I’ve been a pharmacist for more than 50 years. In that time, I’ve witnessed staggering medical advances. Patients now have access — at least in theory — to lifesaving medicines that seemed like science fiction just a decade or two ago.
But in practice, tens of millions of Americans struggle to obtain those drugs. In recent years, I’ve watched more and more patients approach the pharmacy counter, look at the required co-pay on the screen with horror, and glumly walk away without their prescribed treatments.
These patients have insurance. But all too often they can’t afford the out-of-pocket costs that remain after coverage kicks in.
The crisis stems, in large part, from the fact that big insurers like UnitedHealth, Cigna, and Humana don’t merely process claims, anymore. Their parent companies control physicians’ practices and hospitals. They also own pharmacies and operate pharmacy benefit managers — the middlemen that determine which drugs patients can access and what they pay for them.
Today, just three PBMs (pharmacy benefit manager) control prescription drug access for roughly 80% of Americans. In virtually any other industry, that level of concentration would raise serious concerns about competition. Yet these vertically integrated conglomerates have warped the healthcare system to maximize their own profits — and gouge patients — every step of the way.
PBMs typically base patients’ out-of-pocket costs on drugs’ much higher “list” prices, rather than the discounted prices negotiated behind the scenes. Those inflated list prices only exist on paper, yet they justify higher co-pays while also generating larger rebates for PBMs and more profit for the companies that own them. In some cases, PBMs collect more from patients via co-pays or co-insurance than they actually reimburse pharmacies for dispensing a drug.
PBMs also profit by making it harder for patients to access the medicines their providers prescribe. One of their most common tactics is prior authorization. Providers must justify prescriptions they have already determined are appropriate and wait for the insurer’s approval before patients can begin treatment. The process can delay care for days, weeks, or even months. Faced with those hurdles, up to eight in 10 patients forgo treatment altogether.
Then there’s “step therapy”, sometimes called “fail first”. Patients must first try one or more older, less expensive medicines before gaining access to the treatment their provider originally recommended. That may reduce short-term costs for insurers, but it can also delay effective care and, in some cases, seriously harm patients.
Together these, and other, barriers contribute to unmanaged chronic disease, avoidable hospitalizations, and more than 100,000 preventable deaths every year.
Fortunately, Washington is beginning to crack down. The Federal Trade Commission has sued the nation’s three largest PBMs over practices that inflate drug prices. The Department of Labor recently proposed a rule that’d require PBMs to better disclose the fees and compensation they receive. And earlier this year, Congress passed legislation requiring PBMs to increase transparency and pass through more of the discounts they receive to employers.
It’s a great start — and a much more viable way to decrease Americans’ pharmacy bills than one of the other ideas frequently tossed around Capitol Hill. Some lawmakers want to mimic other nations’ price controls on prescription drugs. But artificially lowering what biotech companies charge for medicines would deter research investments — meaning that the pharmacists of the future will have fewer lifesaving drugs to dispense to patients.
Until policymakers decisively confront PBMs, Americans will continue to pay more, get less of the care they need, and be at risk of worse health.
Salvatore J. (Sal) Giorgianni, Jr, PharmD, CMHE is vice-president and cofounder of Healthy Men, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the health of boys, men and their families. He is chair-emeritus and cofounder of the American Public Health Association Caucus On Men’s Health. This piece originally appeared in Issues & Insights.
With Dr. Brian Keum, Associate Professor, UC Berkeley School of Public Health & Dr. Supreet Mann, Director of Research, Common Sense Media
By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier
Walnut Creek, CA – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10) will host a virtual Town Hall on Social Media and Mental Health on Thursday, October 29th at 3:30 p.m. PT. In 2023, then-Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a public health warning linking the youth mental health crisis with social media use. Since then, social media usage has increased and recent lawsuits are an indication that more needs to be done. The Congressman will be joined by expert special guests from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and Common Sense Media to discuss the latest research on this link and innovative policy solutions to protect American kids and families.
