Healthfirst Celebrates Its Members During September

Member Appreciation Month Includes Community Events, Health Seminars, and Activities at Healthfirst Community Offices Across NYC

As Healthfirst—the largest not-for-profit health insurer in New York State¹—embarks on its 30th year of serving New Yorkers, it will celebrate its roots in the communities and its ongoing commitment to ‘meet members where they are’ with a series of member appreciation events throughout September. The events, to be held at Healthfirst community offices across the boroughs of New York, will treat members to music, refreshments, activities, and the opportunity to attend health information seminars.

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Member Appreciation Event Locations and Dates

“Healthfirst has been providing healthcare coverage to New Yorkers for nearly 30 years in the communities where we live, work, and serve our members,” said Ricky Pafundi, Vice President, Retention and Customer Loyalty, Healthfirst. “September Member Appreciation Month gives us yet another opportunity to connect with our members in a meaningful way and to remind them that we’re right here in their neighborhood to help them with health insurance needs as well as connect them with the local community and social services they need to live a healthier, happier life.”

Because Healthfirst knows the communities it serves, each event will be specially curated to reflect the needs and interests of the diverse communities. This includes teaming up with local organizations that are embedded in the area, such as the Hispanic Federation in Ridgewood, Queens, and in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and the Brighton Neighborhood Association in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn.

“Healthfirst is a great addition to the Brighton Beach community,” said Pat Singer, Founder, Brighton Neighborhood Association. “The Brighton Neighborhood Association has been serving as an advocate for the residents here for over 40 years and added health as a touchpoint during the pandemic. We have formed a wonderful relationship with Healthfirst. They have truly come to understand the unique characteristics of the neighborhood, and it is evident that they care deeply about the well-being of our residents as they help them navigate their healthcare needs.”

“Our communities face a much higher burden of chronic diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, which have been aggravated by the COVID 19 pandemic,” said Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of Hispanic Federation. “Hispanic Federation is proud to partner with Healthfirst to help provide increased access not only to quality healthcare but also other essential services that help reduce health disparities.”

Throughout the month, health seminars focused on Mental Health and Wellness in the Community will be hosted at the community offices by local healthcare providers, including Dr. Keneca Boyce, PhD, LMSW, Founder, Multiple Avenues to Success; Dr. Angela Chan, MD, MPH, Development Behavioral Pediatrician, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center; Dr. Daniel Chen, MD, Chairman, Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Services, Flushing Hospital Medical Center; and Dr. Yuenshan Manna Chan, LCSW-R, Clinical Director, Valera Health.

“Healthfirst has strong relationships with community healthcare providers across the neighborhoods of New York,” said Susan Beane, MD, Executive Medical Director at Healthfirst. “It is important for our members not only to be able to access care where it is convenient for them, but also from doctors that reflect their community and can provide culturally sensitive care. Our deep connections with providers allow us to bring important and relevant health education to our members where they live.”

For more information about the Member Appreciation event activities and times, please visit the Healthfirst Facebook Events Page.

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.

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1</sup>Based on reported revenue for calendar year 2021.

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