NCQA is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality everywhere. It's easy to use, it's free, and it tells you what you need to know about quality in order to select the best plan for you and your family. The user is asked to type in a simple search command and, in response, the tool generates a report card showing quality information about all participating health plans that match the search criteria.
Plans earn from zero to four stars in five key areas, as well as an overall accreditation decision.
Featuring links to the Report Card from these and other heavily trafficked Web sites will substantially increase consumers' exposure to, and use of, the Report Card, thus raising the profile of all NCQA-Accredited health plans and giving the industry a strong incentive to focus on quality. Now the average consumer will be able to go on-line, check out competing health plans in the area, and make an informed decision about which plan to trust with their family's health. NCQA Accreditation is the gold standard by which health plans are judged in the United States. It consists of a rigorous, on-site review of a health plan that evaluates appeal processes, medical record keeping, case management and other key health plan activities. Customized versions of NCQA's Report Card will make that possible.