Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky Ranked as Top Private Insurer in State, According to National Committee for Qualit

LOUISVILLE, Ky., October 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Committee for Quality Assurance Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2010-2011-Private ranked Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky as the top private health plan in the state.

NCQA's Health Insurance Plan Rankings analyzed consumer satisfaction, prevention and treatment in 227 health plans nationally, including eight health plans in Kentucky.

This year, more than one-third of the plan's clinical scores, or HEDIS scores, improved, including an increase in breast cancer screening. Last year, automated phone call reminders were sent to women 40-69 years of age who were not up do date with their breast, cervical or colorectal cancer screening.

To be eligible for rankings, health plans must authorize public release of their performance information and submit enough data for statistically valid analysis. NCQA's Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2010-2011-Private used NCQA's established rankings methodology, which has been used and widely recognized since 2005. Among the national rankings, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield earned an 88 rating.

"The rankings provide customers with an important tool in evaluating health plans," said Deb Moessner, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky.  "If there was ever truly a 'team honor,' this is it.  Anthem's 1,200 associates come to work each day with the sole intent of supporting the health needs of our members. This recognition belongs to all of them."    

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky currently holds Excellent Accreditation for its HMO/POS plan and has earned Quality Plus Distinction in Care Management and Health Improvement.   

About the National Committee for Quality Assurance

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.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky is available at www.anthem.com.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky