Surplus grew slightly in 2015, leaving the medical professional liability (MPL) industry in a financial position roughly consistent with where it has been since the end of 2011. The increased capitalization and favorable operating ratios in the MPL industry of late have had one primary cause, the release of prior-year reserves. In 2015 in particular, reserve releases contributed 24 points to the industry’s operating reserves. The reserve releases are similar to those during 2014 and represent a decline relative to each of the years 2008 through 2013.

This article was published in the 2016 Second Quarter issue of Inside Medical Liability.