J.D. Power and Associates is reporting overall health plan member satisfaction has declined "significantly," according to the company's 2010 U.S. Member Health Insurance Plan Study released this week.

The study - now in its fourth year - measures satisfaction among members who purchased their coverage individually or through their employer from 133 health plans in 17 regions throughout the U.S. The study examines seven key factors: coverage and benefits; provider choice; information and communication; claims processing; statements; customer service; and approval processes.

According to J.D. Power and Associates, overall member satisfaction averaged 701 on a 1,000-point scale. This is a slide from 712 in 2009 and falls below 2008 levels. Member satisfaction has declined in all factors except customer service, where satisfaction has remained flat, with notable decreases in coverage and benefits and information and communication.