Virtual Town Hall on Social Media and Mental Health
Thursday, October 29th
3:30 – 5:00 p.m. PT
Hosted on Zoom
Panelists include:
Dr. Brian Keum, Associate Professor, UC Berkeley School of Public Health
Dr. Supreet Mann, Director of Research, Common Sense Media
During their meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Antioch City Council unanimously approved the following proclamation:
WHEREAS, October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and aims to raise awareness and to educate about breast health and breast cancer, which is a leading cause of death in women in the United States;
WHEREAS, October is also the month that recognizes the many survivors, those living with metastatic breast cancer, their supporters and loved ones, and honors those lives lost to the disease;
WHEREAS, the history of Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985 as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society and it eventually extended to a month-long event, and the pink ribbon came into play in 1992;
WHEREAS, the month of October aims to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. For these women, the impact of breast cancer extends well beyond the single month of awareness;
WHEREAS, breast cancer affects men too. In 2021, October 17 to October 23 was designated as “Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week”. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. But lack of awareness and stigma can be barriers to detection and care in men, trans men, and non-binary people; and
WHEREAS, this October, we want to make Breast Cancer Awareness Month more than just about awareness. This October, we encourage more involvement to get screened and take action since early detection of breast cancer is often key to successful outcome.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby proclaim that October 2026 is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”.
4.5-star rating reflects the expert medicine, seamless care, and outstanding service provided to more than 1.5 million Medicare Advantage members inCA
By Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations & PR Representative, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
OAKLAND, Calif. October 27, 2026 — Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare Advantage health plan in California is among the highest rated plans in the state, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ 2027-star ratings.
Kaiser Permanente California earned 4.5 stars. The top rating is 5 stars.
Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare HMO health plan in California has been highly rated for 17 consecutive years (2011-2027) and is tied for the highest performing health plan in the state.
“Every day our Northern California care teams deliver personalized, compassionate care to our Medicare health plan members, helping them lead healthy and productive lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region, which serves more than 1.5 million Medicare health plan members. “We’re proud to be recognized nationally for the high-quality care and outstanding service we provide.”
This high rating reflects the expert medicine, seamless care and outstanding service Kaiser Permanente California and all Kaiser Permanente health plans provide to their Medicare health plan members. For the third year in a row, all Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plans are rated 4 stars or higher.
“Our physicians, nurses, and care teams in Kaiser Permanente Northern California are committed to helping our Medicare health plan members achieve better health outcomes through coordinated, personalized, high-quality care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “These ratings reflect the expertise of our teams and their dedication to supporting the health and well-being of our older adult populations.”
What CMS ratings measure
Every year, CMS publishes Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) ratings. Each year, CMS rates Medicare health and prescription drug plans using a 1-to-5-star scale. The ratings help consumers compare the quality of available plans.
CMS evaluates several key areas to determine star ratings:
How well health plans help members stay healthy
How well plans manage ongoing health conditions
Member experiences
Customer service
Access to care
Pharmacy services
Enrolling in a Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan
Open enrollment for all 2027 Medicare health plans begins on October 15 and runs through December 7, 2026. Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends on contract renewal.
Medicare beneficiaries can learn more about the CMS star ratings and Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plans by visiting kp.org/medicarestars.
About CMS
CMS is the federal agency that provides health coverage to more than 160 million through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Health Insurance Marketplace.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.
By Diana Oyler, Sr. Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office & Office of Communications & Media
(Martinez, CA) – Contra Costa County is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy on the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District Board of Trustees. County residents age 18 and older are encouraged to apply. The appointment, made by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, will be for a two or four-year term beginning January 7, 2027.
Established in 1927, the District provides public health services throughout Contra Costa County by controlling mosquitoes, rats, skunks, yellowjackets and other vectors that can transmit disease. These efforts help protect public health and prevent outbreaks that could disrupt recreational, residential, agricultural and industrial activities.
The District Board of Trustees meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of every other month in Concord. Trustees receive a $100 monthly expense stipend, contingent on meeting attendance.
Applications are available by calling the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors at (925) 655-2000 or by visiting https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418. Completed applications must be submitted to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553, by 5 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2026.
Applicants should be available to participate in public interviews conducted virtually via Zoom on Monday, November 23, 2026.
Selected Antioch residents are testing water in their homes for lead and copper from the City’s new Brackish water Desalination Facility. Graphic source: Utilities for My Home. All photos by Allen D. Payton
By City of Antioch
The City of Antioch Water Treatment Plant wants to reassure community members that city staff are currently conducting official sampling for an ongoing, multi-year Lead and Copper Corrosion Control Study. Following the recent opening of Antioch’s new Brackish Water Desalination Facility, this essential study allows certified city personnel and selected residents to monitor household drinking water and verify that no lead or copper is leaching into home plumbing.
