FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

"These top rankings, and the health plans that are included, clearly demonstrate that the people served by them receive exceptional care. Preferred Care and MVP are in very good company," said David W. Oliker, president and CEO of MVP Health Care.

Preferred Care Gold, a Medicare Advantage health plan, is the highest ranked Medicare plan in New York state, a position it has held for the past two years. Nationally, the plan is ranked 4th among Medicare plans. It is ranked 19th nationally among commercial plans. Preferred Cares commercial health plan ranked 21st in the nation.

"These rankings are the result of the emphasis that MVP and Preferred Care place on quality improvement," said Oliker. "Over time, and in analysis after analysis -- such as those produced by the New York State Health Accountability Foundation, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and others, our plans consistently score among the best in the state and nation."