50 and fabulous – thanks to you!
Our history in helping members obtain affordable health care goes back to 1971 when we were founded as the Greater Marshfield Community Health Plan, the first rural health maintenance organization (HMO) in the nation. We're proud to serve our Wisconsin communities and carry on our mission of enriching lives for generations to come.
Thank you for placing your trust in us
Enriching lives for 50 years
A continuing legacy of serving you
Taking care of employers for generations
Read how one Marshfield-based business has received coverage for employees since 1960
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- Timeline of historical events
- Trivia
Timeline of historical events
1960
- Marshfield Clinic makes arrangement to provide Felker Brothers Corp. employees with health care coverage.
1968
- Congressman Melvin Laird asked Marshfield Clinic physician Russell Lewis if the Clinic would be willing to experiment with prepaid care in an effort to reduce health care costs. Over the next two years, Dr. Lewis, Dr. Ben Lawton, Fritz Wenzel and Mr. Laird worked together to develop the Greater Marshfield Community Health Plan, which later became Security Health Plan.
1971
- Greater Marshfield Community Health Plan began enrolling members in March 1971. It was the nation’s first rural HMO. By the end of the year, enrollment was 9,188. There was a continuous open enrollment. No one was denied coverage due to any pre-existing condition.
- The Greater Marshfield Community Health Plan was a joint venture between Marshfield Clinic, Blue Cross Blue Shield United and Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
1975
- There were four separate plans at this time that people could enroll in: The Greater Marshfield Community Health Plan, The Clark Plan, The Medford Plan and Family Health Center.
1980
- Enrollment opened to Medicare beneficiaries.
1986
- Greater Marshfield Community Health Plan was dissolved. Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc. was established. Partnership with Blue Cross and St. Joseph’s Hospital ends.
1989
- Different types of plans offered. This included Medicare Supplement, individual plans and employer coverage.
1993
- The building on Marshfield Clinic campus where Security Health Plan employees worked was dedicated to Health Plan founder Russell Lewis, M.D. This was the former Grant Elementary School building that was converted to office space for Security Health Plan and other Marshfield Clinic departments in 1993.
1994
- Security Health Plan began holding bike rodeos to teach children about bike safety and prevent head injuries.
1995
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Jim Coleman executive director (1993-1999) and William Maurer, M.D. medical director (1986-1998)
1998
- Health Plan enrollment surpasses 100,000 members.
- First employer group is sold on Security’s third party administrative (TPA) product.
- Groundbreaking for Security Health Plan’s current building
1999
- Security Health Plan began participating in Wisconsin’s Medicaid program, also known as BadgerCare Plus.
- Security Health Plan rated #1 in Customer Service in the nation, based on a patient experience survey.
- Security Health Plan moved into the new building at 1515 St. Joseph Ave.
2002
- Security Health Plan launched Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare + choice)
- Security Health Plan becomes accredited with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
2005
- Security Health Plan rated #1 health plan in Wisconsin, 11th best health plan in the nation for commercial, and 3rd best in the nation for Medicare Advantage.
2006
- Jerry Kramer began as Security Health Plan’s spokesman
2008
- Nurse Navigator service offered to help members navigate through the health care system.
2010
- Security’s Medicare Advantage plans earn 5-star CMS rating
2014
- Security Health Plan launches Affordable Care Act plans on the Federally-facilitated Exchange. At the end of 2014, Security Health Plan enrolled 24,255 members in a policy through the Federally-facilitated Exchange.
2015
- Health Plan enrollment surpasses 230,000 members
2020
- Security Health Plan expands coverage of telehealth and covers Care My Way® visits at 100% for members.
Trivia
In January 2000, Mr. Laird toured the new building and met Security Health Plan employees.
In 2000. Our mascot for the Dairfest parade was a Health Nut.
In 2015. We’re proud to have achieved SQM’s world class customer experience certification for five consecutive years.
Testimonials
Deb has been an employee for 28 years, and spoke at Security Health Plan’s groundbreaking in 1998. She’s proud to work at the Health Plan and says the employees have comradeship, a strong work ethic and a genuine sense of caring for subscribers.
I began working with Security Health Plan in 1980, which at that time was Greater Marshfield Community Health Plan. There were only 20 employees and one computer for everyone to use. I’ve created lifelong friendships and have enjoyed working for an organization that is like family.
I started working at Security Health Plan in 1983. After 37 years, I’ve grown with the Security Health Plan family, both personally and professionally. I’ve gained valuable experience and am proud to contribute to the organization’s mission of helping our members.
My 25+ year career at Security Health Plan has been truly rewarding. It is so satisfying to know that I am helping make a difference in the lives of our members. At Security Health Plan, we go above and beyond, and I am very fortunate we have health insurance products available that I feel 100% confident recommending to our employers and members.