Medicare Advantage plans are more likely to achieve high satisfaction scores when they offer a consistent product message and brand experience and have control over the delivery of care, according to a J.D. Power study. Members frequently choose a plan they understand and find easy to work with. The study measures member satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans based on six factors in order of importance: coverage and benefits (26%); customer service (20%); provider choice (15%); cost (14%); information and communication (13%); and claims processing (13%).
Improving communications with enrollees is one of the greatest opportunities for health plans to improve member satisfaction. It’s the only factor in the study that has not seen a significant improvement in member satisfaction. Valerie Monet, director of the insurance practice at J.D. Power, said that many plans have multiple product design features and come with technical manuals that are 20 pages or longer. Expecting members to be experts on these services and benefits is a losing battle for the plan and the member. Members expect their plan to provide guidance, ranging from assistance in selecting a doctor to helping them understand prescription costs.
Forty-eight percent of members agree strongly that their health plan is a trusted partner in their health and wellness, which increases satisfaction by 166 points. Satisfaction is 136 points higher among the 89% of members who completely understand how to find a doctor under the plan. Satisfaction is 110 points higher among the 88% of members who say their doctor spends the right amount of time with them.
Members expect immediate attention or advice when they call their health plan provider. Forty-one percent of those who called their plan had to give the same information more than once to get their issue resolved. Only 35% of members said that customer service provided all of the information they needed on the costs of prescription medications. Ninety-one percent of customers who are delighted with their Medicare Advantage plan (satisfaction scores of 901 or higher), say they will definitely renew their policy, and 89% will definitely recommend their plan to family and friends. Loyalty drops to 71% and advocacy to 66% among members who are pleased with their plan (scores of 751-900). Plans garnered the following member-satisfaction scores:
- Kaiser Permanente 851
- Highmark 791
- Humana 782
- UnitedHealthcare 775
- Cigna 774
- Aetna 773
- Anthem 765
- Health Net 756
- WellCare 742
In 2016, members reported an average increase of $117 in annual premiums to $1,497. They also have more out-of-pocket expenses. On average, member deductibles are $1,705 in 2016, a $310 jump from 2015. Satisfaction is 136 points higher when members completely understand their out-of-pocket costs. Monet said that members are more satisfied and see the value of their plan when they have a better understanding of how much they are paying and what the costs cover.” For more information visit http://www.jdpower.com/resource/us-medicare-advantage-study.