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12/29/2011
New wellness article presents smart strategies for staying motivated and achieving your good-health goals
Whether you'd like to get fit, lose weight, quit smoking, or manage stress, you need a good plan if you are to achieve your health and wellness goals. That's why WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer and provider of affordable group and individual health insurance, has teamed up with certified wellness coaches to learn about the challenges people encounter most often, and find out what you can do to overcome those obstacles.
The result is our new article, "How to Meet Your Health Goals: Tips from a Wellness Coach," which offers specific tips that individuals and families can use to set effective goals, stay motivated for the long haul, and make time for wellness in the face of competing priorities.
"Healthy living is happy living," said Jeff Hlavacka, senior coordinator of preventive health services at WPS Health Insurance. "When people live healthily, they feel better, they're more active, they're more positive about themselves and the world around them. They also reduce their risk for illness, which means they may spend less on medical bills. But sometimes, it's difficult to stick to our plans for good health. That's where we want to help."
So we asked Emily Moenck and Sarah Both, two wellness coaches who work with members of WPS group health plans, about the questions they hear most often–and what advice they offer to help people achieve their goals.
For example, many find it difficult to stay motivated day in and day out, and after a few days or weeks, they abandon their efforts altogether. To these people, Sarah suggests staying positive and celebrating each day's successes, however small.
"Instead of feeling disheartened on a day when it's a challenge to stay on track, make a point to celebrate the success and sense of accomplishment that comes from making an effort to stick with your plan. See the day as a victory rather than a burden or a setback. In time, you will develop a sense of optimism and resilience that will help sustain and propel your efforts until the behaviors no longer seem so difficult, and they become a welcome and integral part of your new, healthier lifestyle."
More great suggestions can be found in the full article, "How to Meet Your Health Goals: Tips from a Wellness Coach," which is available for free from the Prevention area of the Learning Center on the WPS Health Insurance website.
"We hope health care consumers find our latest wellness article to be valuable in helping them start smart and stay motivated to achieve their health and wellness goals," said Hlavacka.
WPS encourages health care consumers looking for more wellness tips and strategies to check out the WPS Health Center for free, fun, and educational resources such as our health encyclopedia, interactive symptom checker, our Alive & Well newsletter, and more.
12/21/2011
New article helps consumers research, find, and evaluate potential doctors to meet their ideal match
Everyone needs a good doctor–an experienced and compassionate caretaker who can help protect our good health, and help us return to health after an illness or injury. But finding the right doctor is often easier said than done. WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer and provider of affordable group and individual health insurance, gives practical tips for finding the right primary care doctor in a new article "How to find Dr. Right" available for free in the Working with your Doctor section of our Learning Center.
"Few things in life are as important as our health," said Dr. Marvin Wiener, senior medical director at WPS Health Insurance. "That's why it's essential to find a skilled and knowledgeable primary care doctor you can trust to be a true partner through every stage of life."
"How to Find 'Dr. Right'" offers helpful tips that individuals and families can use to research and find a qualified doctor, whether they are looking for a family practitioner, internist, pediatrician, or any other type of doctor. (See the full article, "How to find Dr. Right", for additional types of doctors to help you decide which may be best for you.)
One of the most important considerations for individuals and families when choosing a new doctor may be whether or not the doctor participates in the individual or family's insurance plan; if not, the out-of-pocket costs could be significantly higher. The article also points to online resources for checking a doctor's credentials, as well as tips for interviewing candidates and evaluating a new doctor at your first visit.
WPS encourages health care consumers who have questions about finding a doctor, or any other health-insurance-related questions, to call 1-866-297-4977 and talk with a friendly WPS representative today.
11/29/2011
Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurance company encourages consumers to take an active role in their health care
With health care costs on the rise and access to doctors growing more and more limited, it's important to make the most of every appointment. That's why WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer and provider of affordable group and individual health insurance has assembled a helpful list of things health care consumers can do before, during, and after each appointment to maximize the value of every visit.
"Good health is a partnership," said Dr. Marvin Wiener, Senior Medical Director at WPS Health Insurance. "For best results, we need to take an active role in our care, asking and getting answers to important questions to help us understand our health, and to help our doctors treat us more effectively."
