trading activity observed in that investment or similar investments, or if we do not think the quote is reflective of the market value for the investment, we will internally develop a fair value using this observable market information and disclose the occurrence of this circumstance.

Investments

We have classified our investments in securities with fixed maturities as “available for sale”. Fixed maturities and equity securities have been recorded at fair value, and unrealized investment gains and losses are reflected in stockholders’ equity.

Investments are reviewed at least quarterly, using both quantitative and qualitative factors, to determine if they have experienced an impairment of value that is considered other-than-temporary. In its review, management considers the following indicators of impairment: fair value significantly below cost; decline in fair value attributable to specific adverse conditions affecting a particular investment; decline in fair value attributable to specific conditions, such as conditions in an industry or in a geographic area; decline in fair value for an extended period of time; downgrades by rating agencies from investment grade to non-investment grade; financial condition deterioration of the issuer and situations where dividends have been reduced or eliminated or scheduled interest payments have not been made. Additionally, we assess whether the amortized cost basis will be recovered by comparing the present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost basis of the investment. When the determination is made that an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) exists but we do not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis, we determine the amount of the impairment related to a credit loss and the amount related to other factors. OTTI losses attributed to a credit loss are recorded in “Net impairment losses recognized in earnings” on the statement of operations. OTTI losses attributed to other factors are reported in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” as a separate component of stockholders’ equity and accordingly have no effect on our net income (loss) but does affect comprehensive income (loss).

Testing for impairment of investments requires significant management judgment. The identification of potentially impaired investments, the determination of their fair value and the assessment of whether any decline in value is other than temporary are the key judgment elements. The discovery of new information and the passage of time can significantly change these judgments. Revisions of impairment judgments are made when new information becomes known, and any resulting impairments are made at that time. The economic environment and volatility of securities markets increase the difficulty of determining fair value and assessing investment impairment. The same influences tend to increase the risk of potentially impaired assets.

Premium Revenue and Certain Related Benefits and Expenses

Health Premiums

Health insurance policies issued by the Company are considered long-duration contracts. The contract provisions generally cannot be changed or canceled during the contract period; however, the Company may adjust premiums for most health policies issued within prescribed guidelines and with the approval of state insurance regulatory authorities. Insurance premiums for health policies are recognized as earned over the premium payment periods of the policies. Benefits and expenses are matched with premiums so as to result in recognition of income over the term of the contract. This matching is accomplished by means of the provision for future policyholder benefits and expenses and the deferral and amortization of acquisition costs.

Life Premiums

Premiums on traditional life insurance are recognized as revenue when due. Benefits and expenses are matched with premiums so as to result in recognition of income over the term of the contract. This matching is accomplished by means of the provision for future policyholder benefits and expenses and the deferral and amortization of acquisition costs.

Premiums and annuity considerations collected on universal life-type and annuity contracts are recorded using deposit accounting, and are credited directly to an appropriate policy reserve account, without recognizing premium income. Revenues from universal life-type and annuity contracts are amounts assessed to the policyholder for the cost of insurance (mortality charges), policy administration charges and surrender charges

and are recognized as revenue when assessed based on one-year service periods. Amounts assessed for services to be provided in future periods are reported as unearned revenue and are recognized as revenue over the benefit period. Contract benefits that are charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related contract balances and interest credited to contract balances.

Commission Revenues

Insphere and its agents distribute insurance products underwritten by the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, as well as third-party insurance products underwritten by non-affiliated insurance companies. The Company earns commissions for third-party insurance products sold by Insphere agents. The majority of our commission revenue is derived from insurance policies and association memberships that are billed monthly. The Company also receives commission revenue based on quarterly, semi-annual, and annual billing modes. For all billing modes, the commission revenue is recognized as earned on a monthly basis beginning with the effective date of the insurance policy and continues as long as the policy continues to pay premium. For single premium annuity commission revenue, and other commissions that are received on a one-time basis, commission revenues are recognized as of the effective date of the insurance policy or the date on which the policy premium is billed to the customer, whichever is later. Subsequent commission adjustments are recognized upon our receipt of notification concerning matters necessitating such adjustments from the insurance companies. Production bonuses, volume overrides and contingent commissions are recognized when determinable, either (i) when such commissions are received from insurance companies, (ii) when we receive formal notification of the amount of such payments or (iii) when the amounts of such payments can be reasonably estimated.

Acquisition Costs

Deferred Acquisition Costs (“DAC”)

We incur various costs in connection with the origination and initial issuance of health insurance policies, including underwriting and policy issuance costs and distribution costs (i.e., sales commissions paid to agents). We defer these costs and amortize the deferred expense over the expected premium paying period of the policy, which approximates five years. Additionally, certain underwriting and policy issuance costs, which we determined to be more variable than fixed in nature are capitalized and amortized over the expected premium paying period of the policy. We also defer commissions paid to agents and premium taxes with respect to the portion of health premium collected but not yet earned.

The calculation of DAC requires us to use estimates based on actuarial valuation techniques. We review our actuarial assumptions and deferrable acquisition costs each year and, when necessary, we revise such assumptions to more closely reflect recent experience. For policies in-force, we evaluate DAC to determine whether such costs are recoverable from future revenues. Any resulting adjustment is charged against net earnings.

The Company applied the provisions of ASU 2010-26 beginning January 1, 2012 and determined that certain underwriting and customer lead generation expenses were no longer deferrable under the new guidance. Under the transition guidance provided by ASU 2010-26, the Company has chosen to apply the retrospective method. The retrospective method requires the Company to record the cumulative effect of applying a change in accounting principle to all prior periods presented. As a result of the change in accounting principle, the Company made the following adjustments:

(a)

Adjusted the opening balance of the following items as of January 1, 2010: (i) reduced Deferred acquisition costs by $21.0 million, (ii) reduced Retained earnings by $13.6 million, and (iii) reduced Deferred federal income taxes by $7.3 million.

(b)

Adjusted the ending balance of the following items as of December 31, 2011: (i) reduced Deferred acquisition costs by $3.1 million, (ii) reduced Retained earnings by $2.0 million, and (iii) reduced Deferred Federal income taxes by $1.1 million.

