Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Named a 2026 World's Top Disability Inclusive Business

The recognition highlights commitment to accessibility, inclusion and equitable experiences for employees, members and communities

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has been recognized as a 2026 World's Top Disability Inclusive Business by the Disability Index®, the leading independent benchmark measuring disability inclusion in business worldwide.

The distinction recognizes organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to creating inclusive workplaces and accessible experiences for employees, customers and communities. Excellus BCBS earned the recognition through its ongoing efforts to embed disability inclusion into its culture, operations and member experience.

“Disability inclusion belongs to all of us — it's reflected in the decisions we make, the experiences we create and the way we support one another every day,” said Sady Alvarado-Fischer, vice president, I.D.E.A. officer at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of employees across our organization to make disability inclusion a natural part of how we serve our members, support our colleagues and achieve our mission.”

The Disability Index evaluates organizations across multiple areas, including leadership, culture, accessibility, benefits, recruitment, career development, accommodations, supplier partnerships and communications. The recognition reflects the work of employees across the organization who contribute to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

Examples of those efforts include:

  • Providing members with accessible, responsive and respectful service experiences
  • Processing claims accurately and efficiently so members can access the care and benefits they need
  • Designing digital tools and experiences that are accessible and easy for everyone to use
  • Recruiting, hiring and supporting employees with diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities
  • Developing leaders who foster belonging, inclusion and equitable opportunities for growth
  • Creating communications and marketing materials that are accessible, inclusive and representative of the communities served
  • Collaborating with providers and community organizations to improve access, health outcomes and support for individuals of all abilities
  • Supporting business operations that help employees thrive in an inclusive workplace

The recognition highlights Excellus BCBS' commitment to creating an inclusive workplace and member experience and underscores the progress made through those efforts. At the same time, the Disability Index provides valuable insights that help guide the organization's ongoing work to advance accessibility and inclusion.

“We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to disability inclusion,” said Alvarado-Fischer. “The Disability Index not only celebrates progress but also helps us identify new opportunities to enhance accessibility, foster belonging, and continue strengthening our impact.”

Contact:
Corporate.Communications@excellus.com

2026 World's Top Disability Inclusive Business

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with about 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 4,000 employees, the health plan and its parent company are 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.

 

GDPR Notification Content