Survey: Hospital execs give health plans low marks

A new survey suggests that (surprise, surprise) few health plans are popular with hospital executives. The study, which collected interviews with 113 execs representing more than 500 hospitals, found that Aetna got the best rating, with 57 percent giving it a "favorable" mark and 37 percent unfavorable. UnitedHealth Group, meanwhile, got the worst marks, with 91 percent of hospital leaders rating it unfavorably and only 8 percent rating it favorably. WellPoint was second-lowest, with 48 percent unfavorable and 20 percent favorable marks. Cigna got a more or less split decision, with 47 percent unfavorable and 44 percent favorable marks. This research was sponsored by Davies Public Affairs of Santa Barbara, Calif., which represents some hospitals.

To learn more about the study:
- read this Los Angeles Times article