(c)

Restated the Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2011 by the following amounts: (i) a decrease to Underwriting acquisition and insurance expenses in the amount of $4.7 million, (ii) an increase to Federal income tax expense in the amount of $1.7 million, (iii) an increase in Income from continuing operations and Net income in the amount of $3.1 million, and (iv) an increase in diluted earnings per share in the amount of $0.10.

(d)

Restated the Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2010 by the following amounts: (i) a decrease to Underwriting acquisition and insurance expenses in the amount of $13.1 million, (ii) an increase to Federal income tax expense in the amount of $4.6 million, (iii) an increase in Income from continuing operations and Net income in the amount of $8.5 million, and (iv) an increase in diluted earnings per share in the amount of $0.28.

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Asset

We account for goodwill and other intangibles in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), which requires that goodwill and other intangible assets be tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if certain indicators arise. An impairment loss would be recorded in the period such determination was made. Consistent with prior years, we use assumptions and estimates in our valuation, and actual results could differ from those estimates. ASC 350 also requires that intangible assets with estimable useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Management makes assumptions regarding the useful lives assigned to intangible assets. We currently amortize intangible assets with estimable useful lives over a period ranging from five to twenty-five years; however, management may revise amortization periods if they believe there has been a change in the length of time that an intangible asset will continue to have value. If these estimates or their related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment losses or change the useful life, including accelerating amortization for these assets.

Claims Liabilities

We establish liabilities for benefit claims that have been reported but not paid and claims that have been incurred but not reported under health and life insurance contracts. Consistent with overall company philosophy, the claims liabilities estimate is developed and is expected to be adequate under reasonably likely circumstances. This estimate is developed using actuarial principles and assumptions that consider a number of items as appropriate, including but not limited to historical and current claim payment patterns, product variations, the timely implementation of appropriate rate increases and seasonality. We do not develop ranges in the setting of the claims liabilities reported in the financial statements.

The majority of our claims liabilities are estimated using the developmental method, which involves the use of completion factors for most incurral months, supplemented with additional estimation techniques, such as loss ratio estimates, in the most recent incurral months. This method applies completion factors to claim payments in order to estimate the ultimate amount of the claim. These completion factors are derived from historical experience and are dependent on the service dates of the claim payments. The completion factors are selected so that they are equally likely to be redundant as deficient.

Prior to 2011, the majority of health insurance products offered through the Commercial Health Division established the claims liabilities using the modified incurred date technique. Under the modified incurred date methodology, claims liabilities for the cost of all medical services related to the accident or sickness are recorded at the earliest date of diagnosis or treatment, even though the medical services associated with such accident or sickness might not be rendered to the insured until a later financial reporting period. A break in service of more than six months will result in the establishment of a new incurred date for subsequent services. A new incurred date will be established if claims payments continue for more than thirty-six months without a six month break in service. See Change in Accounting Principle on Claim Liabilities below for discussion on the change in methodology from the modified incurred date to service date.

Beginning in 2008, the Commercial Health Division began using the date of service techniques opposed to the modified incurred date technique to establish the claims liabilities for new contracts introduced or updated in or after 2008.

In estimating the ultimate level of claims for the most recent incurral months, we use what we believe are prudent estimates that reflect the uncertainty involved in these incurral months. An extensive degree of judgment is used in this estimation process. For healthcare costs payable, the claim liability balances and the related benefit expenses are highly sensitive to changes in the assumptions used in the claims liability calculations. With respect to health claims, the items that have the greatest impact on our financial results are the medical cost trend, which is the rate of increase in healthcare costs, and the unpredictable variability in actual experience. Any adjustments to prior period claim liabilities are included in the benefit expense of the period in which adjustments are identified. Due to the considerable variability of healthcare costs and actual experience, adjustments to health claim liabilities usually occur each quarter and are sometimes significant.

We believe that the recorded claim liabilities are reasonable and adequate to satisfy the ultimate claims liability. We use our own experience as appropriate and rely on industry loss experience as necessary in areas where our data is limited. Our estimate of claim liabilities represents management’s best estimate of the liability for each period presented.

The completion factors and loss ratio estimates in the most recent incurred months are the most significant factors affecting the estimate of the claim liability. The Company believes that the greatest potential for variability from estimated results is likely to occur at the Commercial Health Division.

The following table illustrates the sensitivity of these factors and the estimated impact to the December 31, 2012 unpaid claim liability for the Commercial Health Division. The scenarios selected are reasonable based on the Company’s past experience, however future results may differ.


Completion Factor(a)					Loss Ratio Estimate(b)
Increase (Decrease) in Factor	Increase (Decrease) in Estimated Claim Liability			Increase (Decrease) in Ratio	Increase (Decrease) in Estimated Claim Liability
	(In thousands)				(In thousands)
6%	$	(3,794	)	6%	$	3,912
4%		(2,530	)	4%		2,608
2%		(1,265	)	2%		1,304
-2%		1,266		-2%		-1,304
-4%		2,533		-4%		-2,608
-6%		3,800		-6%		-3,912

(a)	Impact due to change in completion factors for incurred months prior to the most recent three months.

(b)	Impact due to change in estimated loss ratio for the most recent three months.

Changes in Commercial Health Claim Liability Estimates

The Commercial Health Division reported favorable experience development during the reporting periods on claims incurred in prior years in the reported values of subsequent years (see Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of claims liability development experience). A significant portion of the favorable experience development in 2011 was attributable to the recognition that the claims payment patterns used in establishing the completion factors were no longer reflective of the expected future claims payment patterns underlying the claim liability. As a result, in 2011, we refined the estimates and assumptions used in calculating the claims liabilities estimate to accommodate the changing patterns as they emerged.

