NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Choice by Select Health of South Carolina, a member of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, is the top-rated Medicaid health plan in the state for the second consecutive year, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance's (NCQA's) Medicaid Health Insurance Plan Ratings 2015 – 2016, and 2016 – 2017. Select Health, the state’s first and largest Medicaid managed care organization, offers the First Choice Medicaid health plan statewide.

“This top rating demonstrates the value of our integrated care management programs and holistic approach to care we offer our 351,000 First Choice Medicaid members across South Carolina,” said Rebecca Engelman, market president at Select Health. “This accomplishment reflects the dedication and compassion of our associates and is also a testament to the longstanding relationships we’ve established with primary care practitioners, specialists, pharmacists, hospitals, and community organizations, which, in turn, make it easier for our members to stay well.”

First Choice earned its 4 out of 5 rating based on strong results from the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®), a tool that measures performance on important dimensions of care and service, as well as the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey, which measures member satisfaction with their overall health care experience.

“Increases in health literacy and medication adherence, coupled with a focus on enhancements in communication between member and provider, are largely responsible for our success this year,” said Faleshia Jones, director of quality at Select Health. “This is yet another example of how we work collaboratively with providers and other key stakeholders to improve health outcomes and overall quality of life for our members.”

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations and recognizes clinicians in key clinical areas. NCQA's HEDIS is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA's website (www.ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make more informed health care choices.

About Select Health

Select Health of South Carolina, part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, contracts with South Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) to offer First Choice, the state’s oldest and largest Medicaid managed care health plan, in all 46 counties statewide. First Choice by Select Health is the top-rated Medicaid health plan in South Carolina, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Medicaid Health Insurance Plan Ratings 2015 – 2016 and 2016 – 2017. First Choice was the top-ranked Medicaid health plan in South Carolina per NCQA from 2010 to 2014. First Choice is the first health plan in South Carolina to earn NCQA’s Multicultural Health Care Distinction, an honor it has achieved three times since 2011. For more information about First Choice by Select Health, visitwww.selecthealthofsc.com.

Select Health also offers the First Choice VIP Care Plus Medicare-Medicaid plan in 39 South Carolina counties. For more information about First Choice VIP Care Plus, visit www.firstchoicevipcareplus.com.

About AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies

AmeriHealth Caritas is part of the Independence Health Group in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 19 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves more than 5.5 million Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, behavioral health services, and other administrative services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 30 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.