Independent Health is one of only two health plans in the entire nation to achieve the highest possible rating for clinical quality and member satisfaction, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Commercial Health Plan Ratings 2023. NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality.
As part of this year’s NCQA commercial health plan ratings, 585 health plans from across the country were reviewed and rated based on their combined healthcare effectiveness data and information set (HEDIS), consumer assessment of healthcare providers and systems (CAHPS) and NCQA Accreditation scores. Each health plan was rated on a 5-star scale for customer satisfaction, prevention and treatment.
Overall, Independent Health’s HMO/POS (commercial) plan and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States’ HMO (commercial) plan were the only plans to earn 5 stars for 2023. This marks the first time a Western New York health plan has achieved this prestigious recognition from NCQA. Previously, Independent Health was a 4.5-star rated commercial plan from 2015-2022.
“After coming so close over the past eight years, Independent Health is tremendously proud to make it to the top of the NCQA commercial health plan ratings. In terms of quality coverage and member satisfaction, it’s like winning the Super Bowl,” said physician Michael W. Cropp, president and CEO of Independent Health. “Our 5-star status is the latest testament to our unwavering commitment to ensure our members receive the high-quality care they need and the exceptional service they deserve. This year’s ratings reflect the fact that not only are our members pleased with the care and service they are receiving, but they are also benefitting from our many efforts to educate them about the importance of preventive care and improve their overall experience as a patient. It’s just another example of what sets Independent Health apart from other health plans both here in Western New York and nationally.”
In addition to its overall NCQA 5-star rating, Independent Health was one of only two plans nationally to earn 5 stars in the category of member satisfaction and one of three plans to receive 5 stars for preventive care. The complete NCQA 2023 health plan ratings are available at www.ncqa.org.
This year’s 5-star rating from NCQA culminates an impressive year of national recognition that has been bestowed upon Independent Health for all its lines of business.