BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee has leased corner storefront space at 100 Oaks Mall for its first Nashville-area brick-and-mortar consumer information center.
Six licensed insurance advisers who speak Spanish and English will staff the center. They will help educate consumers about health insurance in general and BlueCross’ own health plans.
The space at 719 Thompson Lane — most recently occupied by health care uniform retailer Life Uniform — is being renovated with a grand opening set for Nov. 1. Open enrollment starts Nov. 15 for the federal online marketplace, where consumers can buy insurance using federal subsidies.
Mary Danielson, a spokeswoman for Chattanooga-based BlueCross BlueShield, said the state’s largest health insurer considers the location a pilot site. “Depending on how the public responds to the center (it will) help us make a decision whether to expand the concept statewide or not,” she added.
The consumer information center will include a community room where workshops and other educational sessions will be held on health and wellness topics and feature community groups and BlueCross’ network providers including doctors.
Alex Tolbert, founder of Bernard Health, which has an insurance retail store at 720 Thompson Lane near BlueCross’ planned center, called the insurer’s consumer information center a smart move. “A lot of people can reach a far better outcome in planning for their health care when working with someone face to face,” he said.
Reach Getahn Ward at 615-726-5968 and on Twitter @Getahn.
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