Kaiser Permanente Health Plans Named eValue8's 2012 Top Performers

OAKLAND, Calif., March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaiser Permanente health plans in Oregon-Washington and Southern California are the top two overall performing health plans in the nation based on the plans' strong performance in consumer engagement, chronic disease and behavioral health management, according to the 2012 eValue8™ survey released by the National Business Coalition on Health. The annual survey measures quality, performance and value of services provided by health plans.

"We are pleased that Kaiser Permanente plans are among the highest-rated plans in this nationwide, comprehensive, independent evaluation," said Arthur M. Southam, MD, executive vice president, Health Plan Operations, Kaiser Permanente. "The recognition reflects our commitment to providing high -quality, excellent service and superior value for our customers, members, patients and communities. It is made possible by the dedication of our people, supported by investments in technology, improvement and innovation."

Each health plan was ranked according to its performance in seven categories such as consumer engagement, prevention and health promotion, and chronic disease management.

eValue8™ was created by business coalitions and large employers such as Marriott and General Motors to measure and evaluate health plan performance. Health plans are evaluated on how they manage and control costs, reduce and eliminate waste, ensure patient safety, close gaps in care and improve health and health care. Based on the information and scores, using plan responses and performance in third-party measures such as HEDIS® (Healthcare Effectiveness Data Information Set, a tool used by over 90 percent of U.S. health plans to measure performance on important dimensions of care and service), purchasers can compare their health plans against previous years' activities as well as against regional, national and historical benchmarks. The goal is for continuous quality improvement.

"The plans that participate in eValue8 open themselves up to truly rigorous scrutiny; we see how they work, where they're doing well, what the opportunities are for improvement. It lets us know they're committed to being open and collaborative partners," said Emma Hoo, director of Value-Based Purchasing, Pacific Business Group on Health.

Approximately 70 health plans across the country participated in NBCH's 2012 eValue8 survey.

"eValue8 is a gold standard when it comes to the evaluation of health plans by the major corporations that provide health benefits for over 100 million Americans. It helps purchasers make informed choices and drives improvement and innovation in health care," Dr. Southam added.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 9 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/newscenter.

Contact: Mark Camps, Kaiser Permanente, 510-625-5624

SOURCE Kaiser Permanente