Gateway Health Plan® Receives High Marks in NCQA's Health Insurance Plan Ratings for Medicaid Product

PITTSBURGH, April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Gateway Health Plan® today announced that they have earned the highest possible rating by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA®) for our Medicaid HMO product again.  Gateway Health Plan received a three-year "Excellent" accreditation, marking the sixth consecutive time the plan has received NCQA's highest rating offered in the accreditation year. Gateway was also the first Medicaid plan in the nation to earn an "Excellent" rating.

NCQA awards its highest accreditation status of "Excellent" to organizations with programs for service and clinical quality that meet or exceed rigorous requirements for consumer protection and quality improvement.  Gateway's HEDIS results are in the highest range of national performance. HEDIS, which stands for Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, is a tool that is used by 90 percent of America's health plans to measure performance across many dimensions of quality and service.

The survey results were based on the Plan's HEDIS® and CAHPS® scores, a review of utilization management, complex case management, credentialing and appeal files, and an assessment of plan performance against NCQA's standards.

"This is a testament to the dedication, research and hard work on behalf of all Gateway employees. Everyone plays an integral part in providing reliable, consistent and affordable healthcare for our members while managing costs," stated Michael Blackwood, President and CEO of Gateway Health Plan®.

Earning an "Excellent" NCQA accreditation recognizes the commitment of Gateway Health Plan® to provide superior accessible quality healthcare services to our members and demonstrates Gateway's resourcefulness and competency throughout the entire organization.

About Gateway Health Plan®

For nearly 20 years, Gateway Health Plan® has provided service to our most vulnerable citizens eligible for medical assistance in Pennsylvania. Gateway's mission is to provide accessible, quality health care services to its members. Gateway emphasizes the development and delivery of innovative programs to positively affect the personal health of its members. Gateway maintains a healthcare delivery system that assures the availability of high quality medical care for the Gateway member, based upon access, quality and financial soundness.

SOURCE Gateway Health Plan