A few of the tips WPS suggests include...
Before the visit:
During the visit:
At the end of the visit, ask:
11/17/2011
Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurance company aims to educate consumers so they can choose the right plans for their needs
The term "provider network" is one of the most basic and important concepts for health care consumers to understand. That's why WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer and provider of affordable group and individual health insurance has released a new article explaining provider networks in the context of today's three most popular managed care plans: the health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), and point-of-service (POS) plan.
"Provider networks are made up of doctors, clinics, hospitals, and other health care professionals that a health plan contracts with to offer medical services to members at reduced costs," said Tom Olson, senior vice president of sales and marketing at WPS Health Insurance. "They are important because the plan you have determines your access to medical providers and how much you will pay out of your own pocket each time you receive care."
For example, some health plans require members to receive are only from providers within their networks; others allow members to choose any doctor or hospital they wish, but will pay a greater portion of the costs when care is received from providers within the network.
10/20/2011
WPS MedicareRx Plans (PDP) Are the Only Stand-alone Medicare Part D Plans in the State to Earn 4.5 Stars Out of 5 for Overall Quality
Medicare Part D plans from WPS Health Insurance have been rated the top MedicareRx plans in the state, earning 4.5 stars out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)1. The WPS prescription drug plans are the only Part D plans in Wisconsin to receive a rating of 4.5 stars.
CMS rates health and drug plans annually to ensure that they meet Medicare's quality standards, and encourages Medicare beneficiaries to compare and choose plans based on these ratings, which are available on the Official US Government Medicare website.
"WPS is proud to offer the top-rated Medicare Part D plans in Wisconsin," said Tom Olson, senior vice president of sales and marketing at WPS Health Insurance. "Every day, we strive to treat our members to the highest-quality coverage, care, and service. This rating reflects our commitment to excellence and motivates us to work even harder with our pharmacy benefits administrator to deliver the outstanding experience our members deserve."
To determine its ratings, CMS evaluates Part D plans in 17 measures across 4 categories:
Based on the plans' performance in these categories, CMS assigns an overall "star" rating to each plan. This makes it easy for seniors to compare plans.
The WPS MedicareRx plans(PDP) offer Medicare beneficiaries coverage for a wide range of brand-name and generic medications, at competitive monthly premiums, backed by friendly, personal service. In addition, the WPS MedicareRx plan card is welcome at more than 55,000 pharmacies nationwide.
WPS has served Wisconsin seniors on Medicare since 1966, the year Medicare began. In addition to having the top-rated Medicare Part D plans in Wisconsin, WPS is the leading not-for-profit Part D provider in the state, serving more than 25,000 enrollees2, and is home to Wisconsin's #1-selling Medicare supplement plan, the WPS Medicare Companion3
1 Medicare.gov, 10/2011. Plan performance star ratings are assessed each year and may change from one year to the next.
2 CMS enrollment data, 5/2011.
3 Based on sales data submitted by insurers to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, 2010. Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Insurance) is a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor.
10/14/2011
With Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period underway, WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer and creator of the state's top-selling Medicare supplement plan1, continues to offer Wisconsin seniors affordable access to some of the state's most popular and highly rated WPS Health Insurance Medicare Part D plans for 2012.
"As the cost of prescription drugs continues to rise, Wisconsin seniors need flexible and affordable protection they can depend on," said Tom Olson, senior vice president of sales and marketing at WPS Health Insurance. "WPS MedicareRx Plans bring seniors the coverage they need and the peace of mind they deserve. That's why our plans are preferred by more than 25,000 seniors statewide–making WPS the largest not-for-profit Medicare Part D provider in the state." 2
Each year, thousands of seniors choose WPS MedicareRx Plans because these plans:
In addition, WPS MedicareRx Plans are some of the top-rated prescription drug plans in the state, earning 4.5 stars out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 3
"Medicare Part D coverage is important for all Medicare beneficiaries–even seniors who don't take prescription medications today," said Olson. "That's because most people literally cannot afford to be caught off-guard if their health should suddenly change."
