Kaiser Permanente Leads Nation in Health Plan Ratings

Kaiser Permanente has emerged as a leader in the nation's health care landscape, according to the latest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The organization's commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid health plans have earned top ratings, with nine of the 18 highest-rated plans in the country belonging to Kaiser Permanente.

In the 2026 NCQA Health Plan Ratings, nearly 1,000 health plans were evaluated, with only 18 receiving the highest possible rating of 5 stars. Kaiser Permanente's performance was particularly strong, with all 22 of its plans earning a 4.5-star rating or higher. This marks the 11th consecutive year that Kaiser Permanente has achieved more 5-star and 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization.

The NCQA evaluates health plans based on the quality of care patients receive, their satisfaction with that care, and the health plans' efforts to continuously improve. Andrew Bindman, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer for Kaiser Permanente, emphasized the importance of these ratings.

Kaiser Permanente's commercial plans received 5-star ratings in Northern California and the mid-Atlantic states area, including Baltimore, suburban Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Medicare plans earned 5-star ratings in Northern California, Southern California, the mid-Atlantic states area, and Nevada. Medicaid plans in Northern California, Southern California, and Maryland also received top ratings.

In addition to these top ratings, Kaiser Permanente's commercial plans received 4.5-star ratings in Southern California, Colorado, Hawaii, the Northwest (Oregon and southern Washington), and Washington. All of Kaiser Permanente's Medicare plans received 4.5-star or higher ratings, and its Medicaid plans in the specified regions were rated highest in their respective areas or states.

Dr. Letitia Bridges, executive vice president and chief quality officer for The Permanente Federation, highlighted the organization's commitment to delivering high-quality care.

Kaiser Permanente's success in these ratings is a testament to its integrated, coordinated model of care, which focuses on providing high-quality, affordable health care services to its members and the communities it serves. With nearly 12.9 million members across nine states and the District of Columbia, Kaiser Permanente continues to be a leader in the health care industry.