Please note that participation is limited strictly to pre-qualified residential sites meeting specific EPA structural criteria, and we are not accepting general volunteers at this time. If your home was pre-selected, have been contacted by staff, or see water treatment personnel delivering or collecting sample bottles, please be assured that this is an official City of Antioch program and not a scam.
We sincerely thank our designated resident partners for helping keep Antioch’s drinking water safe, clean, and state-compliant.
According to the City’s Lead Service Statement in 2024, “Through completing a historical records review and field investigations, City of Antioch has determined it has no lead or galvanized requiring replacement service lines in its distribution system. This includes any privately-owned or customer-owned service lines.
City of Antioch reviewed all applicable sources of information, including:
• All construction and plumbing codes, permits, and existing records or other documentation which indicates the service line materials;
• All water system records, including distribution system maps and drawings, historical records on each service connection, meter installation records, historical capital improvement or master plans;
• All inspections and records of the distribution system that indicate service line material, including inspections conducted during the course of normal operations (e.g., checking service line materials when reading water meters or performing maintenance activities).
City of Antioch used stratified random sampling to develop the initial inventory. Stratified random sampling involves physically verifying a subset of randomly selected service lines in the distribution system. That subset is stratified or divided into groups based on certain characteristics (e.g., years the service lines were installed). Stratification allows for a sample or subset of service lines to be more representative of the service lines in the distribution system.
After investigating the subset of service lines, if no lead or galvanized requiring replacement service lines are discovered, the remaining service lines may be assumed non-lead with a certain level of confidence. City of Antioch verified 9322 service lines, and the service lines were verified non-lead copper, non-lead plastic, or galvanized. No lead or galvanized requiring replacement service lines were identified.
City of Antioch continues to document service line material information obtained from normal operations, such as service line maintenance or water meter readings, after October 2024 and will update the initial inventory accordingly.
——
For questions or additional information, please contact the City of Antioch Laboratory at (925) 779-7024.
To raise concerns during Wednesday meeting that the regulation is bad policy that will increase housing costs, disrupt renters, and push housing providers to sell properties
BAAQMD’s actions part of effort to convert California homes to electric powered heat pumps for water heaters and HVAC systems
Contra Costa Supervisors Carlson, Gioia serve on BAAQMD Board
By Keegan Coleman, Actum
SAN FRANCISCO – Hundreds of rental housing providers, property owners and representatives from local rental housing affiliates across the nine counties that fall under the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s (BAAQMD) jurisdiction – including the counties of Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma – will gather at the BAAQMD Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, October 7, to testify in opposition to the district’s gas appliance ban and make clear that the regulation is bad housing policy.
Background & Timeline
The Air District Board of Directors is considering changes to Regulation 9, Rules 4 and 6 which are intended to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides from residential and commercial furnaces and water heaters in buildings in the Bay Area.
According to the Water Heater Rule Draft Amendments Overview, “The amendments are designed to make compliance with the rule more affordable by providing exemptions for low-income property owners and addressing situations where installing a compliant water heater would be particularly expensive. The draft amendments and supporting material can be found at: baaqmd.gov/building-appliances.”
According to the District’s Notice of Public Hearing issued on Friday, Oct. 2nd, “On March 15, 2023, the Air District adopted amendments to Rule 9-4: Nitrogen Oxides from Fan Type Residential Central Furnaces and Rule 9-6: Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Emissions from Natural Gas Fired Boilers and Water Heaters that govern point of sale emission standards for small, typically residential and commercial, water and space heating systems.
The Board then conducted a public hearing on June 21, 2023, in which they directed staff to submit the current versions of Rule 9-4 and Rule 9-6 to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA and the California Air Resources Board for inclusion in the State Implementation Plan (SIP).
At their meeting on Nov. 4, 2026, the Air District Board of Directors will consider changes to Rule 9-6 for water heaters. The changes being considered would, if approved, provide for some exemptions to the zero-nitrogen oxides standard and would extend the compliance date. The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard and is also accessible via Zoom on the Air District’s website.
According to the Appliance Rules Concept Paper Overview, “To make the transition fair and practical, the Air District is working on 2026 flexibility amendments that could:
• Allow continued sales of small (≤35-gallon) gas water heaters for a limited time.
• Provide exemptions for low-income homeowners and some small business types.
