HealthMetrix Research Selects 2012 Medicare Advantage Plans
for
Best Overall Benefit Value
Columbus, OH (October 14, 2011) -- Medicare health plans in 85 markets will be recognized for best overall value in the design of their medical and Part D prescription drug benefits for seniors. The 2012 Senior Choice Gold Award recipients were selected from over 200 Medicare Advantage health plans based on independent cost-sharing comparisons conducted by HealthMetrix Research.
HealthMetrix Research Inc. president Alan Mittermaier notes the importance of the award for seniors. "This award responds to the new concerns that seniors have about the consequences of mandated Medicare program cutbacks and the impact on their out-of-pocket costs. Each of the award recipients has demonstrated a commitment to cost-sharing effectiveness and value in the design of their Medicare health plans benefits, copayments, deductibles and premiums including the Part D prescription drug benefits. The award is one important factor for measuring Medicare health plans excellence in addition to other awards and consumer ratings that recognize excellence in quality of care, health outcomes, and member satisfaction."
The award criteria established by HealthMetrix Research Inc. were based on cost-sharing comparisons conducted in each major market. The comparisons estimate annual out-of-pocket costs based on health status categories (healthy/episodic/chronic) and corresponding utilization of the most common health plan benefits (physician office visits, emergency or urgent care, hospital care, home health visits, prevention care, prescriptions).
HealthMetrix Research Inc. delivers decision-support information to a national audience of managed care organizations, healthcare providers, purchasers, and consumers. The Senior Choice Gold Award is based on the 2012 Medicare CostShare Report produced by HealthMetrix Research Inc. The Medicare CostShare Report methodology and findings have been featured in Medicare Advantage research conducted by George Washington University, Mathematica Policy Research, and Research Triangle Institute.
