Health First Health Plans among the best in the nation according to Medicare

Rockledge, FL (October 25, 2011) — In the 2012 5-Star Quality Ratings recently released by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Health First Health Plans (HFHP) earned 4.5 out of 5 stars, placing the local organization among the best in the nation and the highest rated plan available to residents of Brevard County and Sebastian.

As of October 11, 569 Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans were reviewed nationwide. Only nine plans earned 5 stars, and 46 plans earned 4.5 stars in the Overall MA-PD Summary. In Florida, HFHP was one of only two health plans to earn 4.5 stars, and all others earned 4 stars or less.

CMS releases the 5-Star Quality Ratings during Medicare Open Enrollment to help beneficiaries compare each plan’s performance as they choose their coverage for the coming year. Open Enrollment for 2012 ends on December 7, so it’s important for beneficiaries to study their options closely and make an informed decision soon.

“Very few Medicare beneficiaries have access to plans rated at this elite level, so I’m extremely proud we can offer this unique opportunity to Space Coast residents,” said Margaret Haney, President/CEO of HFHP.

Star ratings are displayed on www.Medicare.gov along with other details about each plan, and are based on five categories for clinical quality and customer service: Staying Healthy: Screenings, Tests and Vaccines; Managing Chronic (Long Term) Conditions; Ratings of Health Plan Responsiveness and Care; Health Plan Members’ Complaints and Appeals; and Health Plan Telephone Customer Service. Plan performance summary star ratings are assessed each year and may change from one year to the next.

About Health First Health Plans

Centrally located in the Suntree area, Health First Health Plans currently has nearly 60,000 members, including 23,000 Medicare members. Serving residents of Brevard County and part of Sebastian in Indian River County for 14 years, Health First Health Plans was founded as part of Health First, Inc. a not-for-profit family of health care services that also includes Cape Canaveral Hospital, Holmes Regional Medical Center, Palm Bay Hospital, Viera Hospital and Medical Plaza, and Health First Physicians. For more information, visit www.HealthFirstHealthPlans.org or call 321-434-5665, toll-free 1-800-716-7737, or TTY/TDD 1-800-955-8771. Customer service hours are 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week, between October 15 and February 14. From February 15 to October 14, customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, and Saturday, 8 am to Noon. Callers may receive a messaging service on weekends and holidays. Please leave a message and your call will be returned the next business day. You may also visit our office Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, at 6450 US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955.

H1099_MP2833 CMS Approved 12142011