HealthMetrix Research Selects Benchmark Medicare Advantage Websites for 2012 MedicareWebWatch Certification

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthMetrix Research Inc., an independent research firm, today announced the selection of 21 Medicare Advantage plan websites for MedicareWebWatch certification.  The announcement was made during the National Forum on the Business of Medicare Advantage.  MedicareWebWatch certification recognizes excellence in Medicare plan website content, member connectivity, design and privacy assurance.  The benchmark websites were selected from 137 Medicare Advantage websites after a comprehensive review beginning December 2011.  According to HealthMetrix Research Inc. president Alan Mittermaier:

"Given the increasing necessity for Medicare Advantage plans to communicate detailed information and execute transactions via the internet, plan websites must provide a high-value, positive experience for plan members, caregivers and guests.  These 21 organizations chosen for MedicareWebWatch certification have demonstrated a significant resource commitment towards maximizing the relevance and readiness of their Medicare Advantage websites.  HealthMetrix Research is pleased to recognize their preparedness especially as beneficiaries encounter continual changes to the Medicare Advantage program annually."           

MedicareWebWatch certification is based on HealthMetrix Research's methodology that weighs 50 website features related to:  plan-specific content; external content resources; member connectivity; design and navigation; privacy assurance.  Certification details are available at www.MedicareWebWatch.com.  HealthMetrix Research Inc. neither recommends nor endorses specific Medicare plans or products. 

Contact:  Alan Mittermaier  614-236-8345 

SOURCE HealthMetrix Research Inc.