Health insurance giant Aetna's earnings soared to 73 percent in the fourth-quarter despite a decline in revenue. Wonder how that works? The company saw slight growth in membership, but the big gains are coming from insured patients who have been hit hard by the economy.

Fewer patients - even with health care insurance - can afford the co-pays and deductibles, so they're risking their health by skipping doctor's visits and hospital stays. Fewer claims to process and pay means more cash for the corporation.

So once again, the 99 percent - lose, the 1 percent - win.

[Via]