EmblemHealth Receives Full URAC Health Web Site Accreditation

NEW YORK, June 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- EmblemHealth, Inc., which provides health insurance through its companies Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), has received Full Health Web Site Accreditation from URAC, a Washington, DC-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry.  URAC developed the Health Web Site Accreditation to set standards that address consumer concerns about privacy, quality and accountability.

"We are honored to receive Health Web Site Accreditation from URAC," said William Gillespie, MD, Chief Medical Officer for EmblemHealth.  "Consumer trust is a vital ingredient for the success of health care, including how we interact via the internet. This accreditation assures our clients that our Web site meets the highest standards and, most importantly, protects their privacy."

The URAC standards are rigorous regarding the use and protection of personal information consumers provide to a health Web site. To qualify for URAC accreditation, Web sites must have certain processes in place regarding health content, including an editorial policy that identifies the author and requires that information be evidence-based.  There also must be a clear distinction between paid advertising and content.  If the Web site links to other sites, it must have a process for choosing the sites to which it links, and for periodically reviewing links to ensure they are current and appropriate.

"By applying for and receiving Health Web Site Accreditation, EmblemHealth has demonstrated a commitment to quality health care," said Alan P. Spielman, URAC President and CEO.  "Quality health care is crucial to our nation's welfare, and it is important to have organizations that are willing to measure themselves against national standards."

About EmblemHealth:

EmblemHealth, Inc., through its companies Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), provides quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 2.9 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO programs, as well as prescription drug, dental and vision plans. Plans offer a choice of networks, including access to over 103,000 quality doctors and other health care professionals and most of the leading hospitals across the tristate region. For more information, visit www.emblemhealth.com  

About URAC:

URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is well-known as a leader in promoting health care quality through its accreditation and certification programs. URAC offers a wide range of quality benchmarking programs and services that keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system, and provide a symbol of excellence for organizations to validate their commitment to quality and accountability.  Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in setting meaningful standards for the heath care industry.  For more information, visit www.urac.org.

SOURCE EmblemHealth, Inc.