The Hawaii Medical Service Association swung to a profit in the first quarter from a loss last year.

The state's largest health plan reported a $1.52 million profit in the period.

That compared with a loss of $13.9 million a year earlier, when increases in healthcare costs outpaced gains in member dues.

The insurer said it had an $8.71 million operating loss during the quarter, but that investment gains helped it to a bottom line profit.