Empire BlueCross Blue Shield HealthPlus celebrates rebranding, new office

New name, same great service was the message delivered as Empire BlueCross Blue Shield HealthPlus cut the ribbon at its office in Park Slope, 471 Fifth Avenue.

The health insurance company held the ceremony on Tuesday, November 10 to celebrate its rebranding and new building. Employees, customers and residents were in attendance to enjoy entertainment that included a caricature artist and music by local station, WBLS 107.5. Food, drinks and cake were also distributed, as well as giveaway and promotional items and information.

“This is a celebration that’s open to the families and residents of the Park Slope community and the entire Brooklyn community,” said Community Outreach Manager Walid Farraj about the company that officially changed its name from HealthPlus Amerigroup in October. “We wanted to take this opportunity to let the community know that it’s still the same people, same products and services that they have grown accustomed to here.”

Farraj also wanted to assure customers that any changes would be positive ones. “We also want people to know we will have additional product offerings now with this rebrand,” he added. “We’re able to offer health insurance products to just about everyone in the community.”

Manager for Medicaid Plan Marketing Alejandro Veras addressed the crowd on the rainy afternoon. “With Empire BlueCross BlueShield, citywide within the five boroughs, we have over 450,000 members. Just in the Park Slope area, around the neighborhood, we serve over 180,000 members,” he said.

Veras also stressed that many residents in the Park Slope neighborhood still don’t have access to health insurance, something that Empire aims to change. “Many of the children and adults do not see doctors on a regular basis and do not have a regular checkup,” he said. “We try to reach out to those people who are still in need. It’s a pressing need in this community and we’re proud to be in the community more than 20 years trying to do so. Especially, now that we celebrate our new name, it’s an opportunity to engage with people and the community.”

According to Farraj, the reception to both the new name and building, which opened late last year, has been positive. “The community has been very welcoming of the new name and brand,” he said. “It’s a brand that remains synonymous with quality and excellent health care so we’re proud to be associated with it.

“We are here for the community six days a week,” he went on. “Right now, during our open enrollment period, we are available six days a week from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. every day. We have people here that speak multiple languages that can help with just about everything.”