(NCQA: Washington) -- U.S. News & World Report and the National Committee for Quality Assurance recently unveiled the third edition of “America’s Best Health Plans,” an annual ranking of U.S. health maintenance organizations and point-of-service plans. This edition coincides with the November launch of “open season,” when many families face health-plan selection options.

The 2007 online edition of “America’s Best Health Plans” includes data and information on nearly 550 commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid health plans. The rankings are based on more than 100 aspects of clinical performance, such as a plan’s ability to help diabetic members meet a blood pressure target number, and customer satisfaction, such as how satisfied members are with specialists they see.

“America’s Best Health Plans is a practical tool that helps consumers make informed decisions when choosing a health plan,” says NCQA president Margaret E. O’Kane. “It lets consumers know which plans have demonstrated they can deliver the highest levels of care and service.”

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