OAKLAND, Calif., April 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaiser Permanente's Medicare health plan website, kp.org/medicare, received top marks again from HealthMetrix Research Inc. for offering Medicare consumers an easy, positive and high-value experience. The independent research firm announced its list of "Outstanding Medicare Advantage Plan Websites" for 2014 MedicareWebWatch certification, and Kaiser Permanente's Medicare plan site was also recognized as one of the top six benchmark sites of 14 certified sites. The research firm rated 137 Medicare plan websites nationwide.

MedicareWebWatch certification identifies excellence in website content, member connectivity, design and privacy assurance. Kaiser Permanente's Medicare website has been a benchmark site for four straight years.

Beneficiaries have easy access to information about the four parts of Medicare (Parts A, B, C and D) on kp.org/medicare. The site outlines eligibility requirements, and clearly illustrates cost and coverage options. Eligible customers can enroll in Kaiser Permanente's Medicare plan directly from the website. This is significant, considering that 11,000 baby boomers become Medicare-eligible each day.

"The Kaiser Permanente Medicare website has been designed to provide content that is easy to understand and technology we know seniors want as they seek information about Medicare and shop for a plan," said Agnes Strandberg, senior vice president, Kaiser Permanente Medicare program. "We are proud to be acknowledged for meeting seniors' needs as we earn this high-quality, benchmark distinction for the fifth year in a row."

Kaiser Permanente recently launched a new online feature on its Medicare website to conveniently help visitors find and register for a Kaiser Permanente Medicare seminar in their area. Customers can search for a seminar closest to them, register and receive a confirmation email and reminder — if they provide their email address.   

To learn more about the new website functions, please view the video here or watch it on YouTube: http://bit.ly/RmVcFa

The new web features are more important than ever as Medicare consumers have the opportunity to change to a 5-star plan during Medicare's 5-star Special Enrollment Period. They must be eligible and live where a 5-star plan is offered. All Kaiser Permanente Medicare plans are rated 5 stars for 2014. Consumers can learn more about the Medicare Star Quality Rating system and the Special Enrollment Period by visiting kp.org/medicare, or by calling 1-855-817-5831.

Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next. Kaiser Permanente 5-star plans are offered in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Hawaii, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

About MedicareWebWatch
MedicareWebWatch certification is based on HealthMetrix Research's mapping 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.

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 approximately 9.1 million members in eight 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/share.

For more information, contact:
Diana Yee, 510-271-6671, diana.m.yee@kp.org

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SOURCE Kaiser Permanente