News Release
May 1, 2008
Membership meeting focuses on HMSA’s 70th anniversary
Cliff Cisco
Senior Vice President
(808) 948-5481
cliff_cisco@hmsa.com
The Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) today held its Annual Membership Meeting
at the Ala Moana Hotel. In addition to a review of 2007 financial results, HMSA
President and CEO Robert P. Hiam presented a summary of significant milestones in
the nonprofit health plan’s 70-year history.
In his remarks, Hiam said, “On June 1, 2008, HMSA will celebrate its 70th
anniversary. That’s seven decades of providing quality, affordable health
care coverage for the people of Hawaii. Delivering value to our members has been
a big part of HMSA’s formula for success for 70 years. From generation to
generation, HMSA has been the one thing you could count on for your family’s
good health and well-being.”
Hiam presented an anniversary video that traced the nonprofit health plan’s
historical timeline from 1938 through 2007. The video featured old newspaper clippings,
black-and-white film and photos, and interviews with long-time members, physicians,
and retired HMSA employees.
2007 Highlights of Accomplishments
At the meeting, Hiam reported on HMSA’s 2007 accomplishments, including:
- HMSA delivered exceptional value to its members in 2007 by using 94.4 percent of
all dues revenue to reimburse hospitals, physicians and other health care providers.
- HMSA administered health plans for 16,400 employer groups in the state.
- HMSA processed an average of 68,100 claims every business day of the year, for a
total of more than 17.2 million claims in 2007.
- HMSA’s Care Connection disease management program provided services to 114,500
members with serious conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease and
diabetes.
- HMSA maintained a provider network of 5,100 participating physicians, dentists,
hospitals, pharmacies, and other health care providers.
- HMSA Foundation committed $1.5 million in grants last year to 43 community organizations
to help promote the health and well-being of Hawaii’s people.
- HMSA member satisfaction remained very high. In an annual survey, 96 percent of
members indicated they would choose their health plan again.
“We’re proud to be a community health plan that doesn’t focus
on profits,” said Hiam. “We’re proud to pursue financial breakeven
each year, and we’re proud to offer our members real value for their hard-earned
dollars. When it comes to value, no other health plan in the state can offer the
kind of value that HMSA offers its members.”
Hiam shared the podium with Steve Van Ribbink, HMSA’s executive vice president,
chief financial officer, and treasurer. About 350 HMSA members attended the meeting.
About HMSA
HMSA is a nonprofit, mutual benefit association founded in Hawaii in 1938. It is
governed by a community board of directors that includes representatives from health
care, business, labor, government, education, clergy, and the community at large.
It is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Nationally,
HMSA and 38 other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans provide worldwide coverage to
more than 100 million members.
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