Capital BlueCross to open first health and wellness store in the Harrisburg region

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In the up-and-coming Hampden Marketplace shopping development, neighboring a Giant Food store and the PinnacleHealth West Shore Hospital in Hampden Township, there will soon be a new and unique health experience for residents of this region.

Capital BlueCross today announced that the company plans to open a Capital Blue health and wellness store in the shopping development in spring 2015, the health insurer's second retail location within its 21-county footprint. The first Capital Blue store opened in 2012 in The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, a shopping destination in the Lehigh Valley.

"Most health insurance retail locations are somewhat conventional, primarily focusing on sales and traditional customer service," said Gary D. St. Hilaire, Capital BlueCross president and CEO. "Capital Blue is unique in that, first and foremost, it is a health and wellness store that enables consumers to more directly and effectively experience our mission of helping people live healthy in the community at large. Of course, we will also provide a first rate sales and customer service experience to all who visit us, along with a host of other opportunities for people to engage in a variety of healthy activities.  Our one-of-a-kind Capital Blue stores are a key part of how Capital BlueCross is transforming the industry for a new era in health care, one in which providing convenience and an exceptional experience for customers will set us apart."

Want to try yoga? Take a class in the fitness area. Find out your body mass index? Receive your screening results in minutes. Create a custom wellness plan? An onsite care guide will work with you to develop one that fits your needs.

Additionally, the store will feature a full-service healthy cafe with free Wi-Fi and a seasonal menu of fresh sandwiches, salads, soups and beverages. And children will be able to enjoy iPads with health-related games and more in the Kids Zone.

Complementing these services and amenities will be free community events – from healthy cooking demonstrations and nutrition seminars to book signings and artist receptions – to inspire and engage individuals and families to live healthy.

"Since I embarked on my journey with Capital Blue, I have reaped the rewards and benefits over and over again," said Susan Drexinger, a customer who frequents the Capital Blue store in the Lehigh Valley. "Get ready central Pennsylvania – with Capital Blue you will have new opportunities and resources to get on the right track to a healthier lifestyle, with the support of a knowledgeable and compassionate team of professionals."

In addition to all its health and wellness programs and services, Capital Blue will serve as a much-needed source for in-person insurance education, answers and products, especially valuable as consumers continue to face changes related to health care reform.

With 8,800 square feet of space, the store will include a concierge desk; presentation space; children's area; fitness area; private individual and family customer service offices; meeting space for community use; and cafe space with ample casual seating.

Customers need not wait for the opening of the new store to start connecting with Capital Blue. At capitalbluestore.com, they can find inspiration to live healthy by following the Capital Blue blog, which features fresh and original stories each week on nutrition, fitness, wellness, area events and healthy recipes. The blog is written by local contributors and Capital BlueCross employees.

About Capital BlueCross

For more than 75 years, Capital BlueCross has served residents and businesses in central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley as the region's leading health insurer. Delivering value through innovation and collaboration, Capital BlueCross continues to evolve, investing in products, services and partnerships to create an even healthier future for customers with more choice, greater convenience and enhanced quality of care. Through Capital Blue, the company's one-of-a-kind health and wellness retail store, consumers have a place to go for in-person health insurance consultation and service, and for health and wellness information and programs, in a welcoming, convenient environment. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association employing more than 1,800 people. For more information, visit capbluecross.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140916/146406

SOURCE Capital BlueCross