When it comes to choosing a health plan carrier, it isn’t always easy to know if you’re getting the best deal. How can you make sure you’re comparing apples to apples?

The 2008 National Health Insurance Plan Study by J.D. Power & Associates. identified seven key benchmarking areas that separate the top health plans from the rest:

• coverage and benefits
• choice of doctors, hospitals and pharmacies
• information and communication
• approval processes
• claims processing
• insurance statements, and
• customer service.

Based upon these categories, the J.D. Power study identified the top plans in different regions and states. Here’s who ranked the highest:

Best practice: If you’re thinking of making a provider switch, be sure to address their service levels when deciding whose plans provides the best value for your organization.