The Company continues to update its completion factors to reflect more recent patterns of claim payments. Throughout 2010, we saw an ongoing decrease in the time period from incurral to payment of a claim, resulting

in higher completion factors and lower reserves. In response to these trends, we used more recent experience to develop the completion factors, resulting in a decrease in claim liabilities of $30.6 million recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2010. During 2011, the Company again updated its completion factors to reflect the more recent patterns of claim payments, resulting in a decrease in the claim liabilities of $7.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2011. We will continue to evaluate and update completion factors on an ongoing basis, as appropriate, and will evaluate the impact, if any, that Health Care Reform Legislation may have on the completion factors.

During the fourth quarter of 2010, we revised the loss development technique for the most recent incurral months. We revised our technique to use a Bornhuetter-Ferguson calculation which weights a completion factor estimate with an exposure-based estimate. The weights used are the completion factors, which results in a reserve estimate that is the reciprocal of the completion factor times the exposure-based estimate. The exposure-based estimate is the earned premium multiplied by the anticipated loss ratio, which in most cases is the 12-month average loss ratio for the months prior to the most recent incurral months. As a result of this revision, during the fourth quarter of 2010, we recognized a decrease in claim liabilities of $10.2 million.

During 2010, we adjusted the estimated claim liability established in the fourth quarter of 2009 related to a review of claims processing for state mandated benefits based upon actual results from reprocessing approximately 81% of these claims. As a result of this refinement, during 2010, we recognized a decrease in the claims liabilities of $19.6 million.

Change in Accounting Principle on Claim Liabilities

Effective January 1, 2011, the Company changed the method used to calculate its policy liabilities for the majority of its health insurance products because it believes that the new method will be preferable in light of, among other factors, certain changes required by Health Care Reform Legislation.

For the majority of health insurance products in the Commercial Health Division, the Company’s claims liabilities are estimated using the developmental method. The Company establishes the claims liabilities based upon claim incurral dates, supplemented with certain refinements as appropriate. Prior to January 1, 2011, for products introduced prior to 2008, the Company used a technique for calculating claims liabilities referred to as the Modified Incurred Date (“MID”) technique. Under the MID technique, claims liabilities for the cost of all medical services related to a distinct accident or sickness are based on the earliest date of diagnosis or treatment, even though the medical services associated with such accident or sickness might not be rendered to the insured until a later financial reporting period. Claims liabilities based on the earliest date of diagnosis generally result in larger initial claims liabilities which complete over a longer period of time than claims estimation techniques using dates of service. Under the MID technique, the Company modifies the original incurred date coding by establishing a new incurral date if: (i) there is a break of more than six months in the occurrence of a covered benefit service or (ii) if claims payments continue for more than thirty-six months without a six month break in service.

For products introduced in 2008 and later, claims payments were considered incurred on the date the service is rendered, regardless of whether the sickness or accident is distinct or the same. This is referred to as the Service Date (“SD”) technique. This is consistent with the assumptions used in the pricing of these products and the policy language. At December 31, 2010, the Company had claims liabilities for products using the SD technique in the amount of $10.6 million, representing approximately 8% of the total claims liabilities of the Commercial Health Division. The use of the SD technique in establishing claims liabilities requires the establishment of a future policy benefit reserve while the MID technique does not. For the reasons discussed below, we believe that it is preferable to estimate the Company’s claims liabilities using the SD technique, and to apply such technique for claims liabilities previously calculated based on the MID technique.

As previously disclosed, in March 2010, Health Care Reform Legislation was signed into law. The Health Care Reform Legislation requires, beginning in 2011, a mandated minimum loss ratio (“MLR”) of 80% for the individual and small group markets. If MLR is below the mandated minimum, the Health Care Reform Legislation generally requires that the insurer return the amount of premium that is in excess of the required MLR to the policyholder in the form of rebates. The MLR is calculated for each of our insurance subsidiaries on a state-by-state basis in each state where the Company has issued health benefit plan business. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) rules indicate that the MLR calculation shall utilize data on incurred claims for the calendar year, paid through March of the following year.

Any refund of premiums in excess of the required MLR will be based on the completion of claims three months after the calendar year end. Based on the MLR calculation requiring only three additional months of claims and the SD technique being the most prevalent method of estimating claims liabilities in the health insurance industry, the Company believes that the SD technique is the preferable method for calculating the MLR. The Company also believes that using the SD method for the settlement of the MLR calculation will reduce uncertainty regarding the ultimate amount of incurred claims, as the MID technique estimates claims over a longer settlement period. The calculation of the MLR using the Company’s current data results in claims for a given incurred year that are approximately 95% complete three months after the valuation date using the SD technique, whereas claims are approximately 82% complete 3 months after the valuation date using the MID technique. Additionally, the use of the MID technique for financial reporting purposes, with the settlement of the MLR calculated on a SD basis, may result in an over accrual of the claims liabilities on the financial statements as a result of the Company’s accrual for rebates in the MLR calculation.

In light of the changes resulting from the Health Care Reform Legislation, and given that the Company’s insurance contracts would support the use of either reserving technique, the Company, after discussions with its domiciliary insurance regulators on the preferred methodology for calculating rebates under the MLR requirements of the Health Care Reform Legislation, determined that the SD method is preferable in determining the estimation of its claims liabilities. For the in-force policies utilizing the MID technique for estimation of claims liabilities, effective January 1, 2011, the Company changed the method used to calculate its claims liabilities from the MID technique to the SD technique. Consistent with the Company’s products introduced in 2008 and later, the Company established a reserve for future policy benefits for products introduced prior to 2008.

The Company has determined it is impracticable to determine the period-specific effects of the change in reserving methodology from MID to SD on all prior periods since retrospective application requires significant estimates of amounts and it is impossible to distinguish objectively information about those estimates at previous reporting dates. Based on the guidance of ASC 250-10-45 Accounting Changes — Change in Accounting Principle if the cumulative effect of applying a change in accounting principle to all prior periods is determinable, but it is impracticable to determine the period-specific effects of that change to all prior periods presented, the cumulative effect of the change to the new accounting principle shall be applied to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities as of beginning of the earliest period to which the new accounting principle can be applied. As such the Company accounted for the change effective January 1, 2011 by recording the cumulative effect of the change in accounting at that date.

Effective January 1, 2011, as a result of this change, the Company recorded the following: (i) a decrease in the amount of $77.9 million to claims and claims administration liabilities, (ii) an increase in the amount of $35.1 million to future policy and contract benefits, (iii) an increase in the amount of $15.0 million to deferred federal income tax liability and (iv) an increase in the amount of $27.8 million to retained earnings.

Accounting for ISOP

The Company offers certain eligible insurance agents and designated eligible employees the opportunity to participate in the HealthMarkets, Inc. InVest Stock Ownership Plan (“ISOP”). For financial reporting purposes, the Company accounts for the Company-match feature of the ISOP for nonemployee agents by recognizing

compensation expense over the vesting period in an amount equal to the fair market value of vested shares at the date of their vesting and distribution to the agent-participant. The Company accounts for the Company-match feature of the ISOP for employees by recognizing compensation expense over the vesting period in an amount equal to the fair market value of each award at the date of grant, or, in the case of outstanding awards transferred from the Predecessor Plans, the fair market value at the date of employment.

Expense on awards granted after January 1, 2010 is recognized on a straight-line basis based on the Company’s policy adopted in 2006 for new plans effective after January 1, 2006. Expense on awards from plans effective prior to January 1, 2006 will continue to be recognized on a graded basis. Employee awards are equity-classified and changes in values and expense are offset to the Company’s Additional Paid-in Capital account on its balance sheet. Nonemployee awards are liability-classified and changes are reflected in the Other Liabilities account on the balance sheet. The liability for nonemployee awards is based on (i) the number of unvested credits, (ii) the prevailing fair market value of the Company’s common stock as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors and (iii) an estimate of the percentage of the vesting period that has elapsed.

The accounting treatment of matching credits for nonemployee agent-participants results in unpredictable stock-based compensation charges, dependent upon fluctuations in the fair market value of the Company’s common stock, as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors. In periods of decline in the fair market value of HealthMarkets’ common stock, the Company will recognize less stock-based compensation expense than in periods of appreciation. In addition, in circumstances where increases in the fair market value of the Company’s common stock are followed by declines, negative stock-based compensation expense may result as the cumulative liability for unvested stock-based compensation expense is adjusted.

Deferred Taxes

We record deferred tax assets to reflect the impact of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of assets. Realization of the net deferred tax asset is dependent on generating sufficient future taxable income. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

We establish a valuation allowance when management believes, based on the weight of the available evidence, that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We consider future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the continued need for a recorded valuation allowance. Establishing or increasing the valuation allowance would result in a charge to income in the period such determination was made. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made.

Loss Contingencies

We are subject to proceedings and lawsuits related to insurance claims, regulatory issues, and other matters (see Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). We are required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters, as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of accruals required, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each individual issue. The required accruals may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach, such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters.

Risk Management

HealthMarkets encounters risk in the normal course of business, and therefore, we have designed risk management processes to help manage such risks. The Company is subject to varying degrees of market risks, inflation risk, operational risks and liquidity risks (see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” discussion above) and monitors these risks on a consolidated basis.

Market Risks

Our assets and liabilities, including financial instruments, are subject to the risk of potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. Market risk is directly influenced by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the related underlying assets are traded.

Sensitivity analysis is defined as the measurement of potential loss in future earnings, fair values or cash flows of market sensitive instruments resulting from one or more selected hypothetical changes in interest rates and other market rates or prices over a selected time. In our sensitivity analysis model, a hypothetical change in market rates is selected that is expected to reflect reasonably possible near-term changes in those rates. “Near term” is defined as a period of time going forward up to one year from the date of the consolidated financial statements.

In this sensitivity analysis model, we use fair values to measure its potential loss. The primary market risk to our market sensitive instruments is interest rate risk. The sensitivity analysis model uses a 100 basis point change in interest rates to measure the hypothetical change in fair value of financial instruments included in the model. For invested assets, duration modeling is used to calculate changes in fair values. Duration on invested assets is adjusted to call, put and interest rate reset features.

The sensitivity analysis model decreases the gain in fair value of market sensitive instruments by $7.7 million based on a 100 basis point increase in interest rates as of December 31, 2012. This decreased value only reflects the impact of an interest rate increase on the fair value of our financial instruments.

At December 31, 2012, the Company had $118.6 million of debt exposed to the fluctuation of the three-month London Inter-bank Offer Rate (LIBOR) and is comprised of the UICI Capital Trust I note and the HealthMarkets Capital Trust I and II notes. The sensitivity analysis shows that if the three-month LIBOR rate changed by 100 basis points (1%), our interest expense would change by approximately $1.2 million.

Our Investment Committee monitors the investment portfolio of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Investment Committee receives investment management information from our in-house investment management team. The internal investment management team directly manages the investment assets.

Investments are selected based upon the parameters established in the Company’s investment policies. Emphasis is given to the selection of high quality, liquid securities that provide current investment returns. Maturities or liquidity characteristics of the securities are managed by structuring the duration of the investment portfolio to be consistent with the duration of the policy liabilities. Consistent with regulatory requirements and internal guidelines, we invest in a range of assets, but limit our investments in certain classes of assets, and limit our exposure to certain industries and to single issuers.

Fixed maturity securities represented 57.3% and 40.6% of our total investments at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. At December 31, 2012, fixed maturity securities consisted of the following:


	December 31, 2012
	Carrying Value		% of Total Carrying Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. and U.S. Government agencies	$	21,060		5.8	%
Corporate bonds and municipals		218,450		59.8	%
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and authorities		28,569		7.8	%
Other mortgage and asset backed securities		1,372		0.4	%
Other		95,643		26.2	%

Total fixed maturity securities	$	365,094		100.0	%

Corporate bonds, included in the fixed maturity portfolio, consist primarily of short term and medium term investment grade bonds. The Company’s investment policy with respect to concentration risk limits individual investment grade bonds held by its insurance company subsidiaries to 3% of assets and non-investment grade bonds to 2% of assets. The policy also limits the investments in any one industry to 20% of assets. As of December 31, 2012, the largest concentration in any one investment grade corporate bond held by an insurance company subsidiary was $107.4 million ($94.8 million face value), which represented 16.9% of total invested assets. This security was received as payment on the sale of our Student Insurance Division. To limit its credit risk, we have taken out $75 million of credit default insurance on this bond, reducing our default exposure to $32.4 million, or 5.1% of total invested assets. The largest concentration in any one non-investment grade corporate bond was $3.0 million, which represented less than 1% of total invested assets. The largest concentration to any one industry by our insurance carriers was less than 1% of total invested assets. Additionally, due primarily to long standing conservative investment guidelines, we have no direct exposure to subprime investments.

