Health Plus - Department of Health Ranks Medicaid Managed Care Plans in New York City

For Immediate Release

Department of Health Ranks Medicaid Managed Care Plans in New York City
Health Plus Tops Overall 2002 List

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New York, NY - November 18, 2002 — The State's Department of Health has just released this year's "A Consumer's Guide to Medicaid Managed Care in New York City", rating managed care organizations that provide health care for Medicaid recipients in New York City.

Using measurements based on a comparison to regional averages, Health Plus tops the list with an overall score of 85%. Community Premier Plus came in second with a 79% rating and AmeriChoice and New York-Presbyterian CHP tied for third with overall ratings of 74%.

Patient satisfaction scores from a Department of Health survey along with quality of care evaluations submitted by the health plans were used to determine overall rating. The patient satisfaction survey contained questions measuring the timeliness of service, availability of care, general satisfaction, children's satisfaction and whether a patient would recommend the health plan. The quality of care provided by health plans for children was measured by categories, which included childhood immunizations, lead screenings, adolescent well-care and use of Asthma medication. The measure of quality of care for adults was based on timeliness of prenatal care, cervical cancer screenings, use of Asthma medication and access to care.

"We are proud to be recognized by the State as the #1 Medicaid Managed Care provider in New York City," says Chief Marketing Officer for Health Plus Dominic Mascara. "This honor will only encourage us to continue to improve our patient satisfaction and quality of care."

Free copies of the guide can be obtained from the New York State Health Department by calling (518) 486-6074.

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Health Plus, a not-for-profit, multi-cultural organization, is one of the fastest growing managed care organizations in New York City. It was established in 1984 with a commitment to provide coordinated quality health care and improving access to health care for uninsured and underserved families. In its annual review of managed care plans, the New York State Department of Health ranked Health Plus as the top plan for quality in its 2002 and 2003 "Consumer's Guide to Medicaid Managed Care in New York City." Health Plus is New York City's leading provider of Child Health Plus, a New York State Department of Health program that offers parents FREE or low-cost health insurance for children under the age of 19. "CRAIN'S New York Business" magazine ranked Health Plus fifth among the largest health maintenance organizations in the New York area.