in California have again earned five stars, the highest overall rating for quality and service for 2013, from the (CMS). The Kaiser Permanente Medicare plans in the Northern and Southern California regions are the only ones in the state to receive the top rating.
“A 5-star rating is a reflection of the high quality care and commitment to customer service we offer our Kaiser Permanente members. Our integrated health care delivery system, dedication to preventive care, and caring physicians and staff, empower our members to maximize their total health,” said , executive medical director for the Southern California Permanente Medical Group. “We encourage seniors to use this rating system when selecting a Medicare plan to ensure it meets CMS's high standards.”
This announcement comes on the heels of the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s ranking last month of health plans in the United States, which named Kaiser Permanente Southern California’s Medicare Plan best in the nation.
The Medicare Star Quality rating system, developed by CMS, rates Medicare health plans (both parts C and D) on a scale of one to five stars. The overall scores are based on more than 50 care and service quality measures across five categories, including staying healthy, managing chronic conditions, customer services, pharmacy services, and member satisfaction.
According to the 2013 Medicare Star Quality ratings, only 11 plans nationwide (out of more than 560 rated) received 5 stars, including Kaiser Permanente California, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, and Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, and Kaiser Permanente Ohio.
Kaiser Permanente has participated in the Medicare program since its inception in 1965, and has a long history of providing high-quality care and service to its members.
In addition to receiving high quality service and satisfaction, 5-star excellence means that Medicare beneficiaries may enroll in a 5-star plan from December 8, 2012 to November 30, 2013 without having to wait until the next annual enrollment period.
Medicare beneficiaries can learn more about the Medicare Star Quality Ratings and Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare plans by visiting or , or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Plan performance summary star ratings are assessed each year and may change from one year to the next. Kaiser Permanente California includes its Northern and Southern California regions. Kaiser Permanente Northwest includes Oregon and Washington. Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States includes Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 3.5 million members in Southern California. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: .