Included in the fixed maturity portfolio are mortgage-backed securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed pass-through certificates and commercial mortgage-backed securities. To limit our credit risk, we invest in mortgage-backed securities that are rated investment grade by the public rating agencies. Our mortgage-backed securities portfolio is a conservatively structured portfolio that is concentrated in the less volatile tranches, such as planned amortization classes and sequential classes. We seek to minimize prepayment risk during periods of declining interest rates and minimize duration extension risk during periods of rising interest rates. We have less than 0.2% of our investment portfolio invested in the more volatile tranches.

A quality distribution for fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2012 is set forth below:


	December 31, 2012
Rating	Carrying Value		% of Total Carrying Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government and AAA	$	66,162		18.1	%
AA		25,782		7.1	%
A		155,922		42.7	%
BBB		114,254		31.3	%
Less than BBB		2,974		0.8	%

	$	365,094		100.0	%

We regularly monitor our investment portfolio to attempt to minimize our concentration of credit risk in any single issuer. Set forth in the table below is a schedule of all investments representing greater than 1% of our aggregate investment portfolio at December 31, 2012 and 2011, excluding investments in U.S. Government securities:


	December 31,
	2012					2011
	Carrying Amount		% of Total Carrying Value			Carrying Amount		% of Total Carrying Value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Issuer — Fixed Maturities:
UnitedHealth Group(1)	$	107,366		16.9	%	$	105,565		10.0	%
Cigna Corporation(2)		95,643		15.0	%		89,371		8.5	%
Issuer — Short-term investments (3):
Fidelity Institutional Government Fund		133,791		21.0	%		478,841		45.4	%
Invesco STIT Government Fund		64,629		10.2	%		89,215		8.5	%
First American Treasury Obligations Fund		0		0	%		37,797		3.6	%

(1)	Represents $107.4 million ($94.8 million face value) security received from the purchaser as consideration upon sale of our former Student Insurance Division on December 1, 2006. To reduce our credit risk, we have taken out $75.0 million of credit default insurance on this security.

(2)

Represents $78.4 million face value security received from the purchaser as consideration upon sale of our former Star HRG Division in July 2006. This security is held in a bankruptcy remote entity with the Company’s exposure limited to its residual investment of approximately $7.2 million at December 31, 2012.

(3)	Funds are diversified institutional money markets that invest solely in United States dollar denominated securities.

Inflation Risk

Inflation historically has had a significant impact on the health insurance business. In recent years, inflation in the costs of medical care covered by such insurance has exceeded the general rate of inflation. Under basic hospital medical insurance coverage, established ceilings for covered expenses limit the impact of inflation on the amount of claims paid. Under catastrophic hospital expense plans and preferred provider contracts, covered expenses are generally limited only by a maximum lifetime benefit and a maximum lifetime benefit per accident or sickness. Therefore, inflation may have a significantly greater impact on the amount of claims paid under catastrophic hospital expense and preferred provider plans as compared to claims under basic hospital medical coverage. As a result, trends in healthcare costs must be monitored and rates adjusted accordingly. Under the health insurance policies issued in the self-employed market, the primary insurer generally has the right to increase rates upon 30-60 days written notice, and subject to regulatory approval in some cases.

Operational Risks

Operational risk is inherent in our business and may, for example, manifest itself in the form of errors, breaches in the system of internal controls, business interruptions, fraud or legal actions due to operating deficiencies or noncompliance with regulatory requirements. We maintain a framework, including policies and a system of internal controls designed to monitor and manage operational risk, and provide management with timely and accurate information.

Privacy Initiatives

The business of insurance is primarily regulated by the states and is affected by a range of legislative developments at both the state and federal levels. Legislation and regulations governing the use and security of

individuals’ nonpublic personal data by financial institutions, including insurance companies, may have a significant impact on the financial condition and results of operations. See Item 1. Business — Regulatory and Legislative Matters.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

See Recent Accounting Pronouncements in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding new accounting pronouncements.

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk are included under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management.”

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and other information required by this Item 8 are included in this Form 10-K beginning on page F-1.

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. In addition, the disclosure controls and procedures ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, allowing timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and its Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. However, internal control systems, no matter how well designed cannot provide absolute assurance. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework contained in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO Report”).

Based on our evaluation under the framework in the COSO Report our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

During the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

Item 9B.

Other Information

None.

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

See the Company’s Information Statement to be filed in connection with the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.

For information on executive officers of the Company, reference is made to the item entitled “Executive Officers of the Company” in Part I of this report.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our employees, officers and directors, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Controller. The Code is available free of charge on our website at www.healthmarketsinc.com and in print to any stockholder who sends a request for a paper copy to: Corporate Secretary, HealthMarkets, Inc., 9151 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180. We intend to include on our website any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Controller that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K.

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

See the Company’s Information Statement to be filed in connection with the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

See the Company’s Information Statement to be filed in connection with the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transaction, and Director Independence

See the Company’s Information Statement to be filed in connection with the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is incorporated herein by reference. See Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

See the Company’s Information Statement to be filed in connection with the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, of which the subsection captioned “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of HealthMarkets and subsidiaries are included in Item 8:


		Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets — December 31, 2012 and 2011		F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations — Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010		F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) — Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010		F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity — Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010		F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010		F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-8

Financial Statement Schedules


Schedule II	—	Condensed Financial Information of Registrant December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010: HealthMarkets (Holding Company)	F-78
Schedule III	—	Supplementary Insurance Information	F-81
Schedule IV	—	Reinsurance	F-83
Schedule V	—	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	F-84

All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are not applicable and therefore have been omitted.

