Florida Blue Earns Top Rating on Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Blue announced today the company has earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) 2013 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for its business practices and policies toward its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.  This is the fourth consecutive year the company has received the prestigious 100 percent ranking. 

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"We have a deep commitment to workplace equality because respect is one of our core values at Florida Blue," said Bob Wall, chief human resources officer.  "We will continue to celebrate the diverse experiences, skills and backgrounds of all our employees and champion LGBT rights across the state of Florida."

The CEI is an annual survey administered by the nation's largest LGBT advocacy group.  For the past decade, the Washington-based organization has published an annual Index that evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination policies, transgender health benefits, and domestic partner benefits.  Released each fall, the CEI report provides an in-depth analysis and rating of large U.S. employers and is the premiere national benchmark for LGBT workplace inclusion.  

"Our corporate mission is to help people and communities achieve better health.  We strongly believe that embracing diversity and inclusiveness is a critical part of fulfilling that mission," Wall said.  "We are honored by the Human Rights Campaign's recognition of our commitment to be a leader in supporting and advocating the rights of all people."

Florida Blue's efforts to fully involve employees in the company's mission and corporate values is underscored by its employee resource groups, which allow employees to drive cultural change as well as contribute to recruitment, retention and leadership development.  The employee groups, which include RESPECT—the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies organization—are important strategic partners. 

A total of 889 businesses were rated in the 2013 CEI report, including the entire Fortune 500.  Companies voluntarily participate in the annual survey and are rated on 40 specific policies and practices, including fully-inclusive equal employment opportunity policies, equal employment benefits, demonstrated organizational LGBT competency and responsible citizenship.

A record 252 businesses achieved the top rating this year, including Lockheed Martin Corp., Apple Inc., General Motors Co. and American Express Co.  Businesses rated 100 percent are recognized as "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality."  The full report can be viewed at www.hrc.org/cei.

About Florida Blue
Florida Blue, Florida's Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, is a leader in Florida's health care industry. Our mission is to help people and communities achieve better health. Florida Blue has approximately 4 million health care members and serves 15.5 million people in 16 states through its affiliated companies. Florida Blue is a not-for-profit, policyholder-owned, tax-paying mutual company. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.FloridaBlue.com.

SOURCE Florida Blue