Eagan-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, the state's largest health insurer, Monday announced the opening of its first Minneapolis office, slated for January 2016.
Blue Cross plans to hire 70 employees to outfit the new office located in the Mid-City Industrial neighborhood, company spokesman Jim McManus told Star Tribune. The insurer believes its new Mid-City location will strengthen relationships between Blue Cross and the community groups served by HMO programs in Hennepin County.
In July, the Minnesota Department of Human Resources selected Blue Cross's HMO, Blue Plus, as an option for state health program enrollees in Hennepin County. The insurer expects new enrollment growth to exceed 100,000 members in 2016, according to Patsy Riley, chief government officer at Blue Cross.
"The new Minneapolis Mid-City office allows us to expand our reach within Hennepin County," said Michael Guyette, president and CEO of Blue Cross. "This space offers a more accessible location for those seeking employment in and near the area."
The Minneapolis location will primarily function as a customer service facility. The majority of claims processing will continue to take place at Blue Cross locations in St. Louis County.
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