Health care can be complex and challenging to navigate. Now, Greenville community members have a new place to go for support and answers.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) held the official grand opening of its new Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center last week to provide members with in-person support to understand and make the most of their health plans.
The center aims to help residents understand insurance claims or medical bills, support them with finding the right insurance plan or answer questions about health care. Center staff will provide wellness and prevention education classes.
“I think our Greenville neighbors will feel better knowing they have a knowledgeable staff of people in their corner here to guide them,” said Becky Bateman, team leader of the new center. “We believe it can make all the difference when navigating healthcare.” “It feels great being back in eastern North Carolina to continue to serve the community and lead the center to excellence.”
Bateman, a native of Pitt County, had a seasoned career in customer service and possessed full health insurance licensure since 2012. She recently moved back home to Greenville to take the position to lead the new center. Bateman has a staff of six specialists who are experts in the health care industry.
“Our Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center is here to support our community beyond health insurance,” Bateman said. “We are offering residents a space to connect, learn and live healthier. It’s another way Blue Cross NC is making health care better for all.”
At the August 15 grand opening celebration, Blue Cross NC hosted local non-profit organizations, community leaders and Greenville residents. This is the fourth center that has opened in North Carolina. Other locations are in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Boone.
Fran Gary, senior vice-president of Blue Cross NC Health Plans, told the group that Blue Cross NC created the center specifically for the Greenville community.
“We designed and built this space to be an extension of the incredible community work already happening in Greenville,” Gary said. “Our goal is to support community building, foster strong partnerships, and remain a steadfast ally to Greenville and its surrounding areas.”
Greenville Mayor P.J. Connelly agreed.
“As Greenville continues to grow, it is important that our residents have the access and support they need to be physically and mentally healthy,” Connelly said. “We are excited about the Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center and what it will do to help make this happen.”
Events will start with Bingo on August 26 and after that date will be held monthly during the second and fourth Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Yoga classes start September 3 and will be held starting at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