Exhibits:

The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this 10-K entitled “Exhibit Index.”

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


HealthMarkets, Inc.

By:		/s/ Kenneth J. Fasola*
		Kenneth J. Fasola
		Chief Executive Officer

Date: March 15, 2013

Pursuant to the requirements of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


Signature	Title	Date

/s/ KENNETH J. FASOLA* Kenneth J. Fasola	Chief Executive Officer, President and Director	March 15, 2013

/s/ R. SCOTT DONOVAN R. Scott Donovan	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer	March 15, 2013

/s/ CONNIE PALACIOS* Connie Palacios	Senior Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer	March 15, 2013

/s/ PHILLIP J. HILDEBRAND* Phillip J. Hildebrand	Chairman of the Board	March 15, 2013

/s/ CHINH E. CHU* Chinh E. Chu	Director	March 15, 2013

/s/ JASON K. GIORDANO* Jason K. Giordano	Director	March 15, 2013

/s/ ADRIAN M. JONES* Adrian M. Jones	Director	March 15, 2013

/s/ MURAL R. JOSEPHSON* Mural R. Josephson	Director	March 15, 2013

/s/ STEVEN J. SHULMAN* Steven J. Shulman	Director	March 15, 2013

/s/ R. NEAL POMROY* R. Neal Pomroy	Director	March 15, 2013

*By:

/s/ R. SCOTT DONOVAN

R. Scott Donovan

(Attorney-in-fact)

Attorney-in-fact

March 15, 2013

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

ITEM 8, ITEM 15(A)(1) and (2), (C), and (D)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS and SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

CERTAIN EXHIBITS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012

HEALTHMARKETS, INC.

and

SUBSIDIARIES

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS

F-1

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors

HealthMarkets, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of HealthMarkets, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity, and consolidated statements of cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedules as listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of HealthMarkets, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

As described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2011 the Company changed its method of accounting for claim liabilities from the modified incurred date reserving method to the service date reserving method. Also as described in note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2012 the Company adopted ASU 2010-26, Financial Services Insurance (ASC Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts.

KPMG LLP

Dallas, Texas

March 15, 2013

F-2

HEALTHMARKETS, INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


	December 31,
	2012			2011
	(In thousands, except share data)
ASSETS
Investments:
Securities available for sale —
Fixed maturities, at fair value (cost: 2012 — $325,436; 2011 — $394,948)	$	365,094		$	428,199
Short-term and other investments		271,597			626,415

Total investments		636,691			1,054,614
Cash and cash equivalents		15,449			17,299
Student loan receivables		41,891			50,733
Restricted cash		15,488			14,447
Investment income due and accrued		4,586			4,007
Reinsurance recoverable — ceded policy liabilities		370,312			363,139
Agent and other receivables		21,801			21,416
Deferred acquisition costs		13,454			14,639
Property and equipment, net		33,546			37,466
Goodwill and other intangible assets		83,514			80,255
Recoverable federal income taxes		6,526			0
Other assets		14,859			13,478
Assets held for sale		0			2,100

	$	1,258,117		$	1,673,593

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Policy liabilities:
Future policy and contract benefits	$	462,099		$	473,163
Claims		89,841			94,743
Unearned premiums		22,990			27,523
Other policy liabilities		15,458			34,167
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		23,234			30,852
Other liabilities		57,111			57,107
Current income taxes payable		0			410
Deferred income taxes payable		73,153			68,881
Debt		190,920			553,420
Student loan credit facility		52,450			60,050
Net liabilities of discontinued operations		934			1,486

		988,190			1,401,802
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16)
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share — authorized 10,000,000 shares, none issued		0			0
Common Stock, Class A-1, par value $0.01 per share — authorized 90,000,000 shares, 28,096,278 issued and 27,836,809 outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 90,000,000 shares, 28,156,278 issued and 27,851,301 outstanding at December 31, 2011. Class A-2, par value $0.01 per share — authorized 20,000,000 shares, 4,026,104 issued and 2,753,465 outstanding at December 31, 2012 and 20,000,000 shares, 4,026,104 issued and 2,776,985 outstanding at December 31, 2011;		321			322
Additional paid-in capital		50,616			50,535
Accumulated other comprehensive income		26,373			21,838
Retained earnings		207,919			214,853
Treasury stock, at cost (259,469 Class A-1 common shares and 1,272,639 Class A-2 common shares at December 31, 2012; 304,977 Class A-1 common shares and 1,249,119 Class A-2 common shares at December 31, 2011)		(15,302	)		(15,757	)

		269,927			271,791

	$	1,258,117		$	1,673,593

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3

HEALTHMARKETS, INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011		2010
	(In thousands, except per share data)
REVENUE
Health premiums	$	457,216		$	543,092	$	735,538
Life premiums and other considerations		1,525			1,565		1,913

		458,741			544,657		737,451
Investment income		23,852			28,028		42,246
Commissions and other income		85,883			83,570		76,906
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings		0			0		(765	)
Realized gains (losses), net		(199	)		8,942		5,815

		568,277			665,197		861,653
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Benefits, claims, and settlement expenses		322,635			359,424		366,644
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses (includes amounts paid to related parties of $2,175, $512 and $517 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively)		70,982			96,703		160,740
Other expenses, (includes amounts paid to related parties of $16,182, $15,343 and $21,412 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively)		168,673			163,540		209,070
Interest expense		12,638			22,082		30,082

		574,928			641,749		766,536

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		(6,651	)		23,448		95,117
Federal income tax expense		604			9,701		36,477

Income (loss) from continuing operations		(7,255	)		13,747		58,640
Income from discontinued operations, (net of income tax expense of $172, $43 and $36 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively)		321			79		66

