Fitch Ratings has affirmed the A+ insurer financial strength rating of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. and its insurance subsidiaries, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia Inc., Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States Inc., Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado and Kaiser Permanente Insurance Co.

Fitch has revised the ratings outlook to positive from stable.

Additionally, the rating agency has assigned an A+ insurer financial strength rating with a positive outlook to Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options Inc.

Key ratings drivers include the company's strong business profile, very strong financial performance and earnings, and strong capitalization and leverage characteristics, Fitch said.

The outlook revision reflects steady growth in the Kaiser organization's net worth in recent years and corresponding reduction in current and expected financial leverage ratios.