Healthfirst Opens Orange County Community Office

Nov 17, 2022

Newburgh Location Signifies Continued Growth, Expansion, and Opportunity to Offer Access to Quality, Affordable Healthcare Plans to More New Yorkers   

Newburgh, NY, November 16, 2022 – Healthfirst, New York’s largest not-for-profit health insurance company^[i] with more than 1.8 million members, is excited to announce the opening of its first community office location in Orange County at Crossroads Plaza, 50 NY Route 17K, Newburgh, NY.

A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday, November 15, and included entertainment provided by local youth talent. The Newburgh Armory Unity Center’s dance team performed an Africa-inspired dance, and original artwork created by students from the center’s art program was on display.

Local community leaders who attended the grand opening included:

• New York State Senator James Skoufis
• Assemblymember Jonathon G. Jacobson
• Town of Newburgh Supervisor Gil Piaquadio,
• Town of Newburgh Deputy Supervisor/Councilman Scott Manley
• Linda Muller, President and CEO of Cornerstone Family Healthcare
• Nancy Proyect, Executive Director of the Newburgh Armory Unity Center
• Daniel J. Maughan, President and CEO of Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall

“The pandemic vastly transformed the landscape of healthcare in Orange County. We feel it is very important to be present in the community to best understand and serve the unique health needs in the area,” said Errol Pierre, Healthfirst’s Senior Vice President, State Programs. “As a hyperlocal, community-based plan, having a physical presence where people can come and feel comfortable knowing that there are representatives here to help them is essential to keeping people healthy.”

“Since arriving in Orange County three years ago, Healthfirst has served the community during a difficult health crisis, ensuring that people had access to quality healthcare,” said New York State Senator, James Skoufis. “We look forward to their continued work keeping our residents healthy.”

Healthfirst entered Orange County in 2019 and has since doubled membership in its plans to more than 9,000 and is one of the fastest-growing Medicare Advantage plans in Orange County at present.^[ii] Opening this new location is important to Healthfirst’s continued growth and its promise of delivering high-quality, culturally competent customer service to its members. To meet the diverse needs of the community, the Healthfirst office is staffed with representatives fluent in English, Spanish, and Creole who will answer questions and help enroll those interested in obtaining Healthfirst health insurance coverage.

“Healthfirst’s commitment to our community is very much needed and welcome,” said Nancy Proyect, Executive Director of the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. We are thrilled to have a community office in Newburgh, and we look forward to partnering with their great team to improve the quality of life for the people that live here.”

Healthfirst currently offers the following health plans in Orange and Sullivan counties:

- Medicaid Managed Care - Medicare Advantage Plan - Child Health Plus

- Essential Plans - Personal Wellness Plan (HARP)

The Healthfirst Newburgh Community office is approximately 3,000 square feet and contains meeting rooms that will host seminars for members and training for physicians.

“We drive quality through our strong physician network, which continues to grow every day, and robust plan offerings,” Pierre said. “We have also played an active role in health and wellness education in partnership with local groups and celebrated with our neighbors by participating in many local events and plan to continue to engage with the community.”

“Many in our community are struggling with chronic health conditions and other challenges impacting their well-being,” said Linda Muller, President and CEO of Cornerstone Family Healthcare. “We are excited about Healthfirst’s increased presence in Newburgh as Cornerstone is aligned with their mission to provide access to high-quality healthcare and their focus on preventive care services and community outreach programs that promote healthy living.”

The Newburgh location is open to the public Monday to Saturday, 9am–5pm. The office opening also coincides with the Medicare annual election period—currently underway and running until December 7, 2022—and with Open Enrollment for individual market plans, which ends on January 31, 2023.

About Healthfirst

Healthfirst is the largest not-for-profit health insurer in New York State, earning the trust of 1.8 million members by ensuring access to affordable and high-quality healthcare. Sponsored by downstate New York’s leading hospital systems, Healthfirst’s unique advantage is rooted in its mission to put members first by partnering closely with its broad network of providers on shared goals. Healthfirst is also a pioneer of the value-based care model, now recognized as a national best practice. For nearly 30 years, Healthfirst has worked with its network of hospital systems, community providers, and partners to improve health outcomes and advance health equity through better access to care—especially in underserved communities adversely impacted by disease, health disparities, and socioeconomic barriers to optimal health. Healthfirst has built its reputation in the community for top-quality products and services New Yorkers can depend on. It offers market-leading products to fit every life stage, including Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Long-Term Care plans, Qualified Health plans, Essential Plans, and individual and small group plans. Healthfirst serves members in New York City and on Long Island, as well as in Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan, and Orange counties. For more information on Healthfirst, please visit healthfirst.org.

^[i]Based on reported revenue for calendar year 2021.

^[ii]Competitive and Internal membership varies due to Unborns, Retro disenrollment from Maximus L file or Cap file; MCR-EGHP plan is excluded but ISNP plan is included. Monthly Enrollment by Contract/Plan/State/County | CMS