Ask about what preventive services the plan covers and the percentage of enrollees receiving these services. Look at how the plan measures quality and the outcomes of treatment for serious illness and injury. While there are currently no universally accepted standards for measuring the outcomes of treatment for serious illness or injury, quality plans should be working to collect and use their own data. Ask that plans report the results of any clinical outcome measurements and any changes they have instituted as a result of such reviews. Another way of assessing the quality of a plan is to survey current participants and those leaving the plan.
Most plans conduct their own satisfaction surveys.
Because such surveys are not standardized and may not be entirely objective, their value is limited. In order to be considered, plans are required to participate in the survey. How many people remain with a plan or leave it can be the best indicator of satisfaction. Ask what percentage of enrollees left the plan last year or during open enrollment. If the number leaving is high, it is important to find out why.