With just a few days before the deadline to sign up for healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act, a Colorado nonprofit employer coalition has released a report on insurance plans available in the state.
The Colorado Business Group on Health profiles plans from Aetna, Cigna, HMO Colorado (a subsidiary of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield), Kaiser Permanente, Rocky Mountain Health Plans and United Healthcare of Colorado.
"Our report really aims to give consumers, employers and employees, the information they need to better gauge quality in health care," says CBGH Executive Director Donna Marshall.
The report [.pdf] uses 27 benchmarks to rate insurance companies and health plans – both on the quality of care delivered, and on customer satisfaction with the insurer.
It also highlights the best providers and plans for particular health care needs, such as cancer, heart health issues, chronic diseases, or pediatrics.
"You might look at diabetes, or depression, and say -- 'If I went and signed up with this plan on the exchange, would I be more likely to get the care that’s recommended for my condition?'" Marshall says.
Marshall hopes the report will be an effective resource for Coloradans trying to decide among dozens of plans available on the insurance exchange.
The deadline to sign up for insurance effective at the start of the year is Monday, Dec. 23, 2013.