During Medicare's AEP, all Wisconsin seniors are eligible for WPS MedicareRx plans, regardless of income level or assets, pre-existing conditions, or current prescription expenses. But it is critical for Medicare beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in a plan to make their selections now if they wish to change their coverage for 2012, because once the AEP ends on December 7, seniors will be unable to switch plans until January 2013 unless they qualify for a special enrollment period.
Backed by first-rate customer service and award-winning ethics.
WPS MedicareRx plans are backed by friendly and professional service that has become a company hallmark. An enthusiastic 98% of WPS Medicare supplement customers say they would recommend WPS to a friend or family member 4, and WPS Part D members receive the same level of attentive care.
WPS' commitment to ethical service has earned the company recognition worldwide. In 2010 and 2011, WPS was named one of the "world's most ethical companies" by the international Ethisphere Institute 5. This award recognizes companies that demonstrate real and sustained ethical leadership within their industries, and WPS is the only health insurance company in the world to receive this distinction.
Forty-five years of experience serving seniors on Medicare.
WPS has served seniors on Medicare since Medicare began in 1966. Not only is WPS the leading not-for-profit Part D provider in the state2, but it is also home to Wisconsin's #1-selling Medicare supplement plan,1 the WPS Medicare Companion, which today helps nearly 40,000 Medicare beneficiaries fill the gaps in Medicare coverage at competitive premiums.
1 Based on sales data submitted by insurers to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, 2010.
2 CMS enrollment data, 8/2011.
3 Medicare.gov, 10/2011.
4 WPS Customer Satisfaction Survey, 2011.
5 2010 & 2011 World's Most Ethical Companies Ranking, Ethisphere Institute.
Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Insurance) is a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor.
9/29/2011
Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurance company aims to help consumers choose the right health plan for their needs
As the health care landscape continues to change and more and more consumers begin to explore their individual health insurance options, the health savings account (HSA) is gaining in popularity. Today, WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer and provider of affordable individual health insurance, family health insurance, and group health insurance, released a new entry in its Learning Center, titled "What is an HSA-qualified Health Plan and How Can It Benefit Me?" which contains valuable information to help consumers learn more about this unique health plan option.
To be eligible for an HSA, consumers must first have a special type of health insurance called an HSA-qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP). The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) determines rules for HSA-qualification including minimum and maximum deductible amounts and out-of-pocket limits. They put out a publication each year detailing current rules and regulations on the Internal Revenue Service website.
HSA-qualified HDHP plans typically offer lower monthly premiums than traditional plans. With this type of plan, policyholders can take the money they save on premiums and invest it in their HSAs, where it is available to pay for qualified medical expenses, from deductibles and copays to expenses their plans don't even cover, such as laser vision correction.
HSA-qualified HDHPs can be a good choice for people interested in trading higher out-of-pocket costs for lower premiums, people who want more control over their health care spending, those interested in the tax benefits of an HSA, and anyone interested in using a personal savings account to pay for qualified medical expenses.
"We hope health care consumers find our article titled "Health Insurance 101: What is an HSA-qualified Health Plan and How Can It Benefit Me?" valuable in helping them to learn more about this increasingly popular health plan option, and in deciding whether an HSA-qualified, high-deductible plan is right for them," said Olson.
WPS encourages health care consumers who have questions about health savings accounts, or any other health insurance related questions, to call 888-245-4197 and talk with a friendly WPS representative today.
9/19/2011
"Medicare Changes 2012: Five Things You Need to Know" explains important program changes and offers tips to help seniors make wise coverage decisions
Medicare keeps on changing: benefits, costs, and even the deadlines for signing up or switching plans. As this year's Annual Enrollment Period approaches, it's important that Wisconsin residents have the information they need to make better, more informed decisions about protecting their health and financial security. That's why WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer and provider of Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare supplement plans, has released a new, free educational resource aimed at helping seniors stay up to date on this year's changes to Medicare.
Available today for free download from the WPS website, "Medicare Changes 2012: Five Things You Need to Know" details important changes for the coming year, offers tips to help seniors find dependable coverage, and includes a list of Medicare-related resources that seniors can look to for more information.
"This free guide is an important resource for anyone who is eligible for Medicare in 2012," said Jim Baird, vice president of individual sales at WPS Health Insurance. "Readers will learn about Medicare's new Annual Enrollment Period, which takes place October 15 through December 7 this year—nearly a full month earlier than previous years. They'll learn about a new Special Election Period for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans that are rated five stars by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). And they'll see the latest changes made to Part D standard benefits."
With Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period fast approaching, now is the time for seniors to learn all they can about the changes to Medicare and their own specific health and drug plans, so they can make wise choices and be sure to get the coverage they need.
Forty-five years of experience serving seniors on Medicare.
WPS has served seniors on Medicare since the program began in 1966. Today, the company's Medicare supplement plan, the WPS Medicare Companion, is the #1 choice of Wisconsin seniors, outselling all other supplements in the state*. In addition, more than 25,000 seniors have enrolled in the company's Medicare Part D plans—making WPS the largest not-for-profit Part D plan provider in Wisconsin**. WPS encourages seniors who have Medicare-specific questions to visit the Official US Government Medicare website or call 1 800 MEDICARE (800-633-4227).
8/31/2011
With earlier AEP start dates, people on Medicare must pay particular attention this year so they don't miss their opportunity to change plans.
WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer and provider of Medicare Part D plans and Medicare supplement plans, reminds Medicare beneficiaries that Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins October 15 and ends December 7 this year, a full month earlier than in prior years.
The shift in dates is the result of recent health care reform through the Affordable Care Act of 2010. "It is critical for seniors who are currently enrolled in a plan to make their enrollment selections during this new AEP if they wish to change their coverage for 2012," said Olson.
As a result of the change to AEP dates, seniors enrolled in MA plans, MA-PDs (Medicare Advantage plans that provide coverage for prescription drugs), and PDPs should receive their Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and Evidence of Coverage (EOC) documents for contract year 2012 by September 30, 2011. WPS encourages seniors to read their ANOCs carefully to make sure their current plans will meet their health and budget requirements in 2012.
"Medicare drug plans change every year: the benefits can change, costs can change, entire plans can be terminated and there can be real consequences for seniors who don't make adjustments during the AEP. By reviewing their Annual Notice of Change documents and comparison-shopping with other plans, Wisconsin seniors can make better, more informed and cost-effective choices."
Forty-five years of experience serving seniors on Medicare.
WPS has served seniors on Medicare since the program began in 1966. Today, the company's Medicare supplement plan, the WPS Medicare Companion, is the #1 choice of Wisconsin seniors, outselling all other supplements in the state.1 In addition, more than 25,000 seniors have enrolled in the company's Medicare Part D plans–making WPS the largest not-for-profit Part D plan provider in Wisconsin2.
WPS encourages seniors who have Medicare-specific questions to visit the Official US Government Medicare website or call 1 800 MEDICARE (800-633-4227).
1 Based on sales data submitted by insurers to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, 2010.
2 CMS enrollment data, 5/2011.
Annual changes to Medicare Part D plans mean seniors should be vigilant to ensure that they continue to receive high-quality coverage from a stable and reliable source
In 2010, only 1 in 5 Medicare beneficiaries over the age of 65 planned to review their Medicare coverage options for 20111. Why is this statistic troubling? Because Medicare health plans change every year. Benefits can change, costs can change, entire plans can disappear–and there can be real consequences for seniors who don't stay informed. WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer and provider of Medicare supplement insurance plans and Medicare Part D plans, reminds Medicare beneficiaries to review their prescription drug coverage options during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
"Medicare's AEP is the time when seniors may change Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan (PDP), change their Part D prescription drug plans, or return to Original Medicare," said Jim Baird, Vice President of Individual Sales at WPS Health Insurance. "This fall, Medicare's AEP will begin and end almost a full month earlier than previous years. During this time, it is crucial that seniors review their coverage and make sure their current plan still meets their needs."
In particular, seniors should take time to review their Annual Notice of Change, the document sent by insurance companies that explains which benefits have changed, and how they have changed, for the upcoming plan year. This year, notices are due to arrive by September 30. Notices will detail changes to the plan, such as changes in the premium, copays, drug formulary (for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans), tiers and restrictions, and will compare the benefits in 2012 with those in 2011. With these updates in mind, seniors can shop around and compare plans to see if their current coverage still offers sufficient protection at a competitive price.
