Independent Health began offering health solutions in 1980 through one of Western New York’s first federally qualified health maintenance organizations (HMOs). The individual practice association (IPA)-model HMO, offers a unique blend of comprehensive benefits focusing on wellness and preventive care with the freedom to see participating physicians in their private offices. In a departure from traditional insurance, Independent Health’s founders were faced with the challenge of educating the community on what was, at the time, a new concept in health insurance, managed care.
