California continues to be the nation's managed care leader, with 55% of the state's population participating in an HMO plan, according to a survey by Medical Data
International (MDI). It's no wonder that HMO marketing efforts that are effective here are considered trailblazing.
HMO trends nationally are showing steady growth. HMO enrollment increased in 33 states, according to the survey. Highest increases were east of the Mississippi, with
Pennsylvania's HMO penetration climbing 15%.
States reporting the lowest enrollments tended to be in northern markets, like Alaska, with virtually no HMO enrollees, and Wyoming and North Dakota, with 3% each.
The survey provides HMO data for all 50 states and the 65 large Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).
(MDI, Hilary Lytle, 303/858-6933, http://www.medicaldata.com)