When I was a kid in the early ’80s my mother worked for an HMO run by the Blessed Daughters of Charity. Now THAT was one sorry HMO. We were overjoyed when they were bought out by Kaiser.

I’d have to agree with those who say that Kaiser quality varies wildly by region. Somehow services and facilities seem to be best in areas with predominantly healthy, affluent demographics … When I was lucky enough to live in those areas, I had great experiences.

But in the end I suspect Kaiser’s rep is largely a hangover from its roots as a health plan for blue-collar unions and civil servants.