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.
At Work
Driving a healthy, more productive workforce through worksite wellness programs like FitWorks® and many incentive based programs.
With Doctors
Our relationships with primary care physicians, specialists and other health care providers help members receive better care and better outcomes.
It’s all part of the RedShirt® Treatment.
APPROXIMATELY 98% OF WNY PROVIDERS ARE IN OUR NETWORK
SERVING COMMERCIAL, INDIVIDUAL & MEDICARE MEMBERS IN THE 8 COUNTIES OF WNY
Awarded one of the best companies to work for in New York State 16 consecutive years
First Health has a wide-ranging provider network —
96% +
of U.S. people are within 20 miles of a provider**
VOICE OF CUSTOMER STUDY: 95% MEMBER SATISFACTION†
Be Part of the RedShirt Difference
Join a culture that brings out the best in you as one of our RedShirts. Enjoy a generous compensation package, opportunities for growth and more.
Disclaimers
*Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system.
**As of December 2022, First Health Data Warehouse.
† 2022 Independent Health Voice of the Customer Survey.