To assure that we are meeting our customers’ needs we closely monitor the results of customer satisfaction surveys conducted by our national Association as well as ones we conduct locally. In 2006 our scores improved in such areas as overall satisfaction, customer service, claims processing and access to providers. We outscored our local competitors in these and other areas, and also out-performed the national BCBS system average.
Members can place their trust in our financial strength which A.M. Best, considered the insurance industry’s authoritative rating group, reaffirmed in 2006 as “A” or “excellent.” Due to our strong policyholder reserves we were able to hold the line on premium increases in 2006. Many members experienced increases smaller than the national average while some enjoyed a decrease in their rates. These actions resulted in a $58 million underwriting loss. However, investment income allowed us to still contribute $9 million to our policyholders’ reserves. As access to health care and affordable health insurance takes center stage on both the national and state levels, we hope that elected officials and community leaders will trust the knowledge and experience we’ve gained during 65 years of service to Kansans. As the state’s largest health insurer we are in a unique position to help legislators, professional and institutional providers, employers and consumers develop meaningful solutions to a growing number of uninsured. We hope any direction on which our state embarks is extensively researched before changes are made.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is committed to being the most trusted health insurer operating in Kansas. On behalf of all Blue Cross employees, I would like to thank you for trusting us as your health insurance partner. We will continue to work very hard to maintain that trust.