EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Launches in Harlem and Queens

NEW YORK, Jan. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- EmblemHealth, the largest New York-based health insurer, today announces EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care, a new initiative that will integrate the company's resources with those of the community in an unprecedented way to achieve better health.

EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care will enable members to meet face-to-face with customer service, eligibility, enrollment and benefits experts who will listen to their health challenges and help them use their insurance coverage and other community resources to lead healthier lives.

"EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care will help our members get the most from their health care. By understanding their lives, linking them to resources and simplifying processes, we will help remove the barriers that prevent them from staying healthy, living well and living better," said William Lamoreaux, Senior Vice President, Government Programs. "We are committed to using our local knowledge and resources to make health care work better for both our members and the entire community."

A registered nurse, behavioral health specialist, and pharmacist will also be available at EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care to provide health guidance, referral assistance and medication support. Service offerings at each location will be customized to support the unique needs of the Harlem and Cambria Heights communities.

The first two EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care locations are open in Harlem, at 215 W. 125th St., and the Cambria Heights section of Queens, at 206-20 Linden Blvd.

Bringing Care Closer to the Community

"EmblemHealth is making health care accessible, approachable and understandable for the entire community," said William Gillespie, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of EmblemHealth. "By leveraging our strong physician and community relationships, we will also deepen our understanding of the needs of these communities and support culturally competent care delivery."

The goal of EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care is to offer support and personal attention from benefit experts and health care professionals to help EmblemHealth members navigate the health care system and improve health outcomes. At no cost to members, EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care staff will:

• Help solve billing issues;
• Find in-network treatment options;
• Connect members with the appropriate community resource; 
• Assist with enrollment in government programs; and
• Identify health and wellness programs.

EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care also will offer members and neighborhood residents access to community meeting spaces, educational materials and lectures, and health screenings such as blood pressure and body mass index. Interactive technology will provide guests with wellness information to help assess health risks and make informed choices.

All residents of the community are invited to take a tour of EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care. While there, residents can take an immediate health risk assessment, link to community-based services, use the health and wellness library, and attend classes on caregiving, nutrition, diabetes and Medicare.

For more information, please visit the EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care website at www.emblemhealth.com/EHNC and take the virtual tour to experience what care feels like.

About EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth, Inc., through its companies Group Health Incorporated (GHI) and HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), provides quality health care coverage and administrative services to approximately 3.4 million people. Groups and individuals can choose from a variety of PPO, EPO and HMO plans, as well as coverage for prescription drugs and dental and vision care. We offer a choice of networks, including quality doctors and other health care professionals throughout the region, leading acute care hospitals across the tristate area, and physicians and hospitals across all 50 states. For more information, visit www.emblemhealth.com.

SOURCE EmblemHealth