September 11, 2016
Source/Independence Blue Cross
Independence LIVE will offer a range of fitness and wellness courses, including yoga and Zumba.
Philadelphia-based health insurer Independence Blue Cross announced last week the official launch of its state-of-the-art Independence LIVE Community Center, an interactive space offering classes and services next to its downtown headquarters.
Housed on the second floor of 1919 Market Street, the new 10,000-square-foot facility will provide a range of health-focused programs to support preventive activities and open a forum for community meetings on topics relevant to public health.
“At Independence Blue Cross, we are reimagining how people interact with the health care system, providing experiences that are personalized, engaging, and relevant,” said IBX president and CEO Daniel J. Hilferty. “Independence LIVE brings Human-Centered Innovation to life – truly delivering on our commitment to put the consumer at the center of everything we do."
Customers and members of the Philadelphia community can now take advantage of wellness programs including, but not limited to the following:
• Classes: yoga, Zumba, nutrition, financial well-being, and general health education
• A full kitchen for healthy cooking demonstrations
• A tech arcade where guests can test various health and wellness tools and mobile apps
• Free blood pressure screenings
• Access to licensed agents who can answer benefit questions, take payments and enroll people in individual health coverage
• Private conference rooms and large multi-purpose meeting spaces that are fully equipped with AV equipment and available by reservation
The opening of Independence LIVE comes as the U.S. health insurance market faces mounting public skepticism over the rising price of premiums and other costs associated with their plans. As The New York Times reported last month, citing a recent federal analysis, some of the nation's top companies have lost millions of dollars as a result of customers selecting the cheapest plans available to them.
Young and healthy customers, in particular, have prioritized cost over choice to such a great extent that some insurers say the market is unsustainable and puts those who require expensive care at longer-term risk.
“Today’s consumers expect convenience and personalized service,” said Brian Lobley, President of Commercial and Consumer markets at IBX. “Through Independence LIVE we are meeting these new expectations and simplifying the health care experience. We’re providing the right tools in the right place to help the members of our community become better-educated health care consumers.”
Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates serve nearly 8.5 million people across 32 states and the District of Columbia. About 2.5 million customers are located in the Delaware Valley.
"We have a vision across the health care industry to foster innovation and drive real change for our members and our community,” said Hilferty.
More information about services and upcoming events at Independence LIVE can be found here.