Sometimes, seniors don't realize their plan is inadequate until their health begins to decline. "At that point, it can be very difficult to switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a high-quality Medicare supplement plan and Medicare Part D plan that will cover a greater portion of their medical costs. So look for a plan that will give you the protection you need, both today and in the unpredictable future," concludes Baird.
Forty-five years of experience serving seniors on Medicare.
WPS has served seniors on Medicare since the program began in 1966. Today, the company's Medicare supplement plan, the WPS Medicare Companion, is the #1 choice of Wisconsin seniors, outselling all other supplements in the state2. In addition, more than 25,000 seniors have enrolled in the company's Medicare Part D plans–making WPS the largest not-for-profit Part D plan provider in Wisconsin3.
WPS encourages seniors who have Medicare-specific questions to visit the Official US Government Medicare website or call 1 800 MEDICARE (800-633-4227).
1 PlanPrescriber, Inc., Dec. 2010.
2 Based on sales data submitted by insurers to the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, 2010.
3 CMS enrollment data, 5/2011.
07/29/2011
Two-day fundraiser is expected to draw nearly 2,000 for a scenic three-county trek from Milwaukee to the WPS campus in Madison
WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer and provider of affordable individual health insurance, Medicare supplement plans, and group health insurance, is proud to sponsor the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter's Bike MS: TOYOTA Best Dam Bike Ride.
The two-day fundraiser takes place Saturday and Sunday, August 6–7. This year's event will feature a three-county ride from Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee to the WPS Health Insurance campus in Madison. Proceeds will support critical MS research and provide much-needed programs for Wisconsin residents with MS and their families.
Each year, Bike MS: TOYOTA Best Dam Bike Ride brings nearly 2,000 cyclists, family members, friends, and volunteers together to move toward a cure for MS–a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. This year, cyclists can choose to ride 62.5, 75, or 100 miles each day, and their efforts help to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of more than 10,000 children, women, and men in Wisconsin who live with MS.
In addition to sponsoring the event, WPS will be represented by its very own cycling team. "WPS Spokes Crew" is led by co-captains Paul Brazeau and Kerri Zastrow, and includes team members Douglas Peters and Kevin Zalnis. What's more, WPS employees will volunteer to work a rest stop on Saturday and the finish-line festivities at WPS on Sunday.
"Thank you to WPS Health Insurance for its partnering sponsorship," said Colleen Kalt, president and CEO of the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter. "WPS is one of Wisconsin's best; their corporate partnership and community leadership makes Wisconsin a great place to live, work, and ride! Together, we will bring an end to multiple sclerosis. With every mile our bikers ride, we move that much closer to a cure."
In support of Bike MS: TOYOTA Best Dam Bike Ride participants, the Society provides frequent, fully stocked rest stops, mechanical and medical support, lodging, meals and entertainment, a finish-line celebration, transportation, and more. The fee to enter is $40. Participants must pledge a minimum of $300 to receive their rider numbers, and they may continue to fundraise and be eligible for incentives until September 16.
This is the first year WPS has sponsored Bike MS: TOYOTA Best Dam Bike Ride. An active supporter of local community organizations, WPS has also partnered with United Way, The Salvation Army, Komen Madison Race for the Cure, VSA of Wisconsin, and many others.
For more information about Wisconsin's Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Ride, please visit the Wisconsin's Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Ride website.
About the National MS Society
The National MS Society is a collective of passionate people dedicated to achieving a world free of multiple sclerosis. The Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, and provides programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. The Wisconsin Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society proudly serves more than 10,000 residents diagnosed with MS, and those who love and care for them.
7/12/2011
Program Recognizes Military Families On Lambeau Field In Pregame
Operation Fan Mail, the program that recognizes military families at each Packers home game, will mark its fifth season in 2011, and the third year it has been presented by WPS Health Insurance.
The program, which debuted in 2007, is designed to recognize families with a member who is on active duty. The Packers and WPS Health Insurance will host a family at each 2011 home game and recognize them on the field during pregame activities. A total of 38 families have been recognized during the past four seasons.
