Our Partners:

Government Health-Related Websites:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)—An agency of the Federal Government. Go to the Agency's Web site at www.ahrq.gov to find more information and tools to help you evaluate health plans, as well as many consumer publications on various health topics. Most of the consumer materials are available in English and Spanish. Call the AHRQ Clearinghouse at 1-800-358-9295 to order free copies of publications.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—A Divison of the Department of Health and Human Services, this site offers a vast array of health-related topics including vaccines and vaccine schedules, diseases and prevention, environmental health, travelers health, and workplace safety. Visit their website at www.cdc.gov or write to them at 1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30333.

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)—Evaluates and accredits health care organizations and programs, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other health care facilities, as well as health plans, managed care entities, and other insurers. Go to the JCAHO Web site at www.jointcommission.org, call them at 630-792-5000, or write to JCAHO, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181.

Medicaid—General information about the Medicaid program is available online at www.cms.hhs.govMedicaidGenInfo. Medicaid is a State administered program; eligibility and covered services vary from State to State. For information specific to the Medicaid program in your State, contact your State Insurance Commissioner. Check out the government pages of your local phone book for contact information.

Medicare—Go to the Medicare Web site at www.medicare.gov where you can search by category, keyword, or phrases to find information about Medicare. Telephone help is also available: you may call 1-800-MEDICARE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Assistance is available in English or Spanish. You will be able to get general information about Medicare, view Medicare booklets, and find out about plans that are available in your area.

National Committee for Quality Assurance—A group that develops quality standards, performance measures, and recognition programs for organizations and individuals, including health plans, medical groups, physician networks, and individual physicians. Visit their Web site at www.ncqa.org or call 202-955-3500.

Traveler's Health—CDC Travelers' Health offers information to assist travelers and their health-care providers in deciding the vaccines, medications, and other measures necessary to prevent illness and injury during international travel. Visit their Web site at wwwn.cdc.gov/travel to learn everything you need to know health-wise before you travel abroad.

Utilization Review Accreditation Commission—A group that accredits PPOs and other managed care networks. Visit their Web site at www.ncqa.org or call 202-955-3500.