News
August 11, 2015BlueShield of Northeastern New York and State Farm Agents Team Up to Expand Access to Individual Health Coverage
BlueShield of Northeastern New York announced today that it will work with State Farm agents to market and sell individual health insurance products from their local offices during the fall open-enrollment period under the Affordable Care Act.
Starting November 1, State Farm agents in Fulton, Saratoa, Schenectady, Warren, Washington, Clinton, Essex counties the will market BlueShield plans. The agents will offer plans on and off the New York State of Health Marketplace with effective dates beginning January 1, 2016.
Consumers have until January 31 to sign up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act for calendar year 2016.
“State Farm’s agents are a welcome addition to our valued insurance broker partners and our team of benefit consultants,” said David Busch, Senior Vice President, Chief Sales Officer, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “We are taking our brand to familiar and convenient locations within the community, which makes it easier for individuals to purchase coverage, ask questions about their current coverage and access other resources they need to live healthier lives.”
This alliance brings together two of the most trusted insurance brands nationwide and provides an additional outlet to those who seek coverage choices. Individuals can obtain personal assistance from State Farm agents who can explain options and assist them in selecting plans that best meet their needs.
“This expansion of our alliance with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to provide individual medical coverage is an important step in helping meet the health care needs of the marketplace, and we are excited about expanding our alliance,” said State Farm senior vice president Joe Monk. “At State Farm, we help people manage risk and realize their dreams. Marketing individual medical coverage allows our agents to help people manage this key risk, so they can live confidently in pursuing their dreams. We’re excited to team up with organizations of the caliber of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies in providing this important protection.”
This expanded Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and State Farm alliance will allow State Farm agents the ability to market Blue Cross Blue Shield in 19 states. Nearly 11,000 State Farm agents, and their licensed representatives, will work with independent BCBS companies in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.*
* BCBS policies in certain portions of Missouri, New York and Virginia will not be available through local State Farm agents, including: the Kansas City Metro area and Northwestern Missouri; central New York (including Rochester and Syracuse); and Arlington County and the areas of Fairfax and Prince William counties lying east of Route 123 in Virginia.
