May 14, 2020

Independent Health Recognized for Highest Member Satisfaction by J.D. Power 

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Independent Health is the highest-ranked health insurance plan for member satisfaction among Commercial Health Plans in New York State, according to J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan Study℠.

Conducted through an online survey across 21 market-based regions, J.D. Power’s annual syndicated study examines the experience of health plan members and recognizes health plans in the country that are committed to providing a high level of customer satisfaction for their members and their communities.

For 2020, Independent Health scored the highest in four of six categories (customer service; coverage and benefits; information and communication; and provider choice) among the plans surveyed in New York State. Independent Health's overall score was 783, which is 71 points above the state average score of 712 and a 36-point improvement over the company’s score from a year ago.

“As a customer-centric company, Independent Health is honored to be recognized as the health plan with the highest member satisfaction in New York State by an organization that is internationally known as being the voice of the customer,” said Michael W. Cropp, M.D., president and chief executive officer, Independent Health. ““Health care can be complex at times, which is why we are committed to making sure our members have the information, resources and tools they need to understand their benefits and make better decisions about their health. Now more than ever, it is critical for us to be a trusted resource to our members. During this particularly stressful time, we want our members to know they can count on us when it comes to coverage, services and questions related to the current pandemic.”

J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan Study is based on the responses of 31,283 members in 149 health plans throughout the United States. Results are based on experiences and perceptions of members surveyed from January through March 2020. For additional information, visit JDPower.com.

Other honors for Independent Health

• Independent Health was one of the highest-rated health insurance plans in the nation for clinical quality and member satisfaction, according to the 2019-2020 Private Health Insurance Plan Ratings by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a private, leading organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA reviewed nearly 400 health plans throughout the country and rated each plan on a 5-point scale for consumer experience, prevention and treatment. Overall, Independent Health’s HMO/POS (Commercial/Private) plan received a 4.5 out of 5 rating.
• Independent Health was named to U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of the best health insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage coverage in 2020. Independent Health was the only Western New York-based plan be included on the list. U.S. News & World Report created the “Best Insurance Companies for Medicare Advantage” list by analyzing each plan’s Medicare Star Rating for 2020.
• Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage plans received a 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2020. This annual Star Rating was created as a way for Medicare beneficiaries and CMS to assess the overall quality and service of Medicare Advantage plans throughout the country. Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage HMO plan has received a 4.5 Star Rating every year since 2011, and its Medicare Advantage PPO plan received a 4.5 Star Rating for the fifth straight year.
• Independent Health is one of only five companies to be named “one of the best companies to work for” in New York State for the past 12 years. The ranking is based on a company evaluation and associate survey conducted by Best Companies Group.
• From 2010 through 2013 and then again in 2016, Independent Health received the award from J.D. Power for ranking highest for member satisfaction in the New York-New Jersey region.

About J.D. Power

J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. These capabilities enable J.D. Power to help its clients drive customer satisfaction, growth and profitability. Established in 1968, J.D. Power has offices serving North America, Asia Pacific and Europe.

About Independent Health

Independent Health, a not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Buffalo, New York, serves nearly 350,000 members and provides innovative health care products and benefits designed to engage consumers in their health and well-being. Established in 1980, our comprehensive portfolio of progressive products includes HMO, POS, PPO and EPO products, Medicare and Medicaid plans, traditional indemnity insurance, individual and small group Exchange products, consumer-directed plans and health savings accounts, plus coverage for self-funded employers. Our subsidiaries and affiliate companies include pharmacy benefit management, specialty pharmacy and the Independent Health Foundation. The company has been recognized nationally for its award-winning customer service, dedication to quality health care and unmatched relationships with physicians and providers. To learn more, go to www.independenthealth.com.