HealthMetrix Research Sees Uptick in Benefit Value & Overall Performance Among 2016 Medicare Advantage Plans

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthMetrix Research president Alan Mittermaier reports an uptick among top-performing Medicare Advantage plan offerings based on 2016 approved plan benefits combined with the 2016 Star performance ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).   

When overlaying the 2016 CostShare Report findings on plan benefits with the 2016 CMS Star performance ratings, HealthMetrix Research identified more plans boasting both top performance ratings (4 Star or higher) and lowest estimated annual out-of-pocket costs for next year in 56% of geographic markets (52 of 93 markets).  This compares to 52% (45 of 87 markets) for the 2015 plan benefit year.

Among the major multi-state Medicare Advantage competitors, Humana captured top honors in 14 of the 52 markets followed by Aetna-Coventry (8 markets), Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates (5 markets), Kaiser Permanente (4 markets) and United Healthcare (3 markets).   Alan Mittermaier notes that "Current and new Medicare-eligibles in many areas of the country can select a Medicare Advantage plan that combines at least 4 Star past performance ratings with low out-of-pocket costs regardless of their health status.  High member satisfaction and quality of care performance ratings combined with minimal increases in member premiums, co-pays and deductibles continues to be a win-win formula for beneficiaries who enroll in these best-of-breed Medicare Advantage plans."

About HealthMetrix Research Inc.

The HealthMetrix Research CostShare Report estimates annual out-of-pocket costs based on weighing beneficiary health status (healthy, episodic, chronic) and utilization of the most common health plan benefits (physician office visits, emergency care, hospital care, home health visits, prevention care, prescriptions).  The 2016 CostShare Report comparisons for 93 markets are available at www.MedicareNewsWatch.com.  HealthMetrix Research neither recommends nor endorses specific Medicare plans or products.  HealthMetrix Research president Alan Mittermaier is recognized for providing independent guidance to aid Medicare beneficiaries (including himself) in making informed decisions when selecting Medicare coverage. 

2016 Medicare Advantage Plans Offering
High Benefit Value & Overall Performance

www.MedicareNewsWatch.com

Contact:   Alan Mittermaier, President 
               614-236-8345             

SOURCE HealthMetrix Research Inc.

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