"Operation Fan Mail is one of our most meaningful gameday programs," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "Military families make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of all of us, and with WPS Health Insurance we’re proud to recognize them in Lambeau Field."To choose families, the Packers and WPS Health Insurance are asking interested families, or friends of eligible families, to submit an essay, 500 words or less, on why a particular family should be saluted. Essays can be sent to: Operation Fan Mail, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628. Essays also can be submitted online at the official Packers Operation Fan Mail website.
Families intended for recognition are those that have a member serving on active duty. The family member can be a mother, father, son, daughter or sibling.
In addition to being recognized on-field prior to the game, selected families will receive four tickets to the game and a $150 Packers Pro Shop gift card from WPS.
6/30/2011
New article from Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer demystifies 33 common industry terms
No doubt about it, the language of health insurance can be hard to understand. Yet every day, it's becoming more and more important for health care consumers to have at least a basic knowledge of the industry's terminology. That's why WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer and provider of affordable individual health insurance and group health insurance, has assembled a helpful list of plain-English definitions for 33 of the most commonly used health insurance terms.
Some of the terms WPS explains include:
Copayment
one of the ways people share in their medical costs. The patient pays a flat fee for certain medical expenses (e.g., $10 for every visit to the doctor), while their insurance company pays the rest.
Deductible
the amount of money someone must pay each year to cover medical expenses before their insurance policy starts paying.
Explanation of benefits
the health insurance company's written explanation of how a medical claim was paid. It contains detailed information about what the company paid and what portion of the costs the individual is responsible for.
Medicare supplement plans
plans offered by private insurance companies to help fill the "gaps" in Medicare coverage.Network
the group of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers that insurance companies contract with to provide services at discounted rates. Consumers will generally pay less for services received from providers in network.
Rider
coverage options that enable people to expand their basic insurance plan for an additional premium. A common example is a maternity rider.
Underwriting
the process by which health insurance companies determine whether to extend coverage to an applicant and/or set the policy's premium.
Twenty-six more terms are explained in the full article, "Health Insurance 101: Health Insurance Terms and Definitions," which is available for free in the Learning Center on the WPS Health Insurance website.
WPS encourages health care consumers who have questions about these terms, their own coverage, or any other health-insurance-related questions, to call 888-245-4197 and talk with a friendly WPS representative today.
3/16/2011
Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurance company is also the world's only health insurance company to earn this distinction
WPS Health Insurance, Wisconsin's leading not-for-profit health insurer and provider of affordable group and individual health insurance has once again been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. This is the fifth year Ethisphere, an international think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement, and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption, and sustainability, has published the WME rankings, which appear in Ethisphere Magazine's Q1 issue. Ethisphere reviewed thousands of nominations from companies around the globe. From these, it selected 110 honorees, including WPS—the only health insurance company in the world to receive this prestigious award.
This special designation is reserved for organizations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to ethical leadership, compliance practices, and corporate social responsibility. Securing a place on the 2011 World's Most Ethical Companies list is a significant achievement as this year was exceptionally competitive, with a record number of nominations and applications.
"Ethics and integrity are not only integral to the success of our business—they are at the core of our corporate values," said Riordan. "Our employees' commitment to the highest possible ethical standards has made it possible for WPS to foster an excellent reputation as an ethical company recognized by experts as among the best in the world."
Through in-depth research and a multi-step analysis, Ethisphere reviewed thousands of companies and selected 110 that surpassed their industry peers to appear on this year's list of World's Most Ethical Companies. The 2011 list features companies in 38 industries, including 43 companies headquartered outside the United States.
Other 2011 WME winners include such well-known international companies as American Express, eBay, Ford Motor Company, Adidas, Starbucks, PepsiCo, and Xerox Corporation.
"As companies strive to maintain a competitive advantage, good ethics translate into better business, and better business means better bottom lines. WPS Health Insurance recognizes the important role that principled practices play in brand reputation, which ultimately is the most valuable asset for a corporation," said Alex Brigham, executive director of the Ethisphere Institute. "Each year, the competition gets more intense for the World's Most Ethical Companies and this year was no exception, with a record number of organizations vying for this distinguished honor. Ethisphere congratulates WPS Health Insurance on being one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for 2011."
The methodology for the WME ranking includes reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; and studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers, and customers.
Read about the methodology and view the complete list of the 2011 World's Most Ethical Companies.
