Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine Among Top 20 U.S. Health Insurers

PORTLAND, Maine, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Citing top performance in clinical care measures, member satisfaction, and accreditation, the National Committee for Quality Assurance Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2010-2011 - Private, has ranked Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine among the nation's top health insurance plans. Anthem was ranked 20th among the top evaluated private health plans in the country.

"We're excited and honored to have once again been named among the elite health plans," said Daniel Corcoran, president and general manager, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine.  "If there was ever truly a 'team honor' it's this one.  All of our associates come to work each day with the sole intent of supporting the needs of our members; this recognition belongs to all of them."    

The NCQA evaluated private health plans and ranked 227 of those based on clinical performance, member satisfaction, and NCQA accreditation. 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. 

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine currently holds Excellent Accreditation for its HMO/POS plan and has earned Quality Plus Distinction in Care Management and Health Improvement.   In the current national ranking, the plan scored well in a number of key areas including: pre-natal and post-partum care, preventative health and wellness, management of chronic conditions, and behavioral health.

Anthem's medical director, Jeffrey Holmstrom, D.O., notes the NCQA recognition is reflective of the plan's ongoing mission to support the good health and well-being of its members.  "The report notes our efforts in preventative care which is a vital part of our work.  By proactively reaching out to our members with chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, we are helping them to get the quality care they need in the most cost effective and appropriate setting."

* According to NCQA's Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2010-11 – Private

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 Maine

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and 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 Maine is available at www.anthem.com.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine