Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine Among Top Insurers on U.S. News & World Report/National Committee for Quality Assurance America's Best Health ...( SOUTH PORTLAND Maine Nov. 11 /- A...),Health

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine, Nov. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is ranked 16th in the nation out of 239 health insurance plans, according to the current (Nov. 17) issue of U.S. News & World Report/NCQA America's Best Health Plans 2008-09. This recognition as one of the nation's best health plans is the result of outstanding overall performance in clinical care measures, member satisfaction and NCQA accreditation.

"We work hard to make sure our members have access to high quality medical care and programs designed to help them live healthier lives," said Dan Corcoran, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. "But we go beyond simply improving the lives of our members. Through partnerships and collaborations with other health care organizations, providers and community groups in Maine, we have developed and implemented programs that have a significant impact on the health of the communities we serve."

The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Maine plan currently holds Excellent Accreditation for its HMO/POS plan and has earned Quality Plus Distinction in Care Management and Health Improvement.

Anthem scored in the 90th percentile (i.e., the top 10 percentile of health plans in the nation) in several key Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set *(HEDIS(R)) Effectiveness of Care measures, including: preventive screenings for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer; diabetes care measures (related to HbA1c - blood sugar control - testing, HbA1c control, eye care, cholesterol screening, appropriate treatment for nephropathy, control of blood pressure), cholesterol management, antidepressant medication management and access to preventive services for adults and access to PCP for children through age 2. Anthem works with its members to help improve their health through education, reminders and tools to manage their conditions such as a Heart Health Calendar and a Women's Health Reminder.

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