Kaiser Permanente of Georgia Implements Web-Enabled Consumer Portal for its Personal Advantage Product

Consumers can now apply online for health insurance through Kaiser Permanente of Georgia's Personal Advantage online consumer portal, which is powered by the Massachusetts-based ikaSystems' enterprise-wide technology platform - the ikaEnterprise System. Kaiser Permanente's Personal Advantage product has several plan offerings targeting the individual market.

"Since implementing the portal just over a month ago, we've received 1,116 Personal Advantage applications," said Nancy Melton, Kaiser Permanente's Personal Advantage Product Manager. "This represents a significant increase over any previous month in the past year."

"We are pleased with these results," said Ravi Ika, President and CEO of ikaSystems Corporation. "Our solution provides ease of use, dynamism and has built-in validation intelligence." ikaSystems' powerful sales automation technology is designed to increase health insurance sales, and decrease the time and cost associated with the traditional way of selling and applying for health insurance.

"Consumer response to Kaiser Permanente's online application process has been positive. Since launching ikaSystems' technology, support calls from consumers regarding the application process have significantly decreased and the online application process has vastly improved," said Melton. "The ikaSystems' robust online functionality is enabling us to far exceed consumer expectations."

Kaiser Permanente's Personal Advantage online portal connects brokers and consumers through an automated application process that includes web-based health insurance quote generation, online application submission, and back-end support for medical underwriting. Integrating the consumer and broker pieces of the application process provides online collaboration. Registered brokers can initiate a quote on the consumer's behalf, and in effect, create a "blue-print" of suggested plans. The broker can then send an e-mail to the consumer that contains a link to the consumer portal. This directed approach enables brokers to channel business toward Kaiser Permanente's Personal Advantage consumer portal. Consumers can then compare plans and apply for coverage online.

About Kaiser Permanente of Georgia
Kaiser Permanente of Georgia provides health care services to its members through 12 medical facilities and a network of affiliated hospitals and physicians in a 20-county metro Atlanta service area. The health plan has "Excellent" ratings for both its HMO and Medicare products from the National Committee for Quality Assurance, placing it among the best health plans in the nation and region in providing quality care and service.