UPMC Health Plan Connect Service and Sales Centers Open at Six Mall Locations

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Six new UPMC Health Plan Health Connect Service and Sales Centers are now open at convenient area mall locations, featuring UPMC Health Plan Concierges available to answer questions about health insurance and health care reform, and to help consumers better understand the changes impacting their health care choices.

Health care reform is new and confusing to many and health insurance coverage choices can also seem overwhelming. Now, at these service and sales centers, consumers seeking information about health care reform, or those with questions about their health insurance coverage, can meet one-on-one with UPMC Health Plan Health Care Concierges and learn more about their options.

UPMC Health Plan Connect Service and Sales Centers offer a full complement of health insurance services including member services for current UPMC Health Plan members.  Persons may also purchase health insurance coverage at service and sales centers.

"We realize that many people do not understand a lot about health insurance at a time when health insurance is undergoing tremendous change," said Diane P. Holder, President and CEO of UPMC Health Plan. "With the Affordable Care Act going into effect we feel the need to help people in our region better understand the issues and their options. We are introducing UPMC Health Plan Connect Service and Sales Centers, as one way we can accomplish that.

"Our award-winning customer service staff will be available to guide consumers through all the changes that are coming with health care reform, as well as help them meet their other health coverage needs."

At UPMC Health Plan Connect Service and Sales Centers, people who are eligible to utilize the new on-line "market place" to buy coverage can get assistance with their questions.  In addition, the experienced staff is available to answer questions or assist with the purchase of Medicare or types of insurance coverage.

UPMC Health Plan has opened service and sales centers in five Allegheny County locations – Century III Mall, Monroeville Mall, The Mall at Robinson, Ross Park Mall, and South Hills Village. A UPMC Health Plan Connect Service and Sales Center is also located in the Millcreek Mall in Erie.

In this region, an estimated 200,000 people who do not have health insurance will be eligible to purchase it from the on-line "market place", beginning Oct. 1, 2013. 

That is also the date that Medicare's annual open enrollment period begins. Information about Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance of Pennsylvania (CHIP) and special needs plans will be available at UPMC Health Plan Connect Service and Sales Centers.   

"There is a real need for this kind of service in our community," said Ms. Holder. "We believe this is the most effective way we can fill this need."

Whether the question is about health care reform, health insurance coverage, Medicare, or Medicaid, the answers can be found at the service and sales centers. Health Care Concierges will be present to answer a wide range of questions, such as:  What do I do if my employer stops offering health care? What is co-insurance? When does open enrollment begin and end? What is a deductible? What happens if I don't get other coverage on time? How can I buy health insurance?  Do I qualify for Medicaid?

No appointment is needed to meet with a Concierge at UPMC Connect Service and Sales Centers.

People can also stop by and pick up a free "Quick-Start Guide to the Affordable Care Act," booklet as well as view UPMC Health Plan's website (www.upmchealthplan.com/healthcarereform) for updates on health care reform on iPads that are available at every service and sales center.  You can also shop for UPMC Health Plan coverage or register to have a Health Care Concierge call you.

UPMC Health Plan was recognized earlier this year by the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI) for having the "Best Customer Experience Program." In 2012, ICMI named UPMC Health Plan's call center the Global Call Center of the Year.          

About UPMC Health Plan

UPMC Health Plan, the second-largest health insurer in western Pennsylvania, is owned by UPMC, an integrated global health enterprise. The integrated partner companies of the UPMC Insurance Services Division – which includes UPMC Health Plan, UPMC WorkPartners, LifeSolutions (EAP), UPMC for You (Medical Assistance), and Community Care Behavioral Health – offer a full range of group health insurance, Medicare, Special Needs, CHIP, Medical Assistance, behavioral health, employee assistance, and workers' compensation products and services to nearly 2.2 million members. Our local provider network includes UPMC as well as community providers, totaling more than 135 hospitals and more than 11,500 physicians throughout Pennsylvania and parts of Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland. For more information, visit www.upmchealthplan.com.

SOURCE UPMC Health Plan