HIP Health Plan of New York Highest-Ranked Medicare HMO in New York For Third Successive Year

New York, N.Y. Nov. 3- The Consumer Research Group of Caredata.com today announced HIP Health Plan of New York as the highest rated HMO in the New York metropolitan area.

HIP New York was among 12 HMOs ranked No. 1 in their region in Caredata’s 1999 Managed Medicare Member Survey. The survey which evaluates the satisfaction of retirees in Medicare Risk HMO’s, is the largest independent survey to report such ratings.

" We are very pleased to once again be recognized for the high quality of health care we provide to our members," said Anthony L. Watson, Chairman and CEO of HIP Health Plans.

More than 15,000 Medicare Plus Choice members participated in the survey, which was conducted from June through early October of this year. The survey is a joint effort of Caredata and more than 40 of the nation’s largest employers providing retiree health benefits.

In its release of the findings, Caredata said that " Unlike commercial managed care where overall satisfaction has been declining, Medicare managed care has been able to retain its high rating."

Satisfaction and re-enrollment intentions rose from 66.9% in 1998 to 68.5% in 1999 highly satisfied and from 78.6% in 1998 to 80% .8% in 1999 likely to re-enroll, according to the Caredata.com findings.

In addition to satisfaction and re-enrollment, Caredata’s survey assessed the perceived adequacy of care for a variety of medical conditions, including arthritis pain, joint pain, hypertension, heart problems, and elevated cholesterol.