• The target trendline in the graph above represents an accepted national benchmark percentile for Medicaid programs across the country. The value graphed historically was the national 50^th percentile for comparison purposes. In 2020 (for measurement year 2019) we modified the value shown to demonstrate a target based on our actual performance.  For this measure, the target is the 25^th national percentile.  Please note that a lower rate is better for this measure.
• The annual reported rate captures activity during the previous calendar year.  
• This is a Healthcare Effectiveness & Data Information Set (HEDIS) hybrid measure.

This measure assesses members 18–85 years of age who had a diagnosis of hypertension and whose blood pressure was poorly controlled (>9%) during the measurement year.

About half of U.S. adults, or about 37 million people, have high blood pressure of 140/90 mm HG or higher.  High blood pressure, also known as hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the U.S.  A person with hypertension is four times more likely to die from a stroke and three times more likely to die from heart disease.  The estimated annual average direct and indirect costs of hypertension from 2014-2015 were $55.9 billion.  Hypertension was the primary cause of approximately 3.7 million hospital outpatient visits in 2011 and about 1.2 million ED visits in 2015.

Despite varying definitions and treatment recommendations of hypertension by different organizations, all guidelines agree that controlling hypertension will significantly reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease mortality and lead to better health outcomes. Managing and treating hypertension would reduce cardiovascular disease mortality for males and females by 30.4 percent and 38.0 percent, respectively.  Treatment to improve hypertension includes dietary and lifestyle changes, as well as appropriate use of medications.

Last updated:  August 2021