Between 2006 and 2008, the Loyalty Index varied inversely with Switch Intention. In 2009 the pattern was broken — Loyalty and Switch Intention rose together.

Switch Intention remains a reliable leading indicator of actual health insurer switching by senior consumers.

Implications:
The contradictory combination of greater loyalty and high rates of switching means Medicare consumers are more active.

-Over four years, the red line is increasing.
-Future competition for customers will not just be a body count. Health insurers who understand their market well enough to target and keep the value shopper will enjoy better profitability than insurers who appeal to the frequent switcher.