Net income (loss)	$	(6,934	)	$	13,826	$	58,706

Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.24	)	$	0.45	$	1.97
Income from discontinued operations		0.01			0.00		0.00

Net income (loss) per share, basic	$	(0.23	)	$	0.45	$	1.97

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$	(0.24	)	$	0.44	$	1.91
Income from discontinued operations		0.01			0.00		0.00

Net income (loss) per share, diluted	$	(0.23	)	$	0.44	$	1.91

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4

HEALTHMARKETS, INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Net income (loss)	$	(6,934	)	$	13,826		$	58,706
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized gains on securities available for sale arising during the period		6,745			7,494			28,126
Reclassification for investment (gains) losses included in net income (loss)		(422	)		(9,053	)		(5,815	)
Change in Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in OCI		654			0			0

Effect on other comprehensive income (loss) from investment securities		6,977			(1,559	)		22,311

Unrealized losses on derivatives used in cash flow hedging during the period		0			(3	)		(704	)
Reclassification adjustments included in net income (loss)		0			1,343			6,454

Effect on other comprehensive income from hedging activities		0			1,340			5,750

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax		6,977			(219	)		28,061
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)		2,442			(76	)		9,819

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		4,535			(143	)		18,242

Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(2,399	)	$	13,683		$	76,948

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5

HEALTHMARKETS, INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY


	Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Retained Earnings			Treasury Stock			Total
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2009	$	316		$	42,342		$	3,739		$	246,427		$	(30,625	)	$	262,199

Net income		0			0			0			58,706			0			58,706
Other comprehensive income		0			0			18,242			0			0			18,242
Cumulative effect of accounting change (1)		0			0			0			(12,415	)		0			(12,415	)
Dividends		0			0			0			(119,514	)		0			(119,514	)
Issuance of common stock		2			(3,620	)		0			0			10,662			7,044
Vesting of Agent Plan credits		0			(1,548	)		0			0			8,457			6,909
Issuance of restricted shares		5			(968	)		0			0			963			0
Stock-based compensation		0			19,689			0			0			0			19,689
Stock-based compensation tax expense		0			(1,123	)		0			0			0			(1,123	)
Purchase of treasury stock					0			0			0			(9,718	)		(9,718	)

Balance at December 31, 2010	$	323		$	54,772		$	21,981		$	173,204		$	(20,261	)	$	230,019

Net income		0			0			0			13,826			0			13,826
Other comprehensive loss		0			0			(143	)		0			0			(143	)
Cumulative effect of accounting change (2)		0			0			0			27,823			0			27,823
Issuance of common stock		0			(3,136	)		0			0			7,430			4,294
Vesting of Agent Plan credits		2			(4,087	)		0			0			7,671			3,586
Issuance of restricted shares		(3	)		3			0			0			0			0
Stock-based compensation		0			3,776			0			0			0			3,776
Stock-based compensation tax expense		0			(793	)		0			0			0			(793	)
Purchase of treasury stock		0			0			0			0			(10,597	)		(10,597	)

Balance at December 31, 2011	$	322		$	50,535		$	21,838		$	214,853		$	(15,757	)	$	271,791

Net loss		0			0			0			(6,934	)		0			(6,934	)
Other comprehensive income		0			0			4,535			0			0			4,535
Issuance of common stock		0			799			0			0			4,146			4,945
Vesting of Agent Plan credits		0			(2,282	)		0			0			5,503			3,221
Exercise stock options		0			(283	)		0			0			204			(79	)
Issuance of restricted shares		(1	)		(1,164	)		0			0			1,165			0
Stock-based compensation		0			3,011			0			0			0			3,011
Purchase of treasury stock		0			0			0			0			(10,563	)		(10,563	)

Balance at December 31, 2012	$	321		$	50,616		$	26,373		$	207,919		$	(15,302	)	$	269,927

(1)

The adjustments represent the inclusion of Grapevine Finance, LLC into the consolidated results upon adoption of ASU No. 2009-17, Consolidations: Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities and increased equity in an amount of $1.2 million. Additionally, the Company applied the provisions of ASU 2010-26 retroactively to January 1, 2010 and determined that certain underwriting and customer lead generation expenses were no longer deferrable under the new guidance. The impact decreased equity by $13.6 million.

(2)

The adjustment represents the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in the methodology used to calculate the Company’s policy liabilities. See Note 2-Change in Accounting Principle on Claim Liabilities for discussion on the change in methodology from the modified incurred date to service date.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6

HEALTHMARKETS, INC.

and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$	(6,934	)	$	13,826		$	58,706
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Income from discontinued operations		(320	)		(79	)		(66	)
Realized (gains) losses, net		199			(8,942	)		(5,050	)
Change in deferred income taxes		1,830			(2,157	)		1,668
Depreciation and amortization		13,735			17,203			23,219
Amortization of prepaid monitoring fees		12,500			12,500			15,000
Equity based compensation expense		8,675			7,787			18,180
Other items, net		4,550			7,620			14,737
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Investment income due and accrued		(1,569	)		1,717			1,720
Reinsurance recoverable — ceded policy liabilities		(7,173	)		104			(1,938	)
Other receivables		(1,772	)		10,269			(4,396	)
Deferred acquisition costs		1,185			10,189			18,560
Prepaid monitoring fees		(12,500	)		(12,500	)		(15,000	)
Change in current income tax payable		(6,936	)		3,853			14,436
Policy liabilities		(37,848	)		(31,181	)		(147,017	)
Other liabilities, accounts payable and accrued expenses		(8,434	)		(7,890	)		(26,130	)

Cash provided by (used in) continuing operations		(40,812	)		22,319			(33,371	)
Cash used in discontinued operations		(231	)		(9	)		(112	)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(41,043	)		22,310			(33,483	)

