Woodland Hills Insurers Get Graded on PPO Care

The California Department of Insurance has released a report card evaluating the California’s six largest preferred provider organizations, which include Woodland Hills-based insurers Anthem Blue Cross and Health Net of California. For the report card, the department collects data that is voluntarily submitted by the insurers and then compares each PPO’s care to national standards for quality care. Anthem Blue Cross and Health Net both received “fair” overall ratings for meeting national standards of care, joining with Blue Shield of California/Blue Shield Life. Aetna, CIGNA and UnitedHealthcare in California received “good” ratings in the same category. For ratings in which members rated their PPOs, Anthem Blue Cross and Health Net received “fair” ratings for the ease in which members could obtain care. They both received “poor” ratings from members in the plan service category. The PPOs also received ratings in other more specific areas of care. Anthem Blue Cross received “good” ratings for asthma and other respiratory care, checking for cancer and mental health care. It received “fair” ratings for chlamydia screening, heart care and treating children. It received “poor” ratings for diabetes care and treating adults. Health Net received “good” ratings for asthma and other respiratory care, diabetes care and heart care. It received “fair” ratings for checking for cancer, chlamydia screening and mental health care. It received “poor” ratings for treating both adults and children. Jessica Vernabe