COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthMetrix Research Inc., an independent research firm, announces the selection of 15 Medicare Advantage plan websites for MedicareWebWatch certification.  MedicareWebWatch certification recognizes excellence in Medicare plan website content, member connectivity, design and privacy assurance.  Five "benchmark" websites and 10 "distinguished" websites were selected from 133 Medicare Advantage websites after comprehensive site reviews.  In addition, HealthMetrix Research recognizes five websites for achieving highest "accessibility" scores.  These sites have enabled the latest user-friendly technology to allow disabled visitors to fully access website content.

According to HealthMetrix Research Inc. president Alan Mittermaier, "Given the increasing necessity for Medicare Advantage plans to communicate detailed information and execute transactions via the internet, plan websites must provide a high-value, positive experience for plan members, caregivers and guests.  These organizations chosen for MedicareWebWatch certification have demonstrated a significant resource commitment towards maximizing the relevance and readiness of their Medicare Advantage websites.  HealthMetrix Research is pleased to recognize their preparedness especially as beneficiaries encounter annual changes to the Medicare Advantage program."            

MedicareWebWatch certification is based on HealthMetrix Research's mapping methodology that weighs 50 website features related to: plan-specific content; external content resources; member connectivity; design and navigation; privacy assurance.  Certification details are available at www.MedicareWebWatch.com.  HealthMetrix Research Inc. neither recommends nor endorses specific Medicare plans or products.

Contact: Alan Mittermaier 614-236-8345

SOURCE HealthMetrix Research Inc.