For Immediate Release — Tuesday, October 14, 2003
Wilson Health Information finds TRICARE members most satisfied with health insurance. Top rated health insurers identified by sponsor, plan type and region.
NEW HOPE, PA – (PR NEWSWIRE) – October 14, 2003 – Wilson Health Information, America’s leading Independent Pharmacy Satisfaction Research firm, announced results from the 2003 WilsonRx® Health Insurance Satisfaction Survey which found TRICARE the Number One-rated Health Insurer nationally.
Among national commercial managed care organizations (MCOs), Kaiser was rated number one for the third straight year. Blue Cross Blue Shield was rated the number one Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) nationally. Visit WilsonRx.com for a list of National Award Winners among the nation’s leading insurers in the top 14 metropolitan market areas. Healthcare executives and policy makers use the reports to identify strengths and weaknesses of specific plans and plan types based upon the perceptions of plan members and members who use the prescription drug benefit.
The WilsonRx® Health Insurance Satisfaction Report found that while nine out of ten members were satisfied with their health insurance overall, only 28% were highly satisfied. Of those members who were highly satisfied, 94% were definitely likely to re-enroll versus only 40% among members who said they were satisfied (Figure). The survey was independently conducted by WilsonRx® during July 2003 and mailed to more than 25,000 households. Among the 22 insurance-related issues measured, survey respondents placed the highest level of importance on the quality of their medical care, plan providers, and coverage, particularly prescription drug coverage. Each report also measures importance and satisfaction ratings for more than 20 pharmacy benefit related issues reported by MCO.
“When comparing different types of insurance, members using TRICARE, the program that covers 8.7 million active duty and retired military members and their families, were the most satisfied with many MCO issues. Medicare recipients were also satisfied with many issues with the exception of the prescription drug benefit,” said Jim Wilson, President of Wilson Health Information.
“Members enrolled in TRICARE and employer-sponsored PPOs were most satisfied with the treatment they received for many of the 40 medical conditions measured, such as; Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Diabetes, Depression, Heartburn/Reflux Disease, Heart Problems, Hypercholesterolemia, and Osteoporosis. Overall, respondents were least satisfied with their treatment for Psoriasis, Anemia/Fatigue, Sleep Problems, Low Back Pain, Incontinence/Overactive Bladder, Erectile Dysfunction, Nail Fungus and Weight Loss. Interestingly, we found that uninsured respondents were the most highly satisfied with their treatment for High Blood Pressure compared to other types of insurers. This is mostly due to the availability of lower priced generic medications,” said Wilson.
Unlike other surveys, the WilsonRx® Survey is independent and not self-reported by MCOs. Plans do not have the option of withholding their data as they have with plan accreditation programs. The survey is population-based, which means that it is not biased by large employer results, as may be the case with business coalition and other employer-sponsored surveys.
Wilson Health Information, LLC, an independent, privately owned healthcare consumer Research Company providing unique insight into pharmacy, pharmacy benefit, health insurance, and treatment-related issues. For more information, contact Jim Wilson at (215) 862-4581 or contact us.
THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE USED FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES WITHOUT EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM WILSON HEALTH INFORMATION, LLC
