CYPRESS, Calif., July 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PacifiCare Health Systems Inc. erected a “Wall of Honor” to express pride and appreciation for all PacifiCare employees who are Armed Forces veterans, particularly those who have been recalled into active duty from the National Guard and Reserve since Sept. 11, 2001.
PacifiCare hosted a dedication ceremony today in the lobby of the company’s headquarters in Cypress, where the wall will be permanently displayed.
According to PacifiCare Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Howard Phanstiel, the Wall of Honor features photos and biographical and service information on several PacifiCare employees who -- in most cases -- have been placed directly in harm’s way in various theaters of conflict stemming from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In addition, the wall includes a list of more than 130 PacifiCare Armed Forces veterans and Guard/Reserve employees.
“We dedicate this Wall of Honor to our employees who, when duty called them, made the unselfish, honorable commitment to serve their country,” said Phanstiel. “It is our hope that this wall can express the gratitude we at PacifiCare feel for their service and dedication. We believe they -- and our Wall of Honor -- exemplify our company theme that ‘Caring is Good. Doing Something is Better.’”
In April 2003, the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognized Phanstiel and PacifiCare as a Patriotic Employer, in response to PacifiCare’s announcement that the company would continue the policy it instituted following the terrorist attacks. According to Phanstiel, PacifiCare employees in the military reserve who are called to active duty retain their families’ health benefits for one year (instead of the standard 90 days) while they are on military leave. The company also pays the active reservists the difference between their current salary and their military earnings for one year. Additionally, active reservists are reinstated in their jobs upon their return.
“Among the most satisfying moments for me since joining PacifiCare has been the recognition PacifiCare has received for its military-leave policy,” said Phanstiel.
PacifiCare Health Systems is one of the nation’s largest consumer health organizations with more than 3 million health plan members and approximately 9 million specialty plan members nationwide. PacifiCare offers individuals, employers and Medicare beneficiaries a variety of consumer-driven health care and life insurance products. Currently, more than 99 percent of PacifiCare’s commercial health plan members are enrolled in plans that have received Excellent Accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). PacifiCare’s specialty operations include behavioral health, dental and vision, and complete pharmacy and medical management through its wholly owned subsidiary, Prescription Solutions. More information on PacifiCare Health Systems is available at http://www.pacificare.com/.
PacifiCare Health Systems Inc.
CONTACT: Dan Miller, Media Relations of PacifiCare Health Systems Inc.,+1-714-226-3726
Web site: http://www.pacificare.com/
