About Us: Awards & Recognition

VITAL Innovation receives "Corporate Innovation" award

Highmark Health's VITAL Innovation Platform was named the winner in the "Corporate Innovation" category of the 23rd annual Carnegie Science Awards. VITAL was lauded for "actively partnering to help demonstrate the cost effectiveness of new treatments — an innovation that is transforming the health insurance industry and positively benefiting America's healthcare system."

CEO David Holmberg named to "100 Most Influential People" list

Modern Healthcare named Highmark Health president and CEO David Holmberg one of its "100 Most Influential People" for 2019. This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors individuals who are deemed by their peers and the senior editors of Modern Healthcare to be the most influential individuals in the industry in terms of leadership and impact.

Dr. Tony Farah recognized as one of "50 Most Influential Clinical Executives"

In 2019, renowned cardiologist and Highmark Health chief transformation officer Dr. Tony Farah earned "50 Most Influential Clinical Executives" recognition from Modern Healthcare. The list focuses on clinician leaders who "have helped their organizations to achieve or exceed financial, operational, and clinical goals; taken steps to establish or contribute to a culture of innovation and transformation; and addressed the Triple Aim of improved community health, a better patient experience, and lower costs."

Medicare Advantage plans recognized for member satisfaction

For the fourth consecutive year, Highmark's Medicare Advantage plans received high rankings in the annual J.D. Power Medicare Advantage Study. Highmark maintained a number two ranking in the nation for Medicare Advantage Overall Customer Satisfaction and received the highest score in the Provider Choice factor among health plans profiled in the study.

National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association's Excellence in Public Awareness Award

In 2019, Highmark and its financial investigations & provider review team received the NHCAA Excellence in Public Awareness Award for its Opioid Epidemic Education Program. This award is bestowed annually to an organization or individual who has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to raising public awareness about the problem of health care fraud.

United Concordia Dental recognized as Military Friendly employer

A leading veterans organization named United Concordia Dental to its 2020 Military Friendly^® Employers List, which recognizes companies for hiring military veterans and their spouses, including members of the National Guard and Reserve. VIQTORY, which has published the Military Friendly Employers List since 2003, analyzed public and government data sources and surveyed more than 8,800 employers nationwide to compile the 2020 list.

United Concordia Dental receives URAC Health Network Reaccreditation

In 2019, United Concordia Dental earned a three-year Utilization Review Accreditation Committee (URAC^®) reaccreditation for the quality of its network management activities. The company is one of the first dental insurers to receive this distinction, which it has held since 2013.

HM Insurance Group companies' A ratings reaffirmed by A.M. Best Company

HM Life Insurance Company and HM Life Insurance Company of New York were assigned an A rating by A.M. Best, a global credit rating agency that focuses on the insurance industry. The ratings reflect the level of each company's financial strength and stability.

AHN's West Penn Hospital named one of nation's 100 Top Hospitals

West Penn Hospital was named one of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals by IBM Watson Health^™ in 2019. The report spotlights the top-performing hospitals in the U.S., based on a balanced scorecard of publicly available clinical, operational, and patient satisfaction data; West Penn was one of just two hospitals in the Pittsburgh area — and one of four in Pennsylvania — to be named to the 100 Top Hospitals list.

AHN rheumatologist honored with national distinguished service award

In 2019, AHN's Susan Manzi, MD, MPH, was named the recipient of the American College of Rheumatology's 2019 Distinguished Clinical Investigator Award. Chair of AHN Medicine Institute and director of its Lupus Center of Excellence, Dr. Manzi was among an elite group of honorees, including leading researchers, clinicians, mentors, and other professionals who exhibited "superior commitment to the advancement of the field of rheumatology."

AHN president and CEO named one of the nation's top women health care leaders

Modern Healthcare magazine selected AHN President and CEO Cynthia Hundorfean as one of the nation's Top 25 Women Leaders in 2019. The magazine's biennial recognition program honors top women health care executives who are influencing health care policy and care delivery models across the country.

HMHS recognized with 2019 Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Performance Excellence (MAAPE) Commitment Award

The HMHS Information Technology organization received the 2019 Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Performance Excellence (MAAPE) Commitment Award, which was accepted by Piper Kotwica, IT Strategy and Quality Director, at the 2019 MAAPE Awards Banquet and Conference. She also co-led a breakout session titled "IT R2: R2 Stands for Reliability and Resiliency."

Three companies named "Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality"

Highmark Inc. earned "Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality" recognition with a perfect score of 100 points in the Corporate Equality Index for the third consecutive year. Highmark Delaware and Highmark West Virginia also scored 100 points and made the list for the first time.

Highmark Health wins "Most Sustainable Large Business" in Sustainable Pittsburgh Challenge

Highmark Health was among more than 100 Pittsburgh employers that participated in a 13-month competition to increase performance in sustainability. Overall, the 2018-19 Sustainable Pittsburgh Challenge comprised 2,209 actions in seven sustainability focus areas that included reducing the use of energy and water, creating a workforce engaged in environmental stewardship, and promoting more carpooling, biking and other types of alternative transportation.

Highmark Health wins "Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion"

The Disability Equality Index® is a leading national benchmark established jointly by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN. Highmark Health scored the full 100 points across index criteria, and was once again recognized as a leader among the record-breaking 180 businesses that participated in 2019. "Supporting a diverse workforce is essential in getting health care right for our customers and our patients," said Dr. Lonie Haynes, vice president of diversity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer for Highmark Health.