Excellus BlueCross BlueShield named to the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion®

Posted on July 12, 2023

Sady Fischer

Rochester, NY – Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is pleased to be named to the Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield received a top score of 100 percent on the 2023 Disability Equality Index (DEI), a national benchmarking survey by Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).

The DEI is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.”

“Being named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion for the third consecutive year reflects the dedication, passion, and work of so many throughout our organization – guided by a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access,” said Sady Alvarado-Fischer, vice president, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion officer for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “Our continued application to the Disability Equality Index allows us to learn, identify opportunities for positive change, prioritize universal design practices, and combat stigma and biases.

“We are proud of this designation, while recognizing there is always more to do to drive more inclusive and accessible experiences for our employees, members, and the communities we live in and serve,” she added.

The DEI is a joint initiative of the AAPD, the nation’s largest disability rights organization, and Disability:IN, the global business disability inclusion network, to collectively advance the inclusion of people with disabilities. The organizations are complimentary and bring unique strengths that make the project relevant and credible to corporations and the disability community. The tool was developed by the DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of business leaders, policy experts, and disability advocates.

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About Disability:IN
The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that helps companies build a roadmap of measurable, tangible actions that they can take to achieve disability inclusion and equality. Each company receives a score, on a scale of zero (0) to 100, with those earning 80 and above recognized as a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion”. Learn more at: www.DisabilityEqualityIndex.org.

About Excellus BCBS

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 1.5 million upstate New York members. The company's mission is to help people live healthier and more secure lives through access to high-quality, affordable health care. Its products and services include cost-saving prescription drug discounts, wellness tracking tools and access to telemedicine. With more than 4,200 employees, the company is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce to foster innovation and better serve its members. It also encourages employees to engage in their communities by providing paid volunteer time off as one of many benefits. To learn more, visit ExcellusBCBS.com.

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