For Immediate Release
September 23, 2010
For the third year in a row, Geisinger Health Plan and Geisinger Gold are the top-ranked health plans in Pennsylvania *, **
DANVILLE, PA –For the third year in a row, Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) and Geisinger Gold are the top-ranked health plans in Pennsylvania. Nationally, GHP is ranked fifth and Geisinger Gold is ranked tenth for quality and service according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).*, ** NCQA is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to measuring the quality of America's health care.
More than 220 private plans and more than 180 Medicare plans are ranked by NCQA*. These lists are the only apples-to-apples comparison of health-care quality and customer satisfaction. Previously, the rankings were known as “America's Best Health Insurance Plans” list and published by U.S. News & World Report in conjunction with NCQA. **
“We work hard every day to provide our members with quality and value as indicated by our rankings,” says Jean Haynes, president and CEO of Geisinger Health Plan. “Our rankings are also a reflection of the excellent care all of our providers in our network give to our members. We are pleased to receive this honor again.”
“These rankings are a useful tool for consumers,” says Duane Davis, M.D., vice president and chief medical officer of Geisinger Health Plan. “When someone is a member of a highly ranked plan, such as Geisinger Health Plan, it means they receive better care. Kids are more likely to see their doctor and receive important immunizations that guard them from illnesses such as chicken pox and pneumonia. Adults are more likely to remain on medications which prevent future heart attacks. And women are more likely to receive screenings that detect breast and cervical cancer early. Seniors are more likely to have their eyes examined for glaucoma. It’s important in these hectic times to have a health plan that is working to keep you healthy.”
One of the ways GHP ensures members receive the recommended screenings and immunizations is by providing doctors, via a secured Web site, a list of patients who are due for one or more preventive screenings. This list is just one example of how GHP partners with doctors in its network to keep members healthier.
Geisinger Health Plan, begun in 1985, is headquartered in Danville, PA and is one of the nation’s largest rural HMOs. The plan serves almost 250,000 members in 42 counties. Coverage is available for businesses of all sizes, individuals and families, and Medicare beneficiaries. As part of the Geisinger Health System, GHP has been recognized nationally as a model for health care reform with documented success in innovative programs such as the patient-centered medical home. For more information, please visit www.thehealthplan.com.
About The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2010, NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health-care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers and researchers.
* NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2010-11 – Private and NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2010-11 – Medicare
** U.S. News/NCQA America’s Best Health Insurance Plans 2005-2009 (annual). “America’s Best Health Insurance Plans” is a trademark of U.S. News & World Report.
For more information, please contact
Amy Bowen, Public Relations Coordinator, (570) 271-8135
