Dear Consumer:

As many New Jerseyans move into managed care, it's important that we have information on how well health care plans are performing. To help consumers know more about the quality of managed care plans, we are pleased to present our second annual report card.

In addition to 12 HMOs, this report looks at the performance of eight point of service (POS) plans, a type of managed care plan that allows consumers to receive care outside the network. You'll see how successful plans are in providing important preventive services, such as prenatal care and screenings for breast and cervical cancers. There is also a member satisfaction survey, which shows how people rate their own health plans.

This year we have added a section on children. There you'll find information on how plans are performing in immunizing children through their adolescent years. You'll also learn how parents rate the services their children have received.

Finally, as you use this guide, remember that New Jersey has strong laws that protect consumers, who are customers of managed care. Become familiar with those important rights, which are listed on the back cover of this report.

Congratulations on your decision to become more informed by using this report card. We know it will help you choose a plan that best meets your needs.

Christine Todd Whitman Governor

Len Fishman Commissioner, Department of Health and Senior Services