• Permit contractors to purchase and install temporary “loaner” water heaters for emergencies
• Grant extra time or exemptions for homes needing major electrical upgrades, water heater relocation, or hydronic systems”
According to the District’s Fact Sheet on the proposed amendments, “The amended rules will affect Bay Area households that use natural gas appliances — roughly 2/3 of all households currently. The rule amendments will apply only to new appliances, and do not mandate retrofitting of existing appliances and the current timeline is as follows:
2027* – only zero NOx small tank type 75k BTU/hr water heaters can be sold or installed in the Bay Area.
2029 – only zero NOx furnaces less than 175k BTU/hr can be sold or installed in the Bay Area.
2031 – only zero NOx large commercial water heaters, tank type 75k to 2M BTU/hr and tankless water heaters, typically large commercial and multifamily water heaters can be sold or installed in the Bay Area.
*The Board of Directors will consider flexibility amendments in 2026 and potentially adjust the timeline with a later compliance deadline.”
According to the Rule Development History;
In December of 2024, Air District staff presented an informational update on the implementation readiness of the zero NOx requirements for residential water heaters (Rule 9-6) to the Air District Board of Directors.
In April of 2025, Air District staff presented to the Stationary Source Committee to share proposed next steps and potential flexibilities and amendments to Rule 9-6 (2027 compliance date) based on the IWG’s findings. The second phase of the IWG 2.0 will commence in late-2025 and will focus on furnaces Rule 9-4 (2029 compliance date).
So, the Air Board will consider the proposed amendments to Rule 9-4 at a later date.
Public Comments for Oct. 7th Meeting
During general public comments speakers will urge the Board to reconsider the regulation, warning that the mandate would impose high new costs on rental housing communities, create logistical and construction challenges for older and space-constrained properties, disrupt renters, and further strain a region already facing one of the nation’s most severe housing affordability crises. If Item 16 is pulled from the Consent Calendar, there will be another opportunity for public comments on the Stationary Source Committee’s report (see the Committee’s Item 5 on page 176 of the Board meeting agenda, entitled, State and Regional Efforts to Advance the Equitable Transition to Clean Appliances).
Representatives from organizations including Better Housing Policies, Business and Housing Network, Santa Clara Association of Realtors, San Mateo County Association of Realtors, East Bay Rental Housing Association, Berkeley Property Owners Association, California Rental Housing Association, South County Business Alliance, Silicon Valley Business Alliance, and Small Property Owners of San Francisco Institute will attend the meeting to emphasize to the Board that while clean-air goals are important, this regulation takes the wrong approach by shifting costly infrastructure burdens onto housing providers and, ultimately, renters.
Contra Costa Supervisors Ken Carlson and John Gioia who serve as Chair and Vice Chair of the BAAQMD Stationary Source Committee speak during its meeting on Sept. 9, 2026. Video screenshots.
Stationary Source Committee Meeting Details
During the District’s Stationary Source Committee meeting on September 9 2026, Chaired by Contra Costa County District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson, and whose Vice Chair is Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, “Richard Chien, Planning and Climate Protection Manager, gave the staff presentation entitled, State and Regional Efforts to Advance the Equitable Transition to Clean Appliances, including: abbreviations; outline; major players in the clean appliance transition; spotlight on California Heat Pump Partnership; spotlight on Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) – heat pump water heater (HPWH) for hard-to-reach households, contractor readiness, building department support; spotlight on Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E); spotlight on load serving entities – funding support, permitting support; Senate Bill (SB) 222 – The Heat Pump Access Act, entitled, “Residential heat pump water heater or heat pump HVAC systems” (which Newsom signed into law on Sept. 28th); spotlight on Sprint to 9-6 – communications and outreach; spotlight on equitable building decarbonization; and Air District outreach and education.
“Jane Elias, Manager of Energy Programs with Metropolitan Transportation Commission/Association of Bay Area Governments, and Nik Kaestner, Senior Building Decarbonization Coordinator with the San Francisco Environment Department, provided additional context after the presentation.”
Before the presentation, the District’s Executive Officer and Air Pollution Control Officer Philip Fine explained to the committee members that the agenda item wasn’t Rule 9-4 or 9-6 which the Board will consider in November.
Chien shared about the California Heat Pump (Public-Private) Partnership Blueprint which is pushing to increase the number of housing units that install heat pumps throughout the state. “The 2025 California Energy Code (effective Jan 1, 2026) encourages heat pumps for both space and water heating and supports all‑electric new construction. California has committed to a clean energy future for all through groundbreaking building decarbonization efforts, including Governor Newsom’s goal to install 6 million heat pumps throughout the state by 2030.”
“Unlike traditional fossil gas systems, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat rather than generate it, making them highly efficient while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution,” the Blueprint claims.
According to the HVAC Laboratory, “At its core, a heat pump is an electrically powered appliance that moves heat between the indoors and outdoors. Unlike a furnace that burns fuel or a standard electric heater that converts electricity directly into warmth, a heat pump captures existing heat from the air—or even the ground—and relocates it. In heating mode, the outdoor unit extracts thermal energy from the outside air and brings it inside; even when temperatures drop into the 40s or 30s, there’s enough ambient heat to collect. Come summer, the cycle flips. The system acts just like a central air conditioner, pulling heat from your living spaces and expelling it outdoors.”
According to ElectrifyCalc, “California homeowners can expect to pay $5,500–$12,000 installed for a 2–3 ton air-source heat pump in 2026 — and with the Section 25C federal tax credit (30%, up to $2,000), HEEHRA (High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act) rebates up to $8,000, and California’s own TECH Clean CA program offering $1,000–$4,000, the net cost after stacking incentives can drop below $2,000 for income-qualified households.”
According to EnergyStar.gov, a heat pump water heater “takes the heat from surrounding air and transfers it to water in an enclosed tank.”
Chien also spoke about BayREN, the Bay Area Regional Energy Network, which is “a coalition of the Bay Area’s nine counties…partnering to promote resource efficiency at the regional level, focusing on energy, water and greenhouse gas reduction.” They are working to provide resources, such as “an express permitting form template and standardized information materials for city websites.”
He also spoke about what PG&E is doing to help streamline the installation of heat pumps including zero-interest loans. Finally, Chien spoke on the Equitable Decarbonization Program overseen by the California Energy Commission which includes the Initial Community Focus Areas of Western and Eastern Contra Costa and others in the Bay Area.
He, the other presenters and District staff then answered questions of the committee members followed by public comments on the item.
WHO: Noni Richen, Board President, Small Property Owners of San Francisco Institute
Derek Barnes, CEO, East Bay Rental Housing Association
Krista Gulbransen, Executive Director, Berkeley Property Owners Association
Public Comment Deadline Nov. 1st
The District is seeking public comments on the Proposed Rule Language and Preliminary Staff Report ahead of the Board of Directors meeting on November 4th. The public comment period for the proposed amendment to Rule 9-6 will close on November 1st at 6 PM. Online comments must be submitted through the Air District’s public comment tool to be considered. Under Air District policy, we cannot consider comments on regulations that are submitted by email. Written comments can also be submitted by mail to Rule Development, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, 375 Beale Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94105. Verbal comments are welcome up to the day of and during the Public Hearing.
System’s Medicare, Medicaid, commercial health plans also rated highest in CA for overall quality
Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for 11th ratings cycle in a row
By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep and Kerri Leedy, Media and Public Relations Manager, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
OAKLAND, Calif., September 16, 2026 –Kaiser Permanente Northern California is one of only two health care systems in the nation to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans receive 5 out of 5 stars for overall quality, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2026 Health Plan Ratings.
NCQA also rates Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in California for overall treatment, prevention, and patient experience. No other health plan in Northern California received a 5-star rating.
“Kaiser Permanente Northern California continues to deliver high-value care that improves health care outcomes and betters the lives of our members and patients every day,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our health plans are continuously rated the highest because of our unwavering commitment to providing coordinated care and exceptional service.”
Source: NCQA
For 2026, NCQA rated nearly 1,000 plans – commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid – for quality and service nationwide. All of Kaiser Permanente’s commercial and Medicare plans received the highest rating, or were tied for the highest rating, in all the geographic regions we serve. Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for the 11th ratings cycle in a row.
“This recognition reflects the dedication and clinical excellence of our physicians, nurses, and care teams, who consistently deliver the highest-quality care to our patients and the communities we serve,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente Northern California is proud to be one of only two health care systems in the nation, alongside Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans all receive NCQA’s highest rating.”
Source: NCQA
NCQA is a national, private not-for-profit organization that surveys health plans for performance in a wide range of clinical service measures including consumer experience, prevention, population health and treatment.
NCQA primarily used the 2025 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, or HEDIS®, to establish its ratings. HEDIS is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care.
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
