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Press Release: 2011

NCQA Ranks Select Health's Medicaid Plan in Top 50 Nationally

First Choice receives highest ranking of Medicaid insurance plans in S.C.

First Choice by Select Health is the highest nationally ranked (#46) SC Medicaid health plan, according to NCQA's Medicaid Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2011-2012. (Note:  The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) does not approve NCQA's Rankings of Medicaid health plans).

“Our ranking reflects the hard work of Select Health associates and our network of providers to improving the health, wellness and overall quality of life of First Choice members across South Carolina,” said Cindy Helling, executive director of Select Health. “We are the oldest Medicaid health plan in the state and the largest with more than 220,000 members, and we are committed to providing all of our members with access to high quality healthcare.”

Select Health became eligible for the annual rankings earlier this year when it was accredited by NCQA. At that time, NCQA awarded the First Choice health plan with its highest accreditation status of Excellent for service and clinical quality that met or exceeded NCQA’s rigorous requirements for consumer protection and quality improvement. First Choice is also one of the first in the country to achieve NCQA’s Multicultural Healthcare Distinction.

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of healthcare organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement in healthcare.

NCQA bases its Medicaid Health Insurance Plan rankings on clinical quality, member satisfaction and NCQA accreditation scores.  To take part, a health plan must authorize public release of its HEDIS® data as well as the results of its data for Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS).

Select Health of South Carolina Mission:
To help people get care, stay well and build healthy communities.

About Select Health
Incorporated in 1995, Select Health was licensed as a Health Maintenance Organization by the South Carolina Department of Insurance in 1996. Later that year, the company contracted with the Department of Health and Human Services to offer First Choice, the state’s first and largest Medicaid health plan that today serves more than 220,000 members in 46 counties.  Select Health is dedicated to providing access to high quality healthcare.  In 2011, Select Health received the National Committee of Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Excellent Accreditation as well as its Multicultural Healthcare Distinction. First Choice by Select Health is the highest nationally ranked (#46) SC Medicaid health plan, according to NCQA's Medicaid Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2011-2012. (Note:  The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) does not approve NCQA's Rankings of Medicaid health plans). Select Health is a wholly owned subsidiary of AmeriHealth Mercy.  The AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies serves three million members nationwide.  For more information, visit www.selecthealthofsc.com.