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About Independent Health

Helping WNY Get and Stay Healthy

As your local health plan, for over 40 years we have remained dedicated to improving the health and well-being for all of Western New York. It’s a commitment that we deliver through the RedShirt® Treatment – our promise of exceptional customer service. It’s who we are. As associates and as a company, and what we bring to our members, employer groups, brokers, provider partners and the entire community.

Our Roots Run Deep

Independent Health began in 1980, the culmination of a University at Buffalo graduate school project that determined the community could benefit from a health maintenance organization (HMO) model that focused on preventive care versus reactive care.

Today, Independent Health is recognized as an innovative health care plan with more than 1,100 associates serving nearly 380,000 members.

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“We are unwavering in our commitment to provide Western New York with outstanding health coverage and service. As a board-certified physician, I have long believed that when a health plan works closely with physicians, the system works better, resulting in better care and improved patient health.”

Michael W. Cropp, M.D., MBA
President and Chief Executive Officer

Meeting Members Where They Are

Good health and wellness takes a year-round, coordinated effort. Independent Health brings it all together. We work to provide the resources and value-added benefits needed to help keep everyone healthy, informed and engaged.

At Home

Healthy encouragement, support and access to your benefits are right at your fingertips with our MyIH app, along with programs and many apps.

Get Connected

At Work

Driving a healthy, more productive workforce through worksite wellness programs like FitWorks® and many incentive based programs.

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With Doctors

Our relationships with primary care physicians, specialists and other health care providers help members receive better care and better outcomes.

See How

Making a Difference in the Health of WNY

Independent Health, the Independent Health Foundation and our partners work together to offer fun and engaging ways to support the health and well-being of our entire WNY community, not just our members. Join us through a wide range of resources, programs and events.

Reasons to RedShirt®

Better

The RedShirt Treatment is not just a slogan. It’s how we treat each other, and it drives everything we do to deliver better member service and the highest satisfaction in our region, if not the nation.

5 out of 5 2023 medicare star rating

Western New York’s only health plan to achieve 5 stars on All Medicare Advantage Plans.*
 

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NCQA accredited health plan badge

Independent Health is the top-rated HMO/POS in New York, with a Rating of 5 out of 5 in NCQA’s Commercial Health Plan Ratings 2023.

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Ranked 5 Stars in the NYS Consumer Rating Guide for Medicaid and Child Health Plus Health Plans.**
 

RedShirt® Treatment in Numbers

96 percent graphic

OF MEMBERS

are satisfied and would re-enroll with Independent Health.

According to the 2022 Independent Health Annual Consumer Stakeholder Study

98 percent

OF EMPLOYERS

are satisfied and would recommend Independent Health.

According to the 2022 Independent Health Employer Stakeholder Survey

100 percent

OF BROKERS

are satisfied and would recommend Independent Health.

According to the 2023 Independent Health Broker Stakeholder Study

Awarded one of the best companies to work for in New York State 17 consecutive years

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Newsroom

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Community Reports

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Our Products

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Valuing Our Differences

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Quality Management

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Leadership

Meet Our Leadership

Disclaimers

* Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Independent Health is the only Medicare Advantage plan in all 8 counties within the WNY service area to have 5 stars.
** NYSDOH Medicaid
† Best Companies to work for New York 2023 survey