Investing Activities
Securities available for sale
Purchases		(17,608	)		(8,632	)		(38,078	)
Sales		6,878			161,997			138,777
Maturities, calls and redemptions		79,659			104,237			83,318
Student loan receivables		7,521			8,084			8,640
Short-term and other investments, net		352,963			(254,004	)		(1,033	)
Purchases of property and equipment		(5,165	)		(7,156	)		(9,542	)
Net cash (out flow) proceeds from acquisition and disposition of subsidiaries		2,100			0			(45	)
Acquisition of business		(6,065	)		0			0
Change in restricted cash		(1,041	)		(1,277	)		(1,337	)
Increase in agent receivables		(286	)		(3,788	)		(9,480	)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		418,956			(539	)		171,220

Financing Activities
Repayment of student loan credit facility		(7,600	)		(8,600	)		(8,700	)
Repayment of term loan		(362,500	)		0			0
Change in cash overdraft.		(2,607	)		(159	)		(6,804	)
Decrease in investment products		(1,360	)		(1,414	)		(4,514	)
Excess tax benefits from equity-based compensation		0			(793	)		(1,123	)
Proceeds from shares issued to agent plans and other		4,945			4,294			7,044
Purchases of treasury stock		(10,563	)		(10,597	)		(9,718	)
Dividends paid to shareholders		0			0			(118,454	)
Other financing activity		(78	)		(77	)		0

Net cash used in financing activities		(379,763	)		(17,346	)		(142,269	)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(1,850	)		4,425			(4,532	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		17,299			12,874			17,406

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period in continuing operations	$	15,449		$	17,299		$	12,874

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid (exclusive of the student loan credit facility)	$	12,943		$	18,511		$	27,594

Interest paid under the student loan credit facility	$	0		$	0		$	0

Federal income taxes paid, net of refunds	$	5,881		$	8,841		$	21,532

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-7

HEALTHMARKETS, INC.

and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

ORGANIZATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of HealthMarkets, Inc. and its subsidiaries, which are collectively referred to as the “Company” or “HealthMarkets.” HealthMarkets, Inc. is a holding company, the principal asset of which is its investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, HealthMarkets, LLC. HealthMarkets, LLC’s principal assets are its investments in its separate operating subsidiaries, including its regulated insurance subsidiaries and Insphere Insurance Solutions, Inc. (“Insphere”) (see Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for condensed financial information of HealthMarkets, LLC).

HealthMarkets conducts its insurance businesses through its indirect wholly owned insurance company subsidiaries, The MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company (“MEGA”), Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee (“Mid-West”), The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company (“Chesapeake”) and HealthMarkets Insurance Company (“HMIC”). MEGA is an insurance company domiciled in Oklahoma and is licensed to issue health, life and annuity insurance policies in the District of Columbia and all states except New York. Mid-West is an insurance company domiciled in Texas and is licensed to issue health, life and annuity insurance policies in Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and all states except Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. Chesapeake is an insurance company domiciled in Oklahoma and is licensed to issue health and life insurance policies in the District of Columbia and all states except New Jersey, New York and Vermont. HMIC is an insurance company domiciled in Oklahoma and is licensed to issue health and life insurance policies in the District of Columbia and all states except New York.

A group of private equity investors, including affiliates of The Blackstone Group, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners and Credit Suisse-DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (the “Private Equity Investors”) in the aggregate own approximately 87.0% of the Company’s outstanding shares. See Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Business Segments

The Company operates four business segments: Commercial Health Division, Insphere, Corporate and Disposed Operations. Through the Company’s Commercial Health Division the Company underwrites and administers a broad range of health and life insurance and supplemental products. Insphere includes net commission revenue, agent incentives, marketing costs and costs associated with the creation and development of Insphere. Corporate includes investment income not allocated to the other segments, realized gains or losses, interest expense on corporate debt, the Company’s student loan business, general expenses relating to corporate operations and operations that do not constitute reportable operating segments. Disposed Operations includes the remaining run out of residual operations from the disposition of other businesses prior to 2010. (See Note 19 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for financial information regarding our segments).

Nature of Operations

Through the Company’s Commercial Health Division, HealthMarkets’ insurance company subsidiaries administer and issue primarily health insurance policies covering individuals, families, the self-employed and small businesses. HealthMarkets’ plans are designed to accommodate individual needs and include basic hospital-medical expense plans, plans with preferred provider organizations (“PPO”) features, catastrophic hospital expense plans, as well as other supplemental types of coverage. Historically, the Company marketed

F-8

HEALTHMARKETS, INC.

and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

these products to the self-employed and individual markets through independent agents contracted with its insurance company subsidiaries. In the third quarter of 2010, the Company discontinued marketing its health benefit plans in all but a limited number of states. The Company will continue to focus its efforts on selling products underwritten by third-party carriers as well as marketing its own supplemental products.

In 2009, the Company formed Insphere, a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of HealthMarkets, LLC. Insphere serves as an authorized insurance agency in 50 states and the District of Columbia, specializing in the distribution to the small business and middle-income markets. Insphere distributes life, health, Medicare and long-term care insurance and supplemental products to these groups through a portfolio of products from nationally recognized insurance carriers. Insphere maintains marketing agreements for the distribution of these products with a variety of non-affiliated insurance carriers as well as the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. Insphere operates through independent insurance agents and is managed by licensed insurance agents employed by Insphere. As of December 31, 2012, Insphere had offices in 36 states with over 2,600 independent agents, of which approximately 1,800 agents on average write at least one health insurance application each month.

Concentrations

Insphere maintains marketing agreements for the distribution of health benefits plans with a number of non-affiliated insurance carriers as well as the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. The products offered by the third-party carriers and the Company’s insurance subsidiaries offer coverage and benefit variations that may fit one consumer better than another. In the markets where Insphere distributes these third-party carrier products, these products have, to a great extent, replaced the sale of the Company’s health benefit plans. During 2012, approximately 51% of the revenue recorded in Commissions and other income was generated through four third-party carriers with the top carrier generating approximately 22%.

During 2012, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries received approximately 56% of premium revenue from new and existing business from the following 10 states:


	Percentage
California		13	%
Maine		9	%
Texas		7	%
Washington		6	%
Florida		5	%
Illinois		5	%
North Carolina		3	%
Pennsylvania		3	%
Georgia

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HealthMarkets, Inc. 10-K