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.

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

WNY’s Only Health Plan to Achieve 5 Stars on All Medicare Advantage Plans.*

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.

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News Room

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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.
**As of December 2022, First Health Data Warehouse.
† 2022 Independent Health Voice of the Customer Survey.