South San Francisco, CA September 20, 2023 Submitted by Karl Sonkin, Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Medicare and commercial health plans continue to be rated highest in California and among the highest in the nation, according to NCQA
OAKLAND, Calif., September 18, 2023 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s health plans are once again the highest rated in California – and among the highest in the nation – for overall treatment, prevention and equity, and patient experience, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2023 Health Plan Ratings.
Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plan and commercial health plan in Northern California each received 4.5 out of 5 stars. This is the eighth ratings period that Kaiser Permanente Northern California has been the highest-rated plan in the geographic region it serves compared to other health care organizations – and among the highest in the country.
“Kaiser Permanente Northern California continues to be recognized as a national leader for providing our members and patients with exceptional service and compassionate care,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our focus is on doing what is right for our members and patients each and every time, and this recognition highlights our commitment to providing high-quality, safe, and equitable patient care.”
For 2023, NCQA analyzed nearly 1,100 plans – private, Medicare, Medicaid – for quality and service nationwide. Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans are part of an elite group of only 7% of the nation’s health plans rated 4.5 stars or higher, according to the ratings.
“Our physician-led care teams continue to provide world-class care and service and deliver superior clinical outcomes for our patients,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “We are proud to be among the nation’s best for providing specialized treatment, quality service, and an overall exceptional care experience that is having a positive and often life-changing impact on the health and well-being of our members and patients throughout Northern California.”
All of Kaiser Permanente’s commercial and Medicare plans had the highest rating, or were tied for the highest rating, in every geographic region it serves. Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for the eighth ratings cycle in a row.
NCQA is a national, private not-for-profit organization that surveys health plans for performance in a wide range of clinical service measures including consumer experience, prevention and treatment.
NCQA primarily used the 2022 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, or HEDIS®, to establish its ratings. HEDIS is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care.
The ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at https://www.ncqa.org/.
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About Kaiser Permanente
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, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group 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 about.kp.org