First Choice℠ by Select Health of South Carolina, the state’s oldest and largest Medicaid managed care health plan, has earned two 2025 Human Experience (HX) Pinnacle of Excellence Awards® from Press Ganey.
The plan won awards in the Child Medicaid category for Highest Overall Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Ratings and Highest Access to Care CAHPS Ratings, placing First Choice among industry leaders for member experience.
“We are proud to receive this recognition from Press Ganey because it reflects our commitment to ensuring our children and families experience excellence in access to care, communication, and overall member experience,” says Courtnay Thompson, market president, Select Health of South Carolina. “Guided by our mission to help people get care, stay well and build healthy communities, we are serving those most in need through expanding timely pediatric access, simplifying guidance for parents and caregivers, and strengthening provider and community partnerships across South Carolina.”
The Human Experience Awards are part of Press Ganey’s annual ranking of the top health plans, hospitals, and health systems nationwide based on experience metrics. As the global leader in healthcare experience solutions and services, Press Ganey partners with over 85% of U.S. health plans to advance member experience, reduce friction points, and create a more seamless journey.
“By leading in critical areas like access, communication, and care coordination, First Choice by Select Health of South Carolina is setting a high bar for member-centered, high-quality care,” said Patrick T. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Press Ganey. “This award reflects their deep commitment to listening to members, meeting their needs, and delivering seamless, meaningful healthcare experiences.”
CAHPS is a nationally recognized survey program that measures members’ experiences with health plans and health care services, including access to care, communication with providers, and customer service. Key measures for the Child Medicaid category include families’ overall rating of their health plan and their experience getting care when their children need it.
Independent vendors administer CAHPS surveys annually, asking members about their experiences over the prior 12 months. Health plans use the results to identify opportunities to improve service and strengthen member-centered care.