How much of that profit was real, and what happened to subsequent income, is still a matter for debate.

FORBES: Alleged Fraud At Caterpillar's Chinese Acquisition Puts Spotlight On U.S. Principals

The subsequent decline in interest rates and thus investment returns might well have driven many for profit insurers entirely out of the market.

FORBES: The Obamacare Bomb: Explosive or a Damp Squib?