AVMED Health Plans Makes Weiss Ratings "Recommended" List

AvMed Health Plans announced today that its financial safety rating has been upgraded to B+ or “good” by the respected Weiss Ratings Inc., elevating AvMed to Weiss’ select list of the top-rated health plans in the United State s.

With the upgrade, AvMed is placed on the Weiss Recommended List of companies, a group of 142 health insurers nationwide that Weiss identifies as “representing the top 28.3 percent of the industry” in terms of financial safety.

“We are extremely gratified that Weiss Ratings recognized AvMed as one of the most financially secure health plans in the United States, which is great news for the thousands of members and employers we are privileged to serve across Florida,” said Doug Cueny, AvMed’s President and Chief Operating Officer.

“Our company is strong and growing stronger, which gives our members and their employers the security of knowing that we will be there to meet their future health coverage needs,” Cueny added.

In issuing its ratings upgrade, Weiss said in part: “The B+ rating means that, in our opinion, this company offers good financial security and has the resources to deal with a variety of adverse economic conditions. It comfortably exceeds the minimum levels for all of our rating criteria and is likely to remain healthy for the near future.”

As a not-for-profit health plan, AvMed is able to reinvest earnings to continually enhance the services and value it provides to members and employers, Cueny said. As a result, AvMed saw its membership rise a healthy 8 percent in 2005, with continued growth occurring in 2006. Meanwhile, member satisfaction scores exceed national and state averages.

AvMed has seen a significant upgrade in its Weiss ratings over the past three years as it has reinvested earnings to create new coverage options for both small and large businesses, improve member satisfaction and help members to live healthier lives through education and prevention programs.

From AvMed (www.avmed.org)