Blue Cross achieves perfect score for 2013 Corporate Equality Index

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

Nov 14, 2012, 01:36 ET

Top rating from Human Rights Campaign Foundation underscores health company's commitment to LGBT equality

EAGAN, Minn., Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) achieved a perfect score on the Human Right Campaign's (HRC) annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for 2013. Blue Cross was among 889 U.S. businesses rated this year, and one of only 252 to achieve the top rating of 100 percent. The CEI is broadly recognized as the premier national benchmark for LGBT workplace inclusion. Accordingly, the policies, benefits and practices businesses must implement to earn a perfect score are regarded as best-in-class demonstrations of corporate commitments to LGBT workers.

"Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is proud to have again achieved a 100 percent rating on the Corporate Equality Index," said Colleen Connors, senior vice president of human resources, communications, community relations and facilities services. "It is an honor to be included among the nation's leading companies for our commitment to promote an inclusive workplace for all employees. Achieving this premier standing is important to sustaining a talented workforce at Blue Cross."

The CEI rates companies on 40 specific policies and practices. To achieve a perfect score and the coveted distinction of "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality," companies must have fully-inclusive equal employment opportunity policies, provide equal employment benefits, demonstrate organizational LGBT competency, evidence their commitment to equality publicly and exercise responsible citizenship.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, with headquarters in the St. Paul suburb of Eagan, was chartered in 1933 as Minnesota's first health plan and continues to carry out its charter mission today as a health company: to promote a wider, more economical and timely availability of health services for the people of Minnesota. Blue Cross is a not-for-profit, taxable organization. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, headquartered in Chicago. Go to bluecrossmn.com to learn more about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota