It’s no secret that the Central Florida region is one of the nation’s fastest growing destinations and, as our state grows, we too want to help meet the needs of our communities with services to help keep Florida healthy and well,” said Matt Gerrell, Health First Health Plans president.
BREVRAD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Sunny, cool and crisp chamber of commerce weather? Check.
Meerkats-a-frolicking? Check.
Deer and antelope grazing? Check.
Black bears stalking and alligators … well, whatever it is they do? Check and check.
“Who is giving out the passport stickers?” was seemingly the question of the day, as nearly 400 Brevard County residents and Health First Health Plans Medicare members embarked upon the Brevard Zoo for a morning of adventure and exploration of one of Brevard’s local treasures.
Visitors, many with still-steaming coffee in hand to take the edge off the cool morning, wandered the winding paths of the zoo looking for animals identified in the Health First Health Plans event “passport,” then seeking out a Health Plans associate to have their passports stamped before moving on to the next destination. Upon completion of the passports, participants had an opportunity to win prizes.
According to Health First Health Plans Medicare sales associate Jessica Senophat, the event was expected to be a home run as soon as the gates opened, and cars were already streaming into the parking lot.
“This is a wonderful way for our members to come out, get a breath of fresh air on a beautiful day, , enjoy their peers and their community members, and ask any questions they might have about their health plan. So, we’re very excited to see a really good turnout this morning.”
Health First Health Plans hosts dozens of events – both large and small – throughout the year for its approximately 34,000 Medicare Advantage members – including seminars, walks, luncheons, movies, and scavenger hunts – all at no cost to members, It’s an excellent way to build upon Health First Health Plans’ vision of enhancing wellness in our community, and building that community of togetherness, which today’s event exemplified.
“I think it’s a good way for us to engage with the community,” Senophat said. “It’s not often that you see health insurance companies with boots on the ground for locally based events, so it’s just another way for us to engage bring some smiles to faces, see individuals and make friends. We are all about wellness. It’s events like this one where we truly put the ‘we’ in wellness. At the end of the day, it’s the physical activity, it’s the sunshine, the vitamin D, it’s the endorphins, its engaging with other folks. It’s all of that!”
“I think the Health First Health Plans invitation and event is an excellent idea,” said West Melbourne resident Tim McEwen. I like the way you combine awareness of the zoo and the opportunity to be here. We’re just here to take advantage of another wonderful day and look forward to understanding a little bit more about what Health First Health Plans does for us, as well.”
McEwen has been with Health First Health Plans for over 10 years, and he said each year when renewal time comes around, his choice is easy. Events like the scavenger hunt at the Brevard Zoo factor into his decisions because they are good communication opportunities.
“For us to reach the Gateway location with our primary care physicians and doctors and healthcare – everything we need is so conveniently located. When it’s time to choose, year after year, there’s really no choice for us. We just gravitate back towards Health First Health Plans. The communication from Health First and Health First Health Plans is excellent – in what they share and the way they answer my questions.
“And that’s really kind of what gravitates us to these events is communication back and forth. A lot of written communication and by telephone, but there’s nothing like the personal connection you have – especially at an event like this. You don’t see a lot of other health plans having events like this where you can connect with other people, where you can have your questions answered. We’re happy to be here today.”
Jenny from Palm Bay, who declined to give her last name, has been with Health First Health Plans for over 20 years. The Brevard Zoo scavenger hunt was actually the first public event she’s ever attended. But she admitted she couldn’t have picked a better day .. and that it wouldn’t be her last.
“I’ve been a Health First Health Plans member for many years, and I get many communications and invitations for events. This time, I just thought ‘let’s go. This is very special and there are many people here to help and answer my questions, and then it’s very fun to be at the zoo and other people. I’ll definitely want to do this again.”
With more than 60,000 total members and nearly three decades of local customer-centric experience, Brevard County-based Health First Health Plans is proud to be Central Florida’s local, not-for-profit health insurance company.
Officially launched in 1996, Health First Health Plans has provided a variety of healthcare benefits, including a network of more than 4,000 providers and dozens of acute care and office-based medical services throughout Central Florida.
Currently Health First Health Plans offers Medicare Advantage Plans to residents of Brevard, Indian River, Volusia, Flagler, Highlands, and Hardee Counties. In 2024 Health First Health Plans expanded it’s Individual & Family Plans to include Orange, Osceola, Polk, Pasco, and Lake Counties.
“Health First Health Plans has proudly served more than 60,000 members – our friends, family members, neighbors and associates across the Central Florida and the Space Coast for more than 25 years.
It’s no secret that the Central Florida region is one of the nation’s fastest growing destinations and, as our state grows, we too want to help meet the needs of our communities with services to help keep Florida healthy and well,” said Matt Gerrell, Health First Health Plans president.
“Perhaps most importantly, our valued members will be served by local, Central Florida-based customer service representatives and agents. From a customer satisfaction standpoint, it just makes sense that our Central Florida-based members will always be speaking with fellow community members when asking questions about benefits or requiring assistance with upcoming appointments or procedures,” Gerrell continued.
Related Story:HOT OFF THE PRESS! February 12, 2024 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper
The post Hundreds Turn Out for Health First Health Plans Day at the Brevard Zoo appeared first on Space Coast Daily.