What is the Apex Award program?
The Apex Award program recognizes the best-designed health care benefits strategies and programs of innovative employers that are working to improve the health care experience for consumers. All submissions are judged on the nominated program's overall approach to specific health care challenges, and the corresponding results in overcoming those challenges.

The Apex Awards program is open to current UnitedHealthcare customers with 3,000 or more employees, non-public sector entities*. Apex Award finalist programs will be profiled at the 2012 UnitedHealthcare National Accounts Customer Forum — May 9-11 in Palos Verdes, Calif — and winners will be announced live at the event's Apex Awards dinner. By highlighting these best practices, we hope this program furthers a dialogue on effective solutions that will help drive change throughout the health care system.

What is the nomination process? How do I apply?
Applications on behalf of eligible companies may be submitted in one of two ways:

• By employers that are nominating themselves, with the approval of the company's senior-most benefits executive; or
• By UnitedHealthcare account teams on behalf of their employer customers, with the approval of the nominee's senior-most benefits executive.

The brief application form requires short answers to questions about the nominated program.

What is the deadline to submit a nomination?
All nominations must be received electronically by Friday, March 2, 2012.

What is the judging process?
A panel of independent representatives from the health care industry, including past Apex Award winners, will review the applications and vote on the winners. Entries will be judged on a range of criteria, including:

• Recognition of a pressing health care benefits challenge
• Innovation and/or leadership in addressing the challenge
• Demonstration of impact and measurable results

What are the benefits to Apex Award finalists and winners?
All Apex Award finalist programs will be profiled at the 2012 UnitedHealthcare National Accounts Customer Forum—May 9-11 in Palos Verdes, Calif.—and winners will be announced live at the event's Apex Awards dinner. Each winner can also be profiled in an optional press release highlighting the company’s innovative program.

What if I have further questions?
If you have further questions about the Apex Awards, please contact Matthew Yi at matthew.yi@uhc.com.

*Companies with fewer than 3,000 employees are encouraged to apply for the annual Well Deserved awards, which recognize employers for implementing exemplary wellness programs aimed at reducing health risks and improving prevention among their employees. For information about the Well Deserved program, please contact Carol Calvin, carol_p_calvin@uhc.com.