COUNTY MEDICARE HMOS GET HIGH MARKS.

Byline: Dana Bartholomew Staff Writer

Los Angeles County Medicare HMO plans got the highest marks in the state for insurance coverage value, according to a consumer Web site report released today.

The Medicare HMO plans got a shot in the arm by federal Medicare reform act funds, with higher values reversing a two-year decline across the state.

The Medicare HMO guide by Consumers Union and the California HealthCare Foundation offers seniors how-to advice on how to navigate an increasingly complex system of medical benefits.

In Los Angeles County, 13 of 16 plans rated got four and five stars, the highest ratings of the ``2004 Guide to Medicare Options.'' Five stars is the highest rating.

``I think what we're seeing in Los Angeles is the most (Medicare HMO) competition than in anywhere in the state,'' said Trudy Lieberman, director of the Consumer Union Center for Consumer Health Choices in Yonkers, NY.

``This is where the action is, in California.''

Among the report's conclusions:

--Nearly 30 percent of Medicare HMOs in California got four or five stars, compared to 11 percent last year.

--All Medigap policies received one or two stars, indicating Medicare HMOs usually provide better value to consumers.

--Nearly every Medicare HMO in California offers drug coverage, but 15 percent got top ratings. A number of HMOs, including Kaiser Permanente, opted to cover only generic drugs this year.

The top-rated plans in Los Angeles County include Blue Shield 65 Plus Value Plan, CareMore California Medical Advantage, Universal Care Health Advantage Plan A, UHP Healthcare for Seniors and PacifiCare Secure Horizons Value Plan, which all got five stars.

Those wishing to consult the free report can visit www.calmedicareoptions.org.

Dana Bartholomew, [phone]

dana.bartholomew(at)dailynews.com