Blue Cross opens larger store, plans more in state

John Howell
Posted 10/7/14

Since opening its first community retail store at Cowesett Corners last October, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) has seen an influx of elderly members seeking information on their …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Blue Cross opens larger store, plans more in state

Posted

Since opening its first community retail store at Cowesett Corners last October, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) has seen an influx of elderly members seeking information on their plans and individuals looking for health care coverage.

With the grand opening of permanent and much larger facilities in the same shopping center, Blue Cross unveiled plans to open additional stores throughout Rhode Island so that – in the words of Blue Cross President and CEO Peter Andruszkiewicz – no Rhode Islander will need to drive more than 20 minutes to speak face-to-face with a Blue Cross representative or take part in the free activities being offered at the facilities.

At last Tuesday’s “Healthcare Innovation Open House,” Andruszkiewicz disclosed that a similar facility is scheduled to open this month in Bristol, and a third is planned for north of Providence.

“We need to be where people work and play,” he said. “This is Blue Cross coming out to the community where its customers are.”

The “permanent” store, as it has been named, is steps above the cramped space of its first foray into community-based, one-on-one retailing. The new space is airy with comfortable alcoves, in which representatives can review plans and personal questions in an open yet private environment. While a professional setting, the store is neither sterile nor clinical. Wall-sized photographs of the Newport Bridge and Providence give an almost “outdoor” feel to the room where Andruszkiewicz greeted visitors, which will be used for fitness activities such as yoga and seminars. In addition, a nurse will be at the center for consultation. But that’s not all, says Anne Brunson, managing director of market implementation and delivery.

She said the facilities are designed to provide advocate assistance beyond health care. As an example, financial advice will be offered when questions are raised over when individuals should go on Social Security, as delaying payments can significantly affect monthly payments once on the schedule.

On a health-related topic, Brunson said the nurse would stress the “mouth body connection.” She pointed out that poor oral hygiene and untreated dental problems can lead to other ailments.

Brunson said people 65 years old and older represented a good percentage of those responding to the initial retail outlet.

She said people “like talking face-to-face” and that many questions related to Medicare and the plan that would meet their needs and ability to pay.

At last week’s opening, three medical-related companies were spotlighted as examples of the innovations taking place in the industry and the state.

Representatives from local start-up Health ID; the state’s medical record data sharing service, CurrentCare; and Sproutel’s robotic teaching toy Jerry the Bear addressed the group.

Andruszkiewicz cited the companies for their innovations and said their efforts dovetail with those of Blue Cross to make health care more affordable and attainable.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here