Rockledge, FL (October 11, 2011)—Health First Health Plans (HFHP) is one of the highest-rated Medicare health insurance plans in Florida and in the nation, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Medicare Health Insurance Plan Rankings, 2011-2012.

HFHP received a ranking of #2 in Florida and #22 in the nation for their Medicare plans out of more than 403 Medicare health plans that were reviewed by NCQA. Rankings are based on clinical performance, customer satisfaction, prevention, and accreditation status. All rankings are displayed online at www.ncqa.org.

'Very few Florida residents have access to a Medicare plan rated at this caliber," said Lisa Slattery, vice president of quality and integrated care at Health First Health Plans. "We are very proud to offer excellent quality health insurance to Medicare-eligible residents in Brevard County and parts of Indian River County."

For many Americans who will be choosing health plans during open enrollment, the timing of this release could not be better. HFHP's commercial plans also ranked #2 in Florida and #117 out of 390 plans in NCQA's Private Health Insurance Plan Rankings, 2011-2012.

About Health First Health Plans

Centrally located in the Suntree area, Health First Health Plans currently has nearly 60,000 members, including 23,000 Medicare members. Serving residents of Brevard County and part of Sebastian in Indian River County for 14 years, Health First Health Plans was founded as part of Health First, Inc. a not-for-profit family of health care services that also includes Cape Canaveral Hospital, Holmes Regional Medical Center, Palm Bay Hospital, Viera Hospital and Medical Plaza, and Health First Physicians. For more information, visit www.HealthFirstHealthPlans.org or call 321-434-5665, toll-free 1-800-716-7737, or TTY/TDD 1-800-955-8771. Customer service hours are 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week, between October 15 and February 14. From February 15 to October 14, customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, and Saturday, 8 am to Noon. Callers may receive a messaging service on weekends and holidays. Please leave a message and your call will be returned the next business day. You may also visit our office Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, at 6450 US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955.

About NCQA

NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care 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 tool in health care.

H1099_MP2832 CMS Approved 12122011