Virginia Health Information Issues 2012 Report on HMO Cost & Quality

HMO Enrollment Grows to More Than 1.1 million in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the tenth consecutive year, Virginia Health Information (VHI) is offering employers and health care consumers in Virginia a tool with which they can compare and track HMO performance on key cost and quality measures. "HMO Compare," a free, online report published today, contains a wealth of reliable data to inform the purchasers of health care coverage during the open enrollment season. The report may be viewed on VHI's website at http://vhi.org/hmo_compare.asp.

According to the report, average premiums per member per month increased 7% from 2010 to 2011. "Companies with HMO's can't afford not to compare their health care options," said, Jodi Fuller, a business representative on the VHI Board of Directors and Director of Global Benefits for MeadWestvaco "In today's dynamic health care environment, it pays to be a savvy consumer," continued Jodi.  "VHI's ' Compare HMOs' is a trusted resource when making decisions about coverage options."

Employers and consumers can compare HMOs to each other, as well as to state and national averages on quality measurements, including but not limited to:

• Diabetes care and management;
• Immunizations;
• Use of imaging for low-back pain;
• Access to preventive care such as breast and colorectal cancer screenings; and
• Mental health care.

"HMO Compare" also provides information on cost and member satisfaction, such as:

• Medical cost ratio;
• Number of physicians in the network;
• Members accessing care quickly;
• Member access to needed care; and
• Overall member satisfaction.

With more than one million Virginians enrolled in an HMO, 'Compare HMOs also provides a valuable snapshot of progress in Virginia on certain important public health issues.  For example, in 2011:

• An average of 69 percent of female members ages 40-69 had a mammogram;
• Slightly less than 54 percent of adult members ages 50-64 had a flu shot;
• Approximately 81 percent of enrolled children age 2 and under received the recommended immunizations.

VHI also offers tools such as the HMO Finder, which lists all HMOs serving residents by their zip code as well links to HMO websites may provide rate quotes and plan descriptions.

Virginia Health Information (VHI) is a nonprofit organization that businesses, consumers, the Commonwealth of Virginia and health insurance companies come to for health information. For those without Internet access call 1-877-VHI-INFO to receive information by mail. VHI publishes reports and consumer guides on health insurance, hospitals, HMOs, nursing facilities, physicians and other topics at www.vhi.org.

Press Contact:
Virginia Health Information
Michael T. Lundberg, Executive Director
Phone: 804-644-7026
Toll Free: 1-877-VHI-INFO
Web Site: www.vhi.org

SOURCE Virginia Health Information