Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota achieves perfect score for 2014 Corporate Equality Index

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

Dec 09, 2013, 10:57 ET

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

EAGAN, Minn., Dec. 9, 2013 /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 2014. Blue Cross was among 934 U.S. businesses rated this year, and one of only 303 to achieve the top rating of 100 percent.

The CEI is broadly recognized as the premier national benchmark for LGBT workplace inclusion. 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. By achieving a perfect score, Blue Cross also maintains the designation as a "Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality."

"Blue Cross is honored to have again earned a 100 percent rating," said Paula Phillippe, senior vice president of human resources, communications and community relations. "We are proud to be recognized for our commitment to developing an inclusive workplace for all employees. Achieving this premier standing is important for Blue Cross to continue attracting top talent and sustaining such a talented workforce."

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

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. The full report can be viewed at www.hrc.org/cei.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota