A.M. Best Revises Outlook To Stable For Universal American Corp. And Most Of Its Subsidiaries

A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to stable from negative and affirmed the issuer credit rating (ICR) of “bb” of Universal American Corp. (Universal American) (Rye Brook, NY) (NYSE: UAM).

A.M. Best also has revised the outlook to stable from negative and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B++ (Good) and ICRs of “bbb” of American Progressive Life & Health Insurance Company of New York (American Progressive) (Rye Brook, NY) and The Pyramid Life Insurance Company (Pyramid Life) (Overland Park, KS).

Additionally, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of B+ (Good) and ICRs of “bbb-” of American Pioneer Life Insurance Company (American Pioneer) (Lake Mary, FL), Constitution Life Insurance Company (Constitution Life), Marquette National Life Insurance Company (Marquette National) and Union Bankers Insurance Company (Union Bankers). The outlook for these ratings is stable. At the same time, A.M. Best has revised the outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the FSR of B+ (Good) and ICR of “bbb-” of SelectCare of Texas, LLC.

Concurrently, A.M. Best has affirmed the FSR of B (Fair) and ICR of “bb+” of Today’s Options of Oklahoma, Inc. (Today’s Options) (Oklahoma City, OK). The outlook for both ratings is stable. The above companies are subsidiaries of Universal American and are domiciled in Houston, TX, unless otherwise specified.

The revised outlook and ICR affirmation for Universal American reflects its favorable near-term operating results, low financial leverage and good liquidity. Universal American’s overall operating results and margins have shown improvement through lowered loss ratios and decreased administrative expenses through the first quarter of 2012. The company’s net loss reported in 2011 was primarily associated with discontinued operations from its Medicare Part D business, which was sold during the year. Universal American’s debt-to-capital ratio was 15.3% at March 31, 2012, which is considered low as compared to its peers, and earnings before interest and taxes interest coverage is projected to be very good at over 20 times. Universal American has a good level of liquidity from parent company cash, dividends from subsidiaries and an untapped $75 million revolving credit agreement.

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