Florida Blue Recognized for Disability Inclusion

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Florida Blue, the leading health insurer in Florida, earned a perfect score on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) survey, confirming the company's commitment to full inclusion of people with disabilities. The inaugural DEI was a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN).

The survey, completed by 80 Fortune 1000-size companies, offers businesses an objective assessment of their overall disability inclusion policies and practices. Florida Blue was among 19 large companies, and one of only two health care companies, to receive a perfect score of 100 points.

"At Florida Blue, we believe that building the best workforce includes hiring and developing a team that includes representation from all of our diverse communities," said Chief Human Resources Officer Amy Ruth. "A special part of this effort is our focus on employing people who have disabilities to help ensure our team is a reflection of our customers and the community we serve." 

Megan Mauney, Florida Blue accessibility consultant, has seen the company's commitment first-hand. "Working for a company that has made such a huge investment in improving its interactions with employees and customers with disabilities is really a dream for me," Mauney said. "I have a disability and have worked toward being a disability advocate in the corporate setting. I show up to work every day here knowing that I am valued as an employee because of my unique skills, many of which I have acquired because I have a disability."

Recognizing that its employee experience drives its customer experience, Florida Blue enhanced its focus on becoming the best company for employees and customers with disabilities in 2013. Since that time, the company created the accessibility consultant position, approved digital accessibility standards for all websites, and developed ongoing disability awareness and etiquette training for leaders, employees and providers to create a culture of inclusion.

Florida Blue works with community partners across the state to identify qualified candidates with disabilities to support the staffing of hundreds of positions for open enrollment season. Additionally, a pre-orientation for new hires with disabilities will launch in August to facilitate an inclusive experience.

The DEI awarded points in four major categories: culture and leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices, and community engagement and support services. The survey covered leadership commitment, employee lifecycle, corporate social responsibility, customer interactions, digital accessibility, public policy advocacy, and safety and security among other measures. Companies received points in any given category by demonstrating that they embrace a significant portion of the numerous best practices outlined in each section.

Ruth and Mauney will represent Florida Blue at a special awards reception July 30 on Capitol Hill in conjunction with the Washington, D.C. celebration of the 25^th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

About Florida Blue
Florida Blue, Florida's Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, is a leader in Florida's health care industry. Driven by its mission to help people and communities achieve better health, Florida Blue has more than 4 million health care members across the state. An additional 15.5 million people in 16 states are served through its affiliated companies. Florida Blue is a subsidiary of GuideWell Mutual Holding Company, a not-for-profit, policyholder-owned, tax-paying mutual company. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., Florida Blue 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.

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